CDL Truck Driver in Rhode Island
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for RI
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Rhode Island
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Rhode Island, applicants must obtain an FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) certificate and pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test. The licensing body is the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application fee is $250, and the skills test costs $103.50. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce and hold a valid DOT medical certificate. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for valid out-of-state CDLs, provided the applicant meets specific documentation and residency requirements.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Rhode Island
| Detail | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($104) |
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Applicants must have been a licensed driver for a minimum of two years. A clean background check is mandatory. As of December 12th, 2025, the Rhode Island DMV cannot issue non-domiciled Commercial Driver Licenses. Starting June 13, 2025, industry-specific training on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of human trafficking will be required for CDL programs. |
License Tiers
Rhode Island offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island
The median cdl truck driver salary in Rhode Island is $59,710 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,860 |
| 25th | $51,790 |
| 50th (median) | $59,710 |
| 75th | $64,690 |
| 90th (experienced) | $74,840 |
Rhode Island employs approximately 3,260 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Rhode Island Worth It?
Factors to consider: Rhode Island's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.