Rhode Island Truck Driving Schools
As the smallest state US state, it makes sense for many individuals to find a CDL school in a neighboring state like Massachusetts or Connecticut. Some CDL schools help you to transfer your CDL license to Rhode Island, however there will likely be fees involved with doing this.
Check with the CDL training program that you are interested in as well as the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles website to receive up to date information on license renewal requirements, transfer fees, and other important information. Because requirements are constantly changing, it’s important to be aware of current as well as upcoming changes to these figures.
At the same time, there are plenty of truck driving schools, technical colleges, and companies that offer some level of training to help you obtain a Class A CDL license. Most of these schools are located in or around the Providence regional area.The following is a list of truck driving schools in the state of Rhode Island. You may also find it easier to locate a school using our map listing.
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Roger Williams University | 1 Old Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809 | 401-253-1040 |
| Carrier Transicold | 1 Southern Industrial Dr, Cranston, RI 02921 | 401-335-4446 |
| Penske Truck Rental | 65 Amflex Dr, Cranston, RI 02921 | 401-739-8700 |
| XPO Logistics | 15 Southern Industrial Dr, Cranston, RI 02921 | 401-943-4500 |
| New Penn | 2110 Plainfield Pike, Cranston, RI 02910 | 401-275-0704 |
| LogistiCare - Rhode Island | 30 Chapel View Blvd Suite 110, Cranston, RI 02920 | 855-330-9131 |
| First Transit | Cranston, RI 02920 | 401-453-7528 |
| Old Dominion Freight Line | 80 Industrial Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864 | 401-334-9500 |
| Teamsters Local 251 Driving School | 121 Brightridge Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 | 401-434-0454 ext. 232 |
| Penske Truck Rental | 460 Taunton Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 | 401-434-0680 |
| East Providence School District | 145 Taunton Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 | 401-383-2224 |
| International CDL | 2227 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI 02919 | 401-943-2235 |
| Central Transport | 606 George Washington Hwy, Lincoln, RI 02865 | 586-467-1900 |
| United Road Services: Davisville | 40 Thompson Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852 | 866-365-0023 |
| New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS Offers HVAC) | 600 Moshassuck Ind Hwy, Pawtucket, RI 02860 | 401-725-1220 |
| M & G Trucking and Transportation, Inc. | 804 School St, Pawtucket, RI 02860 | 401-726-4009 |
| Penske Truck Rental | 454 Pawtucket Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860 | 401-884-3792 |
| Brown University | Providence, RI 02912 | 401-863-1000 |
| Johnson & Wales University Providence Campus | 8 Abbott Park Pl, Providence, RI 02903 | 401-598-1000 |
| American Safety Programs And Training | 150 Niantic Ave, Providence, RI 02907 | 401-273-6900 |
| Parking | 165 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903 | |
| ABF Freight System Inc | Providence, RI 02903 | 508-336-1800 |
| Penske Truck Rental | 250 Niantic Ave, Providence, RI 02907 | 401-331-8766 |
| Year Up Rhode Island | 40 Fountain St 7th floor, Providence, RI 02903 | 401-421-7819 |
| First Transit Inc. | 1 Peter Pan Way, Providence, RI 02904 | 401-521-0730 |
| Met School | 325 Public St, Providence, RI 02905 | 401-752-2600 |
| E-Cubed Academy | 812 Branch Ave, Providence, RI 02904 | 401-456-0694 |
| Rhode Island College | 600 Mt Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI 02908 | 401-456-8000 |
| The Met | 362 Dexter St, Providence, RI 02907 | 401-752-2636 |
| Ocean State Transit | 909 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside, RI 02915 | 401-435-5500 |
| Jenkins Trucking | 134 Mowry St, Woonsocket, RI 02895 | 401-636-2401 |
Choosing the right school
Because of Rhode Island’s geography, it’s fairly easy to find a high quality program that is within a short drive of your house. As you’re talking with potential truck driving schools, it’s a good idea to ask them a few basic questions.
1. What types of CDL training do you offer?
Most CDL programs will offer Class A, B and C training. Unless you plan on operating a very specific type of vehicle, it’s a good idea to pursue Class A certification. This will allow you to operate semi trucks capable of hauling over 26,000 lbs, and you will also be able to operate Class B and Class C vehicles with a Class A license. If the program does not offer Class A certification, you may want to look elsewhere.
2. What is the maximum class size?
Some CDL schools are small with only one instructor, while others have a large team of instructors. Instructors come and go, and not every student works with the same instructor, so referrals based on a great instructor may not be reliable. You’ll want as much one-on-one attention as possible, so it’s great to enroll in a program that has a low instructor to student ratio. CDL schools cap their classes at a certain number of students, so this is a good number to use when comparing schools.
3. What equipment do you use?
You want to be trained using relatively new equipment as that’s what you’ll be using on the job. If a school uses ancient tractor trailers, or only has a small inventory of newer trucks, then it may be an indication that they are willing to cut corners to save money – not a good sign for you.
4. Do you provide job placement help?
The best CDL schools have good relationships with trucking companies throughout New England. If you use a truck driving school, you’ll want to be sure that they can help you find a good job to make the cost of schooling worthwhile.
5. Can I check out your facility?
You’re going to be spending many hours at your future truck driving school, so it’s a good idea to tour their premises before enrolling. This will give you a chance to take a look at the building, classrooms, and tractor-trailers. You may even have a chance to meet instructors and any support staff that you will be interacting with.
Preparing for the Test
All CDL road tests in the state of Rhode Island are administered by the Community College of Rhode Island. When you’re ready to schedule a test, give them a call at (401) 825-1146.