Drivers Ed in Rhode Island

Driver's Education in Rhode Island

If you're a teenager applying for your first driver's license, you'll need to complete a Driver's Ed program to meet the requirements of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Completing a driver's education course will help you gain the driving knowledge and skills necessary to satisfy the next steps of your licensing requirements and ace your DMV written and road tests.

On this page, you'll find information about Rhode Island Driver's Ed courses and the next steps towards obtaining your first driver's license.

RI Driver's Ed Eligibility Requirements

If you are younger than 18 years old and want to apply for a RI learner's permit, you'll need to first complete a Driver's Ed course.

You'll be able to participate in your first driver's education class session when you are at least 15 years and 10 months old.

About Your Rhode Island Driver's Ed Course

Your Rhode Island Driver's Ed will be completed over a total of 33 hours.

Throughout your driver's education program, you'll cover topics such as:

  • Safe and defensive driving techniques.
  • Traffic laws and rules of the road.
  • Responding to hazardous conditions and situations.
  • Operating a vehicle.
  • Sharing the road.
  • Substance abuse and its effects on driving.

Completing the program will help you pass your DMV written test and prepare you for the supervised behind-the-wheel practice required while you hold your learner's permit.

Types of Driver's Ed in Rhode Island

All driver's education courses must be approved by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Online Driver Education Courses are not valid in Rhode Island.

The CCRI offers Driver's Ed courses to new drivers at:

  • Many high schools.
  • CCRI campuses.
  • Some CCRI satellite locations.

To register:

For more information about locations and schedules, please visit the CCRI website or contact the driver's education program.

NOTE: Out-of-state courses must be certified by the Community College of Rhode Island to satisfy the DMV Driver's Ed requirements.

After Driver's Ed - Getting Your RI Driver's License

Completing Driver's Ed will put you one step closer to the driver's seat, but before you can get your first Rhode Island driver's license, you'll need to obtain your learner's permit.

You'll need to visit the Cranston DMV office and:

  • Be 16 to 18 years old.
  • Submit your driver's education completion certificate.
  • Pass the DMV written test.

Once you have your Rhode Island learner's permit, you must meet the following requirements before applying for your driver's license:

  • Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice with a licensed adult (including 10 hours at night).
  • Hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months with no traffic violations.
  • Pass your road test.

For more information, please see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Rhode Island page.

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