DMV

How Many Questions Are on Rhode Island's CDL General Knowledge Test?

50 questions. That count is fixed by 49 CFR Part 383, the same across every state — Rhode Island administers the federal format at a single Cranston headquarters rather than at local branches.

One location for every CDL transaction

The federal government owns the question count and 80% threshold. Rhode Island's own arrangement charges $11.50 for the CDL application, plus $10 for each individual written knowledge test.

Unlike many license transactions available at local branch offices, every Rhode Island CDL transaction runs through the single DMV headquarters in Cranston.

A Class A applicant studies one more section

A Class B or C applicant studies Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if applicable), and Vehicle Inspection.

A Class A applicant studies all of that plus a Combination Vehicles section, since a Class A vehicle typically involves towing a trailer.

How our practice tests are structured

Our practice tests break results down by topic immediately, so a weak spot doesn't stay hidden inside an otherwise decent overall score.

Each question includes an explanation and a source reference, so you learn why an answer is correct instead of just memorizing a letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on Rhode Island's CDL General Knowledge test?

50 questions, the federally standard length used nationwide, not a Rhode Island-specific number.

Where do I go for a Rhode Island CDL transaction?

DMV headquarters in Cranston — all CDL transactions run through that single location.

Does a Class A applicant study anything extra?

Yes — a Combination Vehicles section, in addition to what a Class B or C applicant studies.

Ready to put this into practice?

Start a free Rhode Island cdl practice test

Last reviewed: 2026-07-24