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Anyone operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on public roadways in Rhode Island must have a driver license or learner's permit. The RI DMV written test covers the contents of the Rhode Island Driver's Handbook, and includes questions on road rules, safe driving practices, road signs, and identification of signals and pavement markings. The RI DMV written knowledge test consists of 25 questions, and you'll need at least 20 correct answers to pass (80% or higher). Practice with this sample DMV test and study the manual to get ready for the official Rhode Island driver's license test.
1. A diamond-shaped sign is a:
school zone sign.
warning sign.
regulatory sign.
speed limit sign.
2. You are approaching a railroad crossing and the crossing signals are flashing. You should:
do what the approaching vehicle does.
slow down and look for a train.
stop and look for a train.
look for a train, then speed up.
3. If you suddenly have no control of the steering wheel, you should:
turn on your emergency flashers and pull off the road.
ease your foot off the gas pedal. Turn on your emergency flashers and allow your vehicle to come to a slow stop.
react as you would with a blowout.
pump your brake pedal to build pressure.
4. When an emergency vehicle approaches using a siren, air horn or a red or blue flashing light, drivers must move to the right side of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed.
True
False
5. What should drivers do in case of a brake failure?
Brake lightly.
Use your ABS System.
Shift to a lower gear.
Tie a white cloth on the left door handle.
6. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when:
pedestrians are crossing the road in marked crosswalks.
the driver is turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing with the light.
pedestrians are crossing at an intersection without a traffic light and without a crosswalk.
All of the above.
7. If two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time:
both vehicles must stop.
the vehicle on the right must yield to the vehicle on the left.
the driver on the left must signal the driver on the right to go.
the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.
8. This road sign means:
merging traffic sign
Yield the right-of-way
Traffic may be entering from another road, drive with caution
Stop for other traffic
Lane shifting
9. This road sign means:
bicycle crossing sign
Bicycle repair shop ahead
Bicycles have the right-of-way
No Bicycle zone
Watch for bicycles
10. Most signs used in street work areas are:
diamond shaped.
rectangle shaped.
regulatory signs.
round.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

You can obtain a limited instruction permit if you are at least 16 but under 18 years old, provided you have completed the 33 hours driver education course. This course can be started at the age of 15 years and ten months. After holding the permit for a minimum of six months, you can apply for a limited provisional license. For a full operator's license, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a learner's permit for 30 days, or be at least 17 and have held a limited provisional license for at least 12 months without any traffic violations within the last six months.

If you're under 18, you'll need to complete the DMV written test at the DMV headquarters in Cranston after finishing the driver education course at a driving school authorized by the Community College of Rhode Island. To schedule your test, you can make a reservation online and choose a date and time that suits you. Applicants over 18 can directly schedule the permit test online without taking the course.

After taking the DMV test, bring the following documents to any Rhode Island DMV branch:
  • Green CCRI certificate (for minors who have completed the driver education course and passed the DMV written test).
  • Permit application (if you are a minor and your parent/guardian is not present, the form must be notarized).
  • Birth certificate or proof of identity.
  • Social Security Number, written on the application (LI-1 form).
  • Proof of residency (two documents).


The computerized DMV written test is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Applicants who speak a foreign language can request to take the permit test in their language using a printed format. You can make a reservation online and then schedule a Foreign Language Knowledge Exam. On the day of the exam, you must be accompanied by an interpreter, and it's important to arrive at least one hour before the appointed time.

The best way to prepare for the DMV written test is by reading the Rhode Island Driver’s Handbook, which contains information about road signs, safe driving practices, and road rules in Rhode Island. After studying the manual, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
With a limited instructional permit, you can drive under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a license for five years or more. Once you obtain a limited provisional license, the following restrictions apply:
  • You may drive at any time with a supervisor seated in the front seat or when you are alone:
- Between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
- At any time for work reasons or volunteer activities
- From 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. for school athletic activities
  • During the first twelve months, you can only transport one passenger under 21 years old unless they are a sibling.


The Rhode Island permit is valid for one year or until the applicant turns 18. Learner's permits can be renewed twice. However, after this period, if the permit holder has not obtained a full operator's license, they are required to pass the DMV test again. Learner’s permits can be renewed at any DMV office with the submission of a completed License/ID/Permit Application and an identity document.

If you don't pass your DMV written test, you'll need to wait for 8 days before trying again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

RI DMV Permit Practice Test

Number of questions: 25
Correct answers to pass:20
Passing score:80%
Minimum age to apply: 16
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