Obtaining a Chauffeur's License

According to Rhode Island, a chauffeur is someone who drives a private or commercial vehicle to a designated location for payment. To do this, you'll need to get a valid chauffeur's license, denoted by an "R" restriction on the regular operator's license.

To obtain a chauffeur's license, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Be a resident of Rhode Island, although citizenship is not required.

• Have at least three years of previous driving experience.

• Provide three references.

• Agree to a criminal background check.

• Complete a CPR course.

A chauffeur's license allows you to drive any vehicle, ranging from a taxi to a van, with a capacity of 14 passengers or less.

To receive a chauffeur's license, you must complete written, road, and eye tests. Licenses are valid for five years, although drivers over the age of 68 are legally required to renew their chauffeur's license every two years.

When a CDL is Required

If you need to drive a vehicle that carries 15 or more passengers, you must have a Class C Rhode Island CDL with a passenger endorsement.

Driving a School Bus

Rhode Island law requires school bus drivers to have a Class C CDL with passenger, air brake, and school bus endorsements. School bus driver certificates must also be renewed on an annual basis.

In addition to completing all applicable CDL requirements, a school bus driver must:

• Have held a motor vehicle operator's license for at least three years and be at least 21 years of age

• Have no felony convictions and/or crimes of moral turpitude

• Complete 10 hours of classroom instruction

• Complete 10 hours of behind-the-wheel training

• Obtain an eye test and physical examination by a licensed physician

• Agree to an annual randomly administered drug test done by employer

Additional Information

If you have questions regarding the special classifications of driver's licenses in Rhode Island, call (401) 462-5703 or contact:

• Division of Motor Vehicles

• 100 Main St.

• Pawtucket, RI 02860

Sport Vehicles

To drive an ATV, you must:

• Be at least 12 years old.

• If you're between 12 and 16, you must have an adult with you.

• Not cross highways if you're under 16.

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