How to Get a Driver's License in Rhode Island [2024]

How Does It Work?

Rhode Island offers a lot of versatile activities all within a short drive. What is more, The Ocean State great beaches can be part of your weekly life if you are able to drive. Follow this full step-by-step guide to getting, renewing or transferring your driver license in Rhode Island and enjoy all that this wonderful state has to offer!

Get an instruction permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get a provosional license

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: To enjoy Rhode Island's coastal drives and cityscapes, comprehensive driving proficiency is essential. Our guides on stick shift navigation and parallel parking will bolster your driving techniques. Practice the steps for reversing into a parking space and executing three-point turns. Ensure your mirrors are well-adjusted for safe driving. Engage with our Online Driving Simulator for virtual driving experience, and if you're from outside the US, review Rhode Island's international driver's license requirements.

Types of Licenses

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit

Operator’s license

It is the most common non-commercial driver license that allows you to drive regular cars up to 26,000 pounds and tow a trailer up to 10,000 pounds as well as a moped, an emergency vehicle or recreational vehicle for personal use. Read the RI Driver's Manual or take a free RI DMV practice test.

Class A/B/C

These are commercial driver licenses (CDL) that allow you to operate any combination of vehicles (Class A); any vehicle with GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or towing a vehicle with GVWR not in excess of 10,000 pounds (Class B); any single smaller vehicle that doesn't fit into class A or B and transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials (Class C). Read the RI Commercial Driver Manual or take a free RI CDL practice test.

Class M

It is a motorcycle endorsement that allows you to operate motorcycles on public roads. You must possess a valid Oregon driver license of any class to apply for a motorcycle endorsement. Read the RI Motorcycle Manual or take a free RI motorcycle practice test.

Limited Instructional Permit

Getting a limited instructional permit is the first step of Graduated Licensing System that is used for teenagers over 16 years of age. The permit allows you to drive supervised at all times by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age with at least 5 years of driving experience.

1Enroll in the 33 hour driver education course

This course must be certified by the Community College of Rhode Island. You can enroll as early as 15 years of age but the course must start not earlier than when you are 15 years and 10 months old. You can learn more about the course here.

2Get a green CCRI certificate

You will have to take a knowledge test to get the certificate. The test consists of 40 questions. If you fail the test, you will be asked to retake it at the main office of the DMV in Cranston. Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Knowledge Test and practice with RI DMV practice tests before you go.

3Apply in person at any dmv office

You can find an office close to you on this map. No appointment is necessary.

4Complete an application form

You can download it here and complete in advance. Your parent or legal guardian will have to sign it together with you and be present at the DMV.

5Bring documentation required

one proof of legal presence/identity (e.g., certified birth certificate, US passport , permanent residence card, immigration documents, etc.)
one proof of social security number ( if applicable)
two proofs of your IR residence address ( e.g., a lease agreement, a school record, pay stub, an item delivered by a postal service, your parent driver's license, etc.)
one proof of name change (if applicable)

The complete list of suitable documents can be found on page 4 of the application form.

6Take a vision test

Make sure you wear contact lenses or corrective lenses if needed. Your vision must be at least 20/40 with corrected lenses.

7Pay the fee

$11.50 paid by cash, credit card, check or money order.

8Get your limited instructional permit

Now you can start practicing supervised driving. The permit is valid for one year or until your reach 18, whichever comes first. You will have to hold it for at least 6 months before taking the road test. If your permit expires before you have passed the driving test, you must take the knowledge test again or be re-certified by CCRI and get a new permit.

Provisional License

The provisional driver license is the second step of Graduated Licensing System that is used for teenagers between 16 and 18 years of age. It allows you to drive supervised by a licensed driver 21+ at all times as well as unsupervised but only between 5 a.m. and 1a.m. unless driving to or from work or to or from any activity of a volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency medical service if you are a member of such organization. During the first twelve 12 months, no more than one passenger younger than 21 is allowed unless they are your immediate family/household members.

Hold your limited instructional permit for at least 6 months
You need to make sure you are not convicted of a moving violation or a safety belt infraction during this time.
Complete supervised driving experience
You must complete at least 50 hours of driving experience, 10 of which must be done at night. You must be supervised by a licensed adult of at least 21 years of age with 5 or more years of driving experience. Your parent /guardian is required to sign the statement certifying it.
Shedule your driving test
You should schedule the test before your limited instructional permit expires. To schedule, call 401-462-5808 or visit one of the DMV offices. You can find an office close to you on this map.
Bring documentation required
You should bring the following to your test:
- Your limited instructional permit (no photocopies)
- Signed and notarized affidavit of 50 hours driving experience
- The driver license of your supervising driver
- Notarized letter allowing use of vehicle when registered owner is not present (where applicable)
Pay the fee
$23.50 paid by cash, check, credit card or money order.
Pass the driving test administered by the DMV
It will measure your ability to drive in normal traffic conditions. You must bring your own vehicle. If you fail the drive test, you must wait at least 30 days before your next attempt. Learn more about the driving test procedure here.
Get your provisional license at the DMV
You must be accompanied by your parent/guardian, foster parent or responsible adult.

Your Provisional license will expire when you turn 18 years of age. You may apply for your full operator’s driver license as soon as you are 17 years and 6 months and have held your provisional license for at least 12 months.

Full Operator’s License

If you have never been licensed, you may apply for a regular driver license at the age of 18. It will allow you to drive on your own without any restrictions.

If you have a Limited Provisional License, you can apply for your full license at the age of 17 ½. Visit any DMV office accompanied by your parent or guardian and pay $10.00 (under 18 years of age) or $25.00 ( over 18).

If you have a Limited Instructional Permit, start with step 7.

If you have never been licensed or your license expired more than 5 year ago, start with step 1.

1Apply in person at the cranston dmv headquarters

You can find its location here. No appointment is necessary.

2Complete an application form

You can download it here and complete in advance.

3Bring documentation required

one proof of legal presence/identity (e.g., certified birth certificate, US passport , permanent residence card, immigration documents, etc.)
one proof of social security number ( if applicable)
two proofs of your IR residence address ( e.g., a lease agreement, a school record, pay stub, an item delivered by a postal service, etc.)
one proof of name change (if applicable)

The complete list of suitable documents can be found on page 4 of the application form.

4Take a knowledge exam

It is available during normal business hours. No appointment is needed. The exam tests your knowledge of Rhode Island traffic laws and safe driving rules. Study before you go with the help of practice tests and read frequently asked questions ( ссылка вниз на written test) about the test. If you fail the test, you will have to wait at least 8 days before retaking it.

5Pay the instructional permit fee

$6.50 paid by cash, money orders, checks, and credit card (MasterCard, Discover, Visa and American Express). If you pay by card, you will have to add the $1.50 transaction fee.

6Get your learner’s permit

You can practice driving with licensed adult in the front seat at all times.

7Schedule your road test

You can schedule it online or at any driver licensing office. Please note that you can schedule not earlier than 30 days after receiving the permit. You can take your test at these offices. Complete LI-1 application form.

8Pay the road test fee

$26.50 paid by cash, money orders, checks, and credit card (MasterCard, Discover, Visa and American Express).

9Take the road test

You will have to bring your own vehicle for the test, original permit and proof of valid RI registration. Read Frequently Asked Questions about the Road Test in Rhode Island before you go.

10Get your RI driver license

Get Started

You can take the written exam at any driver license office on a walk-in basis or by appointment (which is recommended). You can schedule an appointment online. Alternatively, you can take your test at one of certified driving schools. If you are unable to demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S., you must make an appointment at a DMV office that offers these services.

Take a free practice test

What does the exam consist of?

It includes 40 multiple choice questions that cover Rhode Island traffic laws and safe driving rules. The test is administered on the computer. To pass the test, you must get the score of 70%.

How to prepare for the test?

Study RI Driver's Manual as all questions are based on the information provided there. Then prepare with the help of our practice tests available here. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready! You can also download our free DMV Genie app to study on the go. Get it on the App Store or on Google Play.

Does the exam have a time limit?

Yes, it has a 90-minute time limit, however, applicants use 20-30 minutes on average to complete the test.

Do I have to make an appointment for the test?

No, written exams are given on a walk-in basis unless you request a test in a foreign language.

Can I take the test in another language?

Yes. The test is administered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. You may also request to take the knowledge exam on paper in another foreign language. Schedule in advance here.

What common errors must I avoid when taking the RI knowledge exam?

The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the manual. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the manual first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.

Can I use the manual when taking the actual test?

No, it’s considered cheating. Moreover, you mustn’t use your phone or other wireless devices.

What happens if I fail the test?

If you fail the test, you will have to wait at least 8 days before retaking it.

Road Test

Step-by-Step Guide

What to expect during RI road test

Road Test FAQ

This test will check your ability to drive safely under normal traffic conditions as well as your knowledge of the rules of the road and pre-driving procedures. To schedule, reschedule or cancel driving test appointment, go online. You must cancel or reschedule your test at least 48 hours before the scheduled test to avoid paying another fee. You may reschedule a new road test at no additional fee if your road test was cancelled due to weather conditions.

Before the test

Make sure you have the following on your test day:

Your original permit (no photocopies)
Signed and notarized affidavit of 50 hours driving experience (if you are under 18 years of age)
License of your supervising driver (out-of-state license is acceptable)
Notarized letter allowing use of car when the registered owner is not present
Proof of RI vehicle registration
Proof of RI vehicle insurance (photocopies are acceptable)
Valid inspection sticker (except for the vehicles that are less than 2 years old or 24,000 miles or less)
Proof of lease (if the leased vehicle is used for the test)
No pets inside your vehicle
No video/audio recording devices during the test

Please note that

Rental vehicles are not allowed.
If you are taking the test in the rain, you must show the examiner how to adjust windshield wipers, hazard lights and headlights.
No passengers are allowed during the road test.

All the instructions will be given in English only. Please check the list of the most common road test vocabulary.

Safety Inspection before the Test

The examiner will check the following features:

a center emergency brake
SRS (airbag) light
ABS light
hazard lights
brake lights
headlights
tires in good condition
properly certified tint (if applicable)
your knowledge of vehicle controls

During the test

Your job is to driver safely, control the vehicle and follow the examiner's instructions. You won't be tricked or asked to do anything illegal.

The examiner will pay attention to the following:

Steering (how smooth it is)
Acceleration (gradual)
Braking (gentle, avoiding abrupt stops)
Clutch/Gears (shifting at the right time)
Speed (Obeying posted speed limits and adjusting to weather and traffic)
Following distance (three second rule) in poor weather or visibility.
Obeying traffic signs, signals and markings
Stopping position (before top lines, crosswalks (if present) or an intersecting street)
Selecting lanes and positioning (especially before turns)
Communication with other drivers and pedestrians (using directional signals and horn appropriately)
Observing the road (checking mirrors, blind spots, identifying hazards)
Anticipating and reacting to possible mistakes of other drivers

Critical Driving Errors

You will fail the test on the spot if you demonstrate one of the following:

poor cooperation with the examiner
dangerous lack of experience
dangerous actions
rolling stop
leaving the designated roadway
collision
erratic operation of the vehicle

End of the test

At the end of the test, you will be informed if you passed or failed. The examiner will also explain the mistakes you made. If you pass, you will be able to get your license at a driver licensing office. If you fail for the first time, you will be able to retake it in no less than 30 days. If it is your second/third failure, you will have to wait no less than 90/180 days.

Each consequent attempt will require a 180-day waiting period until you use 2 one-year extensions. If you don't pass by then, you will be asked to reapply for the permit and retake the knowledge test.

I’ve Got a Valid Out-of-State License

Moving from another US state? Welcome to Rhode Island!

If you are moving from another state and have an out-of-state driver’s license, you must visit a driver license location and convert your license within 30 days. You do not have to take a knowledge or road test if your out-of-state license is valid or expired less than a year ago.

Plan of Action

Complete an application form
You can download it here and complete in advance.
Apply in person at any dmv office
You can find an office close to you on this map. No appointment is necessary. Note that you must apply at the Cranston DMV headquarters if you transfer a driver's license of one of US territories ( (American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Midway Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and US Virgin Islands).
Bring documentation required
- out-of-state driver's license
- one proof of legal presence/identity (e.g., certified birth certificate, US passport, permanent residence card, immigration documents, etc.)
- one proof of social security number ( if applicable)
- two proofs of your IR residence address (e.g., a lease agreement, a school record, pay stub, an item delivered by a postal service, etc.)
- one proof of name change (if applicable)
The complete list of suitable documents can be found on page 4 of the application form.
Pay the fee
$43.50 by cash, credit card, check or money order. There is a minimum service fee of $1.50 if paying by card.

Your new RI Operator's Driver License will be valid for up to 5 years. Please note that if your out-of-state license expired more than a year ago, you will have to apply at the Cranston DMV headquarters and take both the knowledge and road test.

Once you have met these requirements, the DMV will issue you a temporary driver license that will be valid for the next 30 days. You should receive your permanent driver license in the mail before the temporary license expires. If you have not received it after 30 days, contact the DMV office where you applied for it or call 303-205-5948.

How to Get a Driver’s License in Rhode Island [2024]