Updated for 2026

Rhode Island RI DMV (Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles) / CCRI (Road Tests)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$27.50 (Permit) / $39.50 (License - 5 years)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen (at DMV Cranston)

Critical Failure Factors

The most common reasons for failure in Rhode Island include the inability to navigate 'Rotaries' (roundabouts) correctly regarding right-of-way, and failing the road test administered at CCRI due to hitting cones during the parallel parking maneuver or failing to observe the specific 'stop line' at intersections.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Rhode Island traffic laws are enforced under the Rhode Island General Laws (RIGL), specifically Title 31, and include a strict Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system designed to protect young drivers. The first stage is the Limited Instructional Permit, available at age 16. A unique and critical requirement in Rhode Island is the qualification of the supervising driver: the permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is not only 21 years of age or older but must also have held a valid driver's license for at least FIVE (5) years. This '5-year experience' rule is stricter than most states and is a frequent point of confusion. The permit must be held for at least 6 months. During this time, the teen must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of those hours being at night. Upon advancing to the Limited Provisional License, restrictions remain tight: driving is generally prohibited between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. While this curfew is slightly more lenient than neighboring Massachusetts, it is strictly enforced unless driving to/from work or volunteer firefighter activities. Passenger restrictions for the Provisional License dictate that for the first 12 months, the driver cannot transport more than one passenger under the age of 21, unless they are immediate family members or household members. Rhode Island also enforces a primary seat belt law, meaning police can pull a vehicle over solely because an occupant (driver or passenger) is unbuckled. Furthermore, the state has aggressive laws against distracted driving; the use of a wireless handset is prohibited for all drivers, but for minors (under 18), the use of ANY cell phone, including hands-free devices, is illegal. Regarding safety zones, drivers must stop at least 50 feet away from a school bus with flashing red lights, though in practice, a safe distance is often interpreted as 20 feet minimum by enforcement; however, the law emphasizes maximum caution. Also, Rhode Island's 'Move Over Law' requires drivers to move to a non-adjacent lane for all emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and highway maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Rhode Island, the smallest state in the union, presents a unique cultural and administrative landscape. One of the most distinct features of the Rhode Island licensing process is the administration of road tests. Unlike most states where the DMV handles everything, in Rhode Island, road tests are often conducted at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) campuses (typically Warwick or Lincoln) through a partnership with the state. This means your 'DMV test' might actually happen in a college parking lot designed with a dedicated cone course for maneuvers. A famous cultural quirk is the prevalence of 'Rotaries' (not just roundabouts). Rhode Island has old-style traffic circles that can be confusing; the golden rule is that traffic inside the rotary ALWAYS has the right of way, and entering traffic must yield. Failure to yield at a rotary is a common cause of accidents and test failures. Another critical fact is the strict Vehicle Inspection Program. Rhode Island requires a safety and emissions inspection every two years for all vehicles. Unlike some states that only check emissions, RI inspection stations check everything from ball joints and tires to windshield cracks and window tint darkness. Driving with an expired inspection sticker (which is color-coded by year) is a primary reason for police stops. The written test consists of 50 questions, and you must answer 40 correctly (80%) to pass. The test is computerized and notoriously focuses on specific fines (e.g., the fine for not stopping for a school bus can be up to $300 and license suspension). Environmentally, being the 'Ocean State', Rhode Island drivers must be aware of coastal flooding routes and fog. Also, culturally, beware of the 'Rhode Island Left'—this is an illegal but common local habit where a driver jumps the green light to turn left immediately before oncoming traffic moves. While locals do it, attempting this on a road test is an automatic failure. Finally, Rhode Island law dictates that if you are involved in a collision with a domestic animal (like a dog), you must stop and report it; leaving the scene is an offense.