YieldGoStart a free examFree exam
  • 16Youngest age for a limited learner permitp. 10
  • 33 hoursClassroom driver education under 18p. 10
  • 50 hoursSupervised driving, 10 of them at nightp. 12
  • 6 monthsPermit time before the road test under 18p. 12

Step by step

  1. Take the 33-hour driver education course

    Under 18, pass an accredited 33-hour classroom course. You can enroll from 15 if you will be at least 15 years and 10 months old on the first day of class. From 18 the course isn't required. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 10)

  2. Pass the computerized knowledge exam

    40 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute limit, by reservation at the DMV in Cranston. CCRI driver education students can test through the college. Study the whole manual. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 10–11)

  3. Apply at the DMV with an adult

    A parent, legal guardian, licensed foster parent or adult spouse who lives in Rhode Island comes with you and signs the application. Bring the documents below and pay the permit fee; you also take a vision test (20/40 or better).

    • A certified birth certificate, active passport, government ID card or resident alien card (no photocopies)
    • Your 33-hour driver education certificate if you are under 18
    • Two proofs of Rhode Island residency
    • The application form (LI-1)

    (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 11)

  4. Practice, then take the driving skills test

    Hold the permit 6 months with no moving or seat belt violations, log 50 hours with a supervising driver (10 at night), then pass the skills test in a Rhode Island registered, inspected and insured vehicle. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 12–13)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Revenue website before you go.

Rules while you have a limited learner permit

  • Drive only with a supervising driver aged 21 or older who has been licensed for at least 5 years, seated beside you. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 11, 15)
  • Nobody but the supervising driver may sit in the front seat, and everyone in the car wears a seat belt or child restraint. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 15)
  • Carry the permit whenever you drive. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 15)
  • Don't use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, unless it is an emergency. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 36)

If you don't pass

If you fail the driving skills test, wait at least 30 days and make a new reservation. If no test is available before the permit runs out a second time, you may have to pass the knowledge exam again for a new permit. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 14)

What comes next

After the skills test comes the limited provisional license: no unsupervised driving from 1 to 5 a.m. (with a few exceptions) and only one passenger under 21 who isn't family for the first 12 months. After 12 months on it with no violations in the last 6, you can get a full operator's license. (Rhode Island Driver's Manual, p. 14–15)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Rhode Island practice exam: 40 questions, 28 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Revenue before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page.