RHODE ISLAND CDL PRACTICE TEST - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Rhode Island CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the Rhode Island CDL Manual. All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual RI general knowledge test! To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1. An empty truck requires _________ a full truck.
a greater stopping distance than
the same stopping distance as
less stopping distance than
2. If you see a hazard ahead, you should:
come to a complete stop when safe to do so.
call the emergency services.
think about the emergencies that could develop and be prepared to take action.
3. Hazardous materials can be recognized by looking at the container's:
color.
type.
label.
4. If you cannot see well enough while driving in cold weather, you should:
turn your defroster on and slow down until you can see again.
keep driving and check that the wiper blades press against the window hard enough to wipe the windshield clean.
stop safely and fix the problem.
5. The speed limit is 55 mph. Traffic is heavy, moving at 35 mph. What's the safest speed in this situation?
45 mph
40 mph
35 mph
6. Overloading can have bad effects on all of the following except:
Braking
Steering
Exhaust system
7. The law requires __________ to inspect a commercial motor vehicle before a trip.
a qualified inspection technician
the driver
a qualified testing engineer
8. Slippery surfaces usually:
make it more difficult to stop.
make it easier to stop.
can cause lack of steering power.
9. Things that can distract your attention while you are driving include:
police pulling someone over.
sunlight/sunset.
All of the above.
10. To maintain alertness while driving, you should:
avoid heavy foods.
have another person ride with you.
All of the above.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

You can obtain a limited instruction permit if you are at least 16 but under 18 years old, provided you have completed the 33 hours driver education course. This course can be started at the age of 15 years and ten months. After holding the permit for a minimum of six months, you can apply for a limited provisional license. For a full operator's license, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a learner's permit for 30 days, or be at least 17 and have held a limited provisional license for at least 12 months without any traffic violations within the last six months.

If you're under 18, you'll need to complete the DMV written test at the DMV headquarters in Cranston after finishing the driver education course at a driving school authorized by the Community College of Rhode Island. To schedule your test, you can make a reservation online and choose a date and time that suits you. Applicants over 18 can directly schedule the permit test online without taking the course.

After taking the DMV test, bring the following documents to any Rhode Island DMV branch:
  • Green CCRI certificate (for minors who have completed the driver education course and passed the DMV written test).
  • Permit application (if you are a minor and your parent/guardian is not present, the form must be notarized).
  • Birth certificate or proof of identity.
  • Social Security Number, written on the application (LI-1 form).
  • Proof of residency (two documents).


The computerized DMV written test is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Applicants who speak a foreign language can request to take the permit test in their language using a printed format. You can make a reservation online and then schedule a Foreign Language Knowledge Exam. On the day of the exam, you must be accompanied by an interpreter, and it's important to arrive at least one hour before the appointed time.

The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the Rhode Island Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules in Rhode Island. After studying the manual, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
With a limited instructional permit, you can drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for five years or more. Once you obtain a limited provisional license, the following restrictions apply:
  • You may drive at any time with a supervisor seated in the front seat or when you are alone:
- Between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
- At any time for work reasons or volunteer activities
- From 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. for school athletic activities
  • During the first twelve months, you can only transport one passenger under 21 years old unless they are a sibling.


The Rhode Island permit is valid for one year or until the applicant turns 18. Learner's permits can be renewed twice. However, after this period, if the permit holder has not obtained a full operator's license, they are required to pass the DMV test again. Learner’s permits can be renewed at any DMV office with the submission of a completed License/ID/Permit Application and an identity document.

If you don't pass your DMV written test, you'll need to wait for 8 days before trying again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

RI CDL Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
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