R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.1-8: Licensing of operators.

No person shall operate a public motor vehicle upon the public highways until the person shall have first obtained an operator’s license as provided for in chapter 10 of title 31. Further, no person shall operate a public motor vehicle upon the highways until the person shall have first obtained a special license from the division of public utilities and carriers under any rules and regulations that the division of public utilities and carriers shall require.