This Step: Get a Drivers License

Driver's LicenseChecklist

Badges Earned:

Get a Drivers License in Rhode Island

A) Make Sure You're Eligible for a Driver's License

Rhode Island Limited Provisional License

You're eligible to apply if:

  • You have held your limited instruction permit for at least six months, without any traffic violations or seat belt infractions
  • You've completed the 50-hour driving requirement

Rhode Island Full Operator's License

You're eligible to apply if:

  • You're at least 17 years and six months old
  • You've held your limited provisional driver's license for at least one year
  • You had no traffic violations during the prior six months

B) Make a Road Test Appointment

Road tests are by appointment only with any DMV branch location.

Find Your Local DMV Office

Or Select a City:
Providence
Warwick
Pawtucket
Cranston
Woonsocket
Cumberland
Coventry
West Warwick
Johnston
Newport
Bristol
North Kingstown

C) Gather Required Documents and Rhode Island License Fees

Make sure you bring to the road test:

  • Your permit
  • Proof of car insurance
  • A vehicle registered in Rhode Island, including a valid RI inspection sticker, and either the owner of the vehicle or a notarized letter from the owner granting permission to use the vehicle
  • A signed letter from a parent or guardian verifying completion of the DMV's 50-hour driving requirement, if younger than 18

The test will be rescheduled if you arrive without any of the required documents.

D) Take the Road Test

During the road test you will be graded on:

  • Driving preparation
  • Driving in traffic
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Stopping
  • Backing up
  • Vehicle control
  • Judging speeds
  • Yielding to pedestrians

Retake Road Test

You must wait at least 30 days before trying again.

E) Get Your Rhode Island Driver's License After Passing Test

RI Limited Provisional License

This license will automatically expire on your 18th birthday. Until then, you must obey the following driving restrictions:

  • No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m unless accompanied by a licensed driver
  • You cannot drive during the first year with more than one passenger younger than 21 (family members exempted)

NOTE: You may drive alone between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. for driving to or from work, or if you're responding to an emergency as a member of a volunteer fire department, volunteer rescue squad or volunteer medical emergency service.

RI Full Operator's License

There are no driving restrictions.

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