Rhode Island General Laws Title 31. Motor and Other Vehicles § 31-10.3-30. Commercial driver's license required

(a) Except when operating under a commercial learner's permit and accompanied by the holder of a commercial license valid for the vehicle being operated, no person shall operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the person has been issued a valid commercial driver's license containing the endorsements, classifications, or restrictions applicable to the type of vehicle being operated.

(b) No person shall be issued a commercial driver's license until he or she has passed a written and driving test for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle that complies with the minimum federal standards in 49 C.F.R. Part 383, as revised from time to time, and has satisfied all other federal requirements as well as any other requirements imposed by state law subject to the provisions of § 31-10.3-19(a). The tests shall be prescribed and conducted by the department or a third party designated by the department.

(c) A commercial license may be issued only to a person who operates, or who intends to operate, commercial motor vehicles and who is domiciled in this state.

(d) A commercial license shall not be issued to a person during a period in which that person is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle or while that person's license is suspended, revoked, cancelled, or otherwise withdrawn in any state or province of Canada; nor shall a commercial driver's license be issued to a person who has a license issued by any other state unless the person first surrenders the commercial driver's license issued by the other state, which license shall be returned to the issuing state for cancellation.