Rhode Island · Handbook chapter 1 · 5 min read

Rhode Island's three-level graduated licensing system: driver education, the computerized knowledge exam, the Limited Instructional Permit, the Limited Provisional License and the full operator's license.

Why this chapter matters

Rhode Island licenses drivers under 18 in three levels, and each level has its own ages, waiting periods and limits. The permit test asks about these rules, and you need them to plan when you can take the road test.

A note on sources: the Rhode Island Driver's Manual the DMV offers is rev. 08/2015. Where the DMV's current Knowledge Exams page says something different, this chapter follows the current page and says so.

Before the permit: driver education and the knowledge exam

• From 16 to 18, you must first pass an accredited 33-hour classroom driver education course and then a computerized test.
• Over 18, the course is not required, but you still take the computerized test.
• You can sign up for the course from age 15, as long as you will be at least 15 years and 10 months old when the class starts.
• Students who take the course with CCRI (the Community College of Rhode Island) take the exam through CCRI.
• Applicants 18 and older, and applicants under 18 who took driver education at a school other than CCRI, take the computerized exam at DMV headquarters, 600 New London Ave, Cranston. Under 18, bring the class completion certificate.
• The current DMV page says these exams are given by reservation only. (The 2015 manual said no appointment was needed; the current page replaces that.)
• The computer exam is offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Other languages can be requested in a printed format, scheduled in advance.
• If you fail, you must wait at least 8 days before trying again.
• The manual says the computerized test has a 90-minute maximum but usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
• Licensed drivers moving from another state do not take the test; they turn in the out-of-state license instead.

Level 1: Limited Instructional Permit

The current Knowledge Exams page asks you to bring a completed License/ID/Permit Application (LI-1) and every document on the DMV's checklist for licenses, IDs and permits. The 2015 manual's list included original proof of identity and age (no photocopies), the 33-hour driver education certificate if you are under 18, your original Social Security card and proof of Rhode Island residency; use the DMV's current checklist, since document rules can change. We do not list fees; check the DMV's Permit Fees page for the current amounts. A parent, legal guardian, licensed foster parent or adult spouse who lives in Rhode Island and qualifies as a supervising driver must come with you. Everyone takes a vision test and needs at least 20/40 vision with any glasses or contacts you normally wear.

With the permit:

• A supervising driver must sit beside you in the front seat. That person must be 21 or older and licensed for at least five years.
• No one else may sit in the front seat, and everyone in the vehicle must be belted or in a child restraint.
• The supervising driver is legally responsible for any violation you commit.
• You must hold the permit for at least six months before the road test.
• The permit is valid for one year or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

Level 2: Limited Provisional License

You qualify when you have:

1. Held the permit for at least six months.
2. Had no moving violation or seat belt conviction in the previous six months.
3. Passed the DMV road test.
4. A signed statement that you completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.

Limits on the provisional license:

• You may not drive alone between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. You may drive alone in those hours only to or from work, or to or from a volunteer fire, rescue or emergency medical activity if you are a member.
• With a supervising driver beside you, you may drive at any time.
• For the first 12 months, you may carry no more than one passenger under 21. Immediate family and household members do not count.
• Everyone must be belted. The license expires on your 18th birthday.

Level 3: Full operator's license

You can get it once you are at least 17 years and 6 months old, have held the provisional license for 12 months, and have had no moving violation or seat belt conviction in the previous six months. It has no time, supervision or passenger limits.

The road test

• You supply a vehicle registered in Rhode Island, inspected and insured, with the owner present or a notarized letter of permission. No rental cars and no pets.
• Bring your original permit and, if under 18, the notarized 50-hour affidavit.
• Instant failure includes leaving the roadway, any moving violation, a collision, or not cooperating with the examiner.
• If you fail, you must wait at least 30 days before the next road test.