Application Fee
See agencyVerified by RI Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Rhode Island
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Rhode Island, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Rhode Island
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
License required to receive payment for driving vehicles with passengers.
- 6
See School Bus Driver for specific information on that license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Rhode Island Department of Revenue • Division of Motor Vehicles
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,710 median (4% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Rhode Island eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Rhode Island Department of Revenue~Division of Motor Vehicles and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Rhode Island
With a median salary of $59,710, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Rhode Island earn 4% above the national median of $57,440. Rhode Island ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,294Median annual salary
$59,710Hourly estimate
$28.714% above national median
Difference: +$2,270
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#14 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $59,710 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $60,630 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $58,700 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Rhode Island Department of Revenue • Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI, 02920
Phone: 4014624368
Related Careers in Rhode Island
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $101,330 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $63,010 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Rhode Island?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Rhode Island?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Rhode Island.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Rhode Island?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Rhode Island is $59,710. Salaries range from $46,860 (10th percentile) to $74,840 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Rhode Island earn 4% above the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $59,710.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island employs approximately 3,260 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Rhode Island from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Rhode Island?
The licensing agency is Rhode Island Department of Revenue / Division of Motor Vehicles. Review agency details at https://dmv.ri.gov/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Rhode Island?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.