Rhode Island Driver's License FAQs

You must be 16 and have completed the required 33-hour driver education course and computerized knowledge exam.

You can begin the 33-hour course when you are at least 15 years and 10 months old when the class begins.

No. The Rhode Island DMV states that, effective July 1, 2022, online driver education courses are not accepted or approved in the state.

No. Teendrivingcourse.com is a supplemental study resource and does not replace Rhode Island's required 33-hour approved driver education course.

Students who complete CCRI's 33-hour course may have the option of taking the computerized exam through CCRI. Other applicants take the computerized exam through the DMV.

You must hold the permit for at least six months before taking the road test if you are under 18.

You need at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours completed at night. A signed and notarized affidavit is required before the road test and license issuance.

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, licensed for at least five years, and seated beside you while the vehicle is moving.

No. You must have a qualified supervising driver beside you whenever you drive with the permit.

You can progress to the Limited Provisional License after holding the Limited Instruction Permit for at least six months, completing the required 50 supervised hours with 10 at night, maintaining the required clean record, and passing the road test.

Generally, no. Rhode Island restricts unsupervised driving during those hours, although specific work, emergency-service, and school-related exceptions exist.

During the first 12 months, you may generally carry no more than one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family or household member.

No. Rhode Island prohibits drivers under 18 from using a personal wireless communication device while driving, including hands-free and speakerphone use, except for an emergency.

You may qualify before age 18 after holding the Limited Provisional License for at least 12 months and avoiding a motor-vehicle moving violation during the preceding six months. Otherwise, the provisional license expires on your 18th birthday and may be renewed as a full license.

It provides supplemental online study and defensive-driving preparation. It does not replace Rhode Island's required 33-hour driver education course or the state's supervised-driving and licensing requirements.