Rhode Island Driver's License Written Test

New Rhode Island Drivers License

Who Needs a License?

All residents of the state that wish to operate any type of motorized vehicle on roadways must obtain a license from the Division of Motor Vehicles. Transfers of out of country or US territory licenses cannot be done through the DMV or AAA branches and must be completed at DMV Cranston Headquarters.

Which License is for you?

The types of licenses and requirements will depend in the vehicle you wish to drive and the uses for the license such as daily person use and working for a living. License types include:

• A graduated license is for those under 18 beginning the licensing process for the first time. This is a multiple type process beginning with an instructional permit and through stages of restricted licenses will end with a full adult license.
• A regular license is issue to all adult drivers wishing to operate a vehicle for personal daily use on roadways.
• A commercial license is issued to drivers wishing to perform a driving task as part of employment.
• Motorcycle drivers must obtain and hold a motorcycle license.

What are the Requirements for getting a License?

Each new driver must first obtain and practice with a valid permit, which will be required at the time of licensing. Documentation is required in the following categories for all applicants:

• One proof of identity including full legal name and date of birth
• One proof of signature that can be verified
• One proof of residency in the state
• A social security card or approved alternative

Minors must be at least 17 years old at the time of application. In addition they need to provide a notarized certification of required practice hours and a certification of completion of driver’s education including documentation if the written test has been administered and passed. Proof of passing a road test will be required in the final steps of licensing.

• All required fees must be paid up include the license fee for a two year new license of $10, or $30 if over 18, drivers education fees of $85 and road test fees of $11.50 for minors and $26.50 if over 18. All fees must be paid by cash, check or money order only

What Tests do I need to get a License?

• Mandatory vision testing is done for all applicants for a license.
• A written test administered at either the DMV or during drivers education. The test is computerized and will test the driver’s knowledge of traffic signs, road rules and traffic laws.
• A road test administered to all new drivers will evaluate a new driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Taking a Drivers Education Course

If you are between the ages of 15 and 18 years old you may enroll in driver’s education though you must wait until you reach 16 to apply for a learners permit. Driver’s education is mandatory for a learners permit if you are between 16 and 18 years of age. You may contact Rhode Island Community College online for a listing of all approved drivers education classes in the state to enroll. There is a standard driver’s education fee of $85.

The written test is administered through the driver’s education course for those who attend.

Preparing for the Written Test

The written test portion of licensing will consist of test questions concerning traffic signs and signals, traffic laws and road rules necessary to safely operate a vehicle on public roads. To study for your test you will need to acquire a Drivers Manual for the state, and should include cheat sheets available from DMVcheatsheets.com to assure you receive a passing score on the test. Drivers attending driver’s education can take this portion at the end of the course.

The computerized test must be passed to receive a license so study your materials and take practice tests to assure you are ready for the process. Even with drivers education it is important to acquire all three types of material for at home study.

Scheduling an Appointment

You must schedule an appointment for your drivers test portion of licensing which can be done by calling your local DMV branch office.

What to Bring on Test Day

On the day of the written test, applicants need to bring one document from the list of approved items for each category including:

• One document proving identify which will include full legal name and date of birth
• One document used to verify your signature
• One residency proof
• A social security number or approved equivalent

New drivers must also bring a valid learners permit. Minors must bring a certification of driving hours practice signed by a parent and notarized and certification of completion for driver’s education. You will also need to bring corrective lenses or contacts for the vision screening if required to wear them.

• For the drivers test, applicants will need the license of a supervising driver over 21 that have accompanied them to testing and a notarized document giving permission to use the owner’s vehicle without them present. A valid permit is also required.
• Minors must also present their notarized proof of practice hours.
• All drivers must bring proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle provided for testing.

Costs of a Drivers Test

There are several fees involved for a first license including a $26.50 road test fee. For new drivers over 18 a license fee of $26.50 will also been needed. A limited provisional license for minors under 18 will cost $11.50. A driver’s education course must also be taken and contains an $85 fee.

Taking the Written Test

Minors taking drivers education will be administered the written test at the end of successful completion of the course. Minors that fail www.dmvcheatsheets.com the written test during driver’s education and adult drivers will test at the DMV offices. Rhode Island recently converted its testing process to a computerized program and information regarding the details of testing can be found by calling the Rhode Island DMV.

The test will consist of traffic laws, rules and regulations on road ways as well as the commonly used traffic signs. You must know this information to pass so it is essential that you study your driver’s manual, cheat sheets and practice tests up to the date of testing if you wish to pass.

Taking the Driving Test

A drivers test is administered to all new drivers applying for a license and must be scheduled in advance at your local DMV office. The test cannot be taken until after minor drivers have held a learners permit for at least six months and completed the required driving practice time of 50 hours with 10 hours done at night. You must bring a licensed supervising driver with you the day of testing.

Drivers should be prepared to pay the required fees of $11.50 if under 18 and $26.50 for those over 18 by a check/money order or cash. In addition, drivers will need the following documents with them:

• Your valid learners permit and license of the supervising driver.
• A notarized statement from the vehicle owner giving permission to use the vehicle when the owner is not present.
• For minors, an affidavit that you have completed the 50 hours of drive practice time, 10 hours at night must be presented that has been signed by a parent or guardian and notarized.
• Proper insurance and registration for the vehicle being used- the vehicle must be able to pass a safety inspection.

During the test you will be graded on your knowledge of the vehicle including the location of each necessary device such as windshield wipers and headlights. Use a familiar vehicle so that you do not need to search for these items. Your ability to control the vehicle within regular traffic will be graded, as well as you ability to obey traffic laws.

Renewing your Rhode Island Drivers License

Who needs to renew their license?

Those wishing to continue driving must renew their license by its expiration date. This can be done at any DMV local branch, online for specific renewals and at an AAA branch for members. Adult driver’s licenses are renewed every five years by your birthday.

What tests do I need to take to renew?

For in person renewals a new vision screening is required. If your license has expired over one year, you must repeat the license process including the written and road tests.

Preparing to renew my Rhode Island license

You will need to obtain and complete a driver’s license application and bring the application along with your current license to the DMV branch office. If you have lost your license, you will need to refer to the approved alternative ID listings online and prepare with the proper documentation in advance. If your license has been expired more than one year it cannot be renewed so you will need to prepare for re-application including all testing in the process. You will also need your social security card with you to verify.

What is the cost to renew my license?

All first time drivers are issued a license that will expire in two-years with a ten dollar initial fee. After the two-year renewal has pass, drivers will be issued a five year license with a renewal fee of $30.

Steps to renew your license

You must apply in person in most cases to renew your license. You will receive a renewal notice by mail indicating if you may renew in any other way. If you are required to renew in person:

• Visit your local DMV office with your renewal notice, current license or approved document if lost.
• Present the renewal notice, license, and social security card to the clerk.
• Make any changes to name or address with appropriate proofs.
• Take a vision test and new photograph.
• Pay your renewal fee of $30 for a five year license and receive a temporary paper license.