Rhode Island Driver's License
Rhode Island Knowledge Test — 40 questions, 28 (70%) to pass
Can you take the official knowledge test in your language?
📋 What to Bring
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Proof of identity, SSN & RI residency
Bring proof of your legal name and date of birth, proof of your Social Security number, and documents proving Rhode Island residency. A federally compliant REAL ID requires these same documents.
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Application & fee
Apply at a Rhode Island DMV office (Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue) and pay the applicable fee. An appointment is recommended.
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Driver education & parent consent (if under 18)
Applicants under 18 go through Rhode Island's Graduated Licensing System (limited learner permit → limited provisional license): driver education and a parent/guardian's consent plus supervised driving hours are required.
📅 How to Schedule
- 1
Study the manual and practice
Read the Rhode Island Driver's Manual and take practice tests covering signals and markings, driving laws, alcohol/drug rules, and safe driving.
- 2
Visit a Rhode Island DMV office
Rhode Island licensing is handled by the DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles). Bring your documents and fee; appointments can be scheduled online at dmv.ri.gov.
- 3
Pass the vision and knowledge tests
Pass a vision screening and the 40-question knowledge test (28 correct, 70%). Then hold your permit, complete the required practice, and pass the road test to be licensed.
💡 Test Day Tips
- •The Rhode Island knowledge test has 40 questions; you must answer 28 correctly (70%) to pass.
- •The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08 for drivers 21 and over, with a lower 0.02 limit for drivers under 21. Rhode Island has an implied-consent law — refusing a chemical test results in license suspension.
- •Rhode Island has a hands-free law: it is illegal to hold or use a handheld phone or other electronic device while driving. Use a hands-free setup instead.
📚 Driver Handbook
All practice questions are based on the chapters below. Click any chapter to read it on the official DMV website.
Applying For a Rhode Island Driver's License
Distractions, Drowsiness, and Emotions
Basic Driving Skills and Safety Rules
Signals and Roadway Markings
Driving Emergencies
Motorcycles
Safe, Courteous, and Defensive Driving
Sharing the Road Safely
Laws You Must Know
Drinking / Drugs and Driving
In Case of a Collision
When Stopped by a Law Enforcement Officer
Equipment You Must Inspect
Organ and Tissue Donor Program
🎯 Practice by Topic
Applying For a Rhode Island Driver's License
Rhode Island driver license types, the limited learner permit, learner provisional and full operator's license, the graduated licensing system, out-of-state drivers, required documents, ages and restrictions.
The Effects of Distractions, Drowsiness, and Emotions on Driving
Distracted driving and phone laws, preventing and managing distractions, drowsy driving, emotions, aggressive driving and road rage.
Basic Driving Skills and Safety Rules
Seat belt and child restraint law, stopping, turning, turnabouts, parking, hill starts, lane changes, passing, backing, and freeway/highway driving.
Signals and Roadway Markings
Traffic signals and lights, roadway markings and line colors, roundabouts/rotaries, and lane-use arrows.
Driving Emergencies
Handling skids, brake failure, blowouts, a stuck accelerator, engine failure, off-road recovery, collision threats, headlight failure, stalling on tracks, fires, and bad weather.
Motorcycles
Sharing the road safely with motorcycles, motorcycle awareness, and watching for riders.
Systems for Safe, Courteous, and Defensive Driving
The three-second following rule, the point of no return, lane positions, and defensive driving systems.
Sharing the Road Safely
Sharing the road with large trucks, night driving, pedestrians and visually impaired pedestrians, school buses, bicycle riders, and aggressive drivers.
Laws You Must Know
Speed limits, the move-over law, seat belt and headlight requirements, registration and insurance laws, and other Rhode Island laws you must know.
Drinking / Drugs and Driving
BAC limits, DUI/DWI penalties, implied consent, zero tolerance for drivers under 21, drugs, and the consequences of refusing a chemical test.
In Case of a Collision
What to do at a collision scene, your duties and reporting requirements, and exchanging information.
When Stopped by a Law Enforcement Officer
What to do when stopped by a law enforcement officer: keeping your hands visible, the documents to present, and how to behave.
Equipment You Must Inspect
Required vehicle equipment you must inspect: brakes, lights, tires, mirrors, horn, wipers and windshield.
Organ and Tissue Donor Program
How organ and tissue donation works in Rhode Island, registering as a donor, and key facts about donation.
🔗 Official Resources
🛑 New to US road signs? See all road signs and their meanings →
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Rhode Island Driver's License test, and how many do I need to pass?
The Rhode Island Driver's License knowledge test has 40 questions. You must answer 28 correctly (70%) to pass.
How many questions can you miss on the Rhode Island Driver's License test?
You can miss up to 12 of the 40 questions and still pass.
Can you take the Rhode Island Driver's License test in your language?
The Rhode Island Driver's License knowledge test is offered in: English · Español. See test languages by state →
What is the minimum age to take the Rhode Island Driver's License test?
Minimum age: 16 (limited learner permit) / 16（限制性学习许可）/ 16 (permiso limitado).
What should I bring to the Rhode Island Driver's License test?
Proof of identity, SSN & RI residency — Bring proof of your legal name and date of birth, proof of your Social Security number, and documents proving Rhode Island residency. A federally compliant REAL ID requires these same documents. Application & fee — Apply at a Rhode Island DMV office (Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue) and pay the applicable fee. An appointment is recommended. Driver education & parent consent (if under 18) — Applicants under 18 go through Rhode Island's Graduated Licensing System (limited learner permit → limited provisional license): driver education and a parent/guardian's consent plus supervised driving hours are required.
How do I schedule and take the Rhode Island Driver's License test?
1. Study the manual and practice: Read the Rhode Island Driver's Manual and take practice tests covering signals and markings, driving laws, alcohol/drug rules, and safe driving. 2. Visit a Rhode Island DMV office: Rhode Island licensing is handled by the DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles). Bring your documents and fee; appointments can be scheduled online at dmv.ri.gov. 3. Pass the vision and knowledge tests: Pass a vision screening and the 40-question knowledge test (28 correct, 70%). Then hold your permit, complete the required practice, and pass the road test to be licensed.