Rhode Island permit test
Test requirements, handbook sources, and practice for Rhode Island.
Test and permit facts
Read the scope and exceptions alongside each fact. Requirements still awaiting review are omitted; their absence does not mean the agency has no rule.
| Fact | Rhode Island | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Agency | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles | |
| Test name | computerized knowledge exam | |
| Test options and applicant conditions | The checklist lists computerized ASL exams by prescheduled appointment. For other foreign languages, the knowledge-exams page describes printed exams at Cranston: first reserve the correct transaction, then request the language exam with the reservation number. Bring a translator for before/after the test, arrive at least one hour early for document approval, and enter the exam room alone. | Official source 1 · PDF page 2 |
| Test format scope | The published 40-question, 90-minute format describes the Cranston computerized examination for first-time applicants and applicants who failed the CCRI exam. CCRI course graduates may test through the college; no separate college exam format was found. | Official source 1 · PDF page 10 |
| Questions | 40 | Official source · PDF page 10 |
| Time limit (minutes) | 90 | Official source · PDF page 10 |
| Online testing | DMV computerized testing is in person at the Cranston headquarters by reservation. Applicants 18 or older and under-18 graduates of an approved course outside CCRI use this route; CCRI graduates may test through the college. The agency does not describe an at-home DMV exam on the reviewed pages. | |
| Minimum permit age | 16 | |
| Permit fee | $13.50 for a limited permit under 18, or $8.50 for an instructional permit at 18 or older. These amounts include the $3.50 technology surcharge; credit-card processing costs are additional. | |
| Driver’s education | Applicants under 18 need the approved 33-hour course before the limited instruction permit. | |
| Retest rules | Wait at least eight days before repeating a failed knowledge exam. | |
| Language list scope | English, Spanish and Portuguese are listed for computerized testing. The document checklist separately lists scheduled computerized ASL exams. Other foreign-language exams are printed and requested in advance after obtaining the appropriate reservation; only the applicant enters the exam room. | Official source 2 · PDF page 2 |
| Computer test languages | English, Spanish, Portuguese | |
| Test languages | English, Spanish, Portuguese, American Sign Language | Official source 2 · PDF page 2 |
| Handbook | Rhode Island Driver's Manual | |
| Handbook edition | April 2024 | Official source · PDF page 1 |
| Requirements for applicants under 18 | Rhode Island residents ages 16–17 need the approved 33-hour classroom driver education course and a passed knowledge exam. Online courses are not accepted. A parent, legal guardian, licensed foster parent or adult spouse ordinarily accompanies the applicant and signs; parents/guardians/foster parents show identification, and guardians/foster parents show authority documents. The handbook says the accompanying adult must live in Rhode Island and qualify as a supervisor (age 21 or older, licensed for five years). A parent without a valid Rhode Island license may sign but cannot supervise and must sit in back during practice; a responsible adult may sign if no qualifying parent, guardian or foster parent exists. The document checklist permits a notarized LI-1 when the parent/guardian is absent. Graduates of an approved course outside CCRI bring the completion certificate to Cranston for testing; CCRI graduates may test at the college. Before the provisional license, hold the permit for six months, pass the road test, avoid motor vehicle convictions during that period, and provide a parent/guardian affidavit for 50 supervised practice hours including 10 at night. | |
| Documents to bring | For a new permit: completed LI-1, a certified government birth certificate or another accepted identity document, two residency proofs, and either an SSN entered on LI-1 or an SSA letter confirming that the applicant cannot receive an SSN., Applicants under 18 also need the driver education certificate; the LI-1 must be notarized if the parent/guardian is absent., The checklist requires original documents, with no photocopies. Consult the checklist’s matching REAL ID or Non REAL ID page for accepted identity/residency choices and name-change proof. | Official source 1 · PDF page 2 |
| Agency offices and appointments | The DMV computerized knowledge exam is available only at Cranston Headquarters, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920, by reservation. Exam hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m.; general headquarters hours run to 4 p.m. Branches can process limited under-18 permits for applicants holding the CCRI 33-hour certificate from a Rhode Island class, but do not administer the computerized exam. |
Start with the handbook
Official source · PDF page 1
Study the federal road-sign catalog.
Free permit practice
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- Rhode Island permit fees and documents
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- Rhode Island permit test retesting
- Rhode Island permit offices and appointments
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