CDL schools near Providence include NETTTS in Pawtucket and International CDL in Johnston, with Class A and B training. You can compare their published courses below, then follow your home state's permit, Entry-Level Driver Training and skills test requirements.
Federal training ruleFirst Class A or B CDL: required ELDT before the skills test
Minimum driving ages18 for intrastate; 21 for interstate travel
Rhode Island permitHold your CLP at least 14 days before the skills test
Johnston startsInternational CDL publishes weekly class starts
CDL training near Providence: Class A and B courses
These five courses at two campuses have published enrollment routes and registry coverage for theory, range and public-road training. The check line under each school names the FMCSA Training Provider Registry record, checked October 27, 2026, with no in-review flag.
540 instructional hours; normal completion time 22 weeks
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-noon, 12:30-5:30 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.; weekend option: Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. plus Friday 5:30-10:30 p.m.; hybrid classroom option may be available
$12,695 tuition plus $100 registration, 2026 Pawtucket catalog; books and materials included
540 instructional hours; normal completion time 22 weeks
Schedule
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.-noon, 12:30-5:30 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.; weekend option: Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. plus Friday 5:30-10:30 p.m.; hybrid classroom option may be available
Published cost
$12,695 tuition plus $100 registration, 2026 Pawtucket catalog; books and materials included
Address
600 Moshassuck Valley Industrial Highway, Pawtucket, RI 02860
Use your home state's licensing process. Rhode Island DMV requires two years as a licensed driver; Massachusetts RMV requires state residency and a valid Class D license. Both list age 18 for intrastate and 21 for interstate travel.
2
Meet medical and permit requirements
Rhode Island requires a successful DOT medical exam before issuing a CLP. Review the knowledge tests and documentation for your class on the DMV page or the Massachusetts CLP page.
3
Verify each training component
FMCSA's provider guidance explains how to choose a registry-listed provider for your required training. Check the specific campus and confirm theory, range and public-road instruction for the license or endorsement you need.
4
Complete required ELDT training
FMCSA requires applicable Entry-Level Driver Training before testing for a first Class A or B CDL, a B-to-A upgrade or certain first endorsements. Rhode Island DMV explains that the provider submits completion to the registry.
5
Arrange your skills test
Rhode Island requires a CLP held at least 14 days and completed ELDT before testing. Massachusetts RMV lists commercial road-test scheduling and directs successful CDL applicants to a service center for license issuance.
Truck driver jobs and wages in Providence-Warwick
BLS reported 7,030 heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver jobs (SOC 53-3032) in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area in May 2025. Median pay was $29.14 per hour and $60,610 per year. This occupation-wide figure covers workers across the region and does not establish the starting rate for a new CDL holder.
The BLS local release explains that these estimates exclude self-employed workers. The employment number measures jobs, not vacancies. When reviewing an offer, ask how pay is calculated, which tasks are paid, how many hours or miles are available and how often the route gets you home.
CDL tuition, fees and funding options
The NETTTS 2026 Pawtucket catalog publishes tuition of $12,695 for its longer Class A course, $6,395 for Class A preparation and $3,595 for straight-truck training, each with a $100 registration fee. International CDL lists tuition lines of $6,000 for Class A and $3,700 for Class B, alongside different price headings. Request a written total.
NETTTS financial aid staff discuss FAFSA, Pell Grants and loans for eligible students and programs; ask which course qualifies. The school also describes veterans' education benefits. Before paying, ask a Rhode Island American Job Center about WIOA eligibility and the training-provider list. DLT also identifies employer tuition assistance as a funding route in its jobseeker guidance; review any work commitment or repayment terms.
The NETTTS Pawtucket catalog gives normal completion times of 22 weeks for its longer Class A program, eight weeks for Class A preparation and four weeks for Class B. International CDL publishes weekly starts but no fixed course length on its pricing page. Ask separately about permit preparation, driving appointments and test scheduling.
What is the difference between Class A and Class B training?
Massachusetts RMV describes commercial vehicle weight thresholds and requires a combination-vehicle knowledge exam for Class A applicants. NETTTS describes Class A tractor-trailer training and Class B straight-truck training. Choose around the vehicle you intend to drive, then check whether the job needs passenger, school bus, air-brake or other qualifications.
Can a Massachusetts resident train at a Rhode Island campus?
NETTTS's Massachusetts guidance says Massachusetts residents can attend its Pawtucket campus. Your licensing steps still follow the Massachusetts RMV process, including state residency and a valid Class D license. Ask the school how it handles Massachusetts permits, ELDT reporting and commercial skills tests before you choose a training schedule.
Can I earn a Class A CDL at age 18?
Both Rhode Island DMV and Massachusetts RMV list age 18 for intrastate commercial driving and 21 for interstate travel. Rhode Island also requires at least two years as a licensed driver. Check your eligibility before paying tuition, and tell the school which state will issue your license and what work you plan to do.
Why are some nearby registry locations absent from this table?
A registry location can cover only part of the training. The Raynham CMSC Parker record lists Class A and B driving components, while the Amaral Westport record lists theory and public-road training without range coverage. This table requires all three at the listed campus. FMCSA explains how to check providers for your required components.
Can all of my CDL training be online?
For a first Class A or B CDL, you need the applicable theory and behind-the-wheel training described by FMCSA. Online theory alone does not provide driving practice. Ask which lessons are online, where you will drive and which provider submits each completion record. Check the exact training locations in the registry before committing to a hybrid course.