Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material specific to Rhode Island?

Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in Rhode Island, and this page adds Rhode Island details: where you test (Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles), which Rhode Island industries use this license, and the Rhode Island corridors the examples are drawn from.

Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program knowledge test in Rhode Island?

Knowledge tests are given by Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring your Rhode Island driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most Rhode Island offices require an appointment for CDL testing.

How long do I have to study the Rhode Island Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material?

Access lasts 120 days from purchase, which is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles with time to spare. Retakes in Rhode Island are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.

Rhode Island Class B to Class A Upgrade Program

Overview

Upgrade prep for Class B CDL holders moving to Class A, including combination vehicles, coupling, air brakes, and HOS theory.

Class B to Class A Upgrade Program for Rhode Island CDL Applicants

Rhode Island supports dense New England freight movement with significant port and healthcare supply chain activity. With healthcare and biotech logistics, port and marine freight, jewelry and manufacturing driving much of the freight in Rhode Island, the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material below is the part of the Rhode Island CDL that those employers screen for first.

The Rhode Island Class B to A upgrade: Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes knowledge tests at Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, then a Class A skills test. Since February 2022, ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training must also be logged with an FMCSA-registered provider before Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles will schedule the test.

Where Rhode Island drivers use this

Almost every Class A and Class B vehicle in Rhode Island; skip this test and your CDL carries an L restriction
Healthcare and biotech logistics: regional and over-the-road distribution runs for grocery, retail, and e-commerce freight
Port and marine freight: container drayage between the ports and inland rail yards
Jewelry and manufacturing: dry-van and flatbed freight between manufacturers, suppliers, and distribution centers
Port and marine freight: container drayage between the ports, rail ramps, and warehouses

Most Rhode Island CDL work runs the I-95, I-195, I-295 corridors and the Providence area, so the examples in the practice questions lean on the vehicles and loads you will see there.

Testing, appointments, and fees are handled by Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. See the Rhode Island CDL classes and Rhode Island endorsements pages for the full licensing picture.

Common Rhode Island questions

Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material specific to Rhode Island?: Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in Rhode Island, and this page adds Rhode Island details: where you test (Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles), which Rhode Island industries use this license, and the Rhode Island corridors the examples are drawn from.
Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program knowledge test in Rhode Island?: Knowledge tests are given by Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring your Rhode Island driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most Rhode Island offices require an appointment for CDL testing.
How long do I have to study the Rhode Island Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material?: Access lasts 120 days from purchase, which is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles with time to spare. Retakes in Rhode Island are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.

When Is This Useful?

Helps drivers expand from heavy single vehicles into tractor-trailers and other combination vehicle work.

Who Is This For?

Current Class B CDL holders who need Class A authority for new job duties or equipment assignments.

Topics Covered

Combination Vehicle Dynamics

Upgrading from Class B to Class A means operating vehicles with fundamentally different handling. Off-tracking, rearward amplification, and trailer swing all require new driving habits. The Combination Vehicles written test focuses on these differences compared to single heavy vehicles.

Coupling and Uncoupling Procedure

Correctly connecting a tractor to a trailer is a critical Class A skill tested both on the written exam and during the skills test. This module covers the exact coupling sequence that examiners expect to observe during the pre-trip exercise.

Air Line Connections

Class A combination vehicles use service and emergency air lines between the tractor and trailer that Class B drivers have not typically operated. You will learn how to connect them correctly, perform pressure checks, and identify warning signs of failure.

Trailer and Coupling Inspection

Adding a trailer to your pre-trip inspection means covering the coupling area, fifth wheel, air connections, trailer brakes, and landing gear in sequence. The Class A skills test expects you to demonstrate all of these additional inspection points.

Class A Test Readiness

The Class A upgrade requires passing the Combination Vehicles written knowledge test plus completing a new skills test on a Class A vehicle. This section prepares you for the content differences, scoring criteria, and what Class A evaluators assess differently from Class B.

Class B to Class A Upgrade Program

$37.95

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What's Included:

Combination Vehicles
Air Brakes
Class B to A Upgrade Theory