ELDT Training in Rhode Island — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Rhode Island, from Providence, Cranston, Warwick and Pawtucket, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the RI theory portion is done online for $20 and your Rhode Island record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Rhode Island

  1. Get your CLP from Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a RI licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Rhode Island; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the RI licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Rhode Island

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered RI providers listed below, for example in Cranston; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Rhode Island

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the RI CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Rhode Island licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the RI DMV site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the RI DMV site
  • The Cranston DMV is the only location for in-person CDL transactions and works by appointment only.
  • Road tests are scheduled with the Community College of Rhode Island (see CCRI's website for current contact options), and applicants must have been licensed for at least two years.

These RI fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Rhode Island fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Rhode Island

RI has 4 registered training locations across 4 cities on the FMCSA registry: 2 registered for Class A, 4 for Class B, 3 for the passenger endorsement and 2 for school bus. 0 of the 4 (0%) publish a website, and the newest RI registry record dates from November 2025.

Browse by city: Cranston CDL schools and Pawtucket CDL schools, or open the full Rhode Island school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any RI school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Rhode Island

2 of the 4 registered Rhode Island locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so RI drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Rhode Island hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Rhode Island

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a RI driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Rhode Island ELDT questions

Where do I go for CDL services in Rhode Island?
Only the Cranston DMV handles CDL transactions, and you need an appointment. Road tests are run through CCRI, not the DMV branch.
Does Rhode Island accept online ELDT?
Yes. The RI DMV checks the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and theory completed online with a registered provider is accepted.
How long must I have been licensed to apply for a Rhode Island CDL?
At least two years, with no serious driving record issues such as three moving violations in a year or a recent suspension.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Rhode Island?
With one of the 4 Rhode Island locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Cranston and Pawtucket; 2 are registered for Class A training and 4 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your RI CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Rhode Island and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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