Do I need a RI drivers permit before applying for a Rhode Island drivers license? Rhode Island

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Required Permits for New Drivers in Rhode Island

All first-time drivers in Rhode Island must obtain a learners permit, before applying a Rhode Island drivers license. A first-time driver is defined as a person who has never held a drivers license, who has allowed a license from another state to expire for more than one year, or a driver who’s RI license has been expired for more than three years.

Drivers with valid licenses from other states are not required to hold a driving permit before applying for a Rhode Island drivers license.

Limited Instruction Permit

A limited instructional permit is for drivers younger than 18. In order to obtain a limited drivers permit, you must complete the following steps.

  1. Complete the Driver Education Program at the Community College of Rhode Island.
  2. Submit the following to your local DMV office:
    • Completed permit application, signed by a parent or legal guardian.
    • Original certified birth certificate.
    • Social Security card.
    • Certificate of completion of the Driver Education Program.
    • $11.50 permit fee.
  3. Pass the written knowledge exam. A practice permit test is available online through a variety of independent websites, in addition to the Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, available through the RI DMV.

Instruction Permit for Drivers Over 18

Drivers older than 18 are not required to take the Driver Education course. They are required to pass a written knowledge exam, after submitting the following to a Rhode Island DMV office:

  • Social Security card.
  • Proof of Identity (to include one signature document).
  • Proof of RI residency.
  • $6.50 instruction permit fee.

Applying for a Rhode Island Drivers License

Drivers younger than 18 must hold a limited instruction permit for at least six months, before they can apply for a regular operator’s license. Drivers older than 18 can apply for a license by scheduling a road test immediately after they have obtained an instruction permit.

Passing the road test is the final step in obtaining a Rhode Island drivers license. Road tests are given by appointment only at the following DMV locations:

Pawtucket DMV
100 Main St.
Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 462-4308

Middletown DMV
73 Valley Rd.
Middletown, RI 02840
(401) 846-5451

The Pawtucket branch is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The Middletown branch is open Monday through Friday, until 3:30 p.m. Road tests are given Tuesdays and Thursdays only.

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