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RI Permit Test and License Requirements

In the state of Rhode Island, all drivers younger than 18 must hold a learners permit for at least six months, before applying for a Rhode Island drivers license.

In order to obtain a permit, you must a complete the 33-hour Driver Education Program at the Community College of Rhode Island, and pass the written permit test at your local DMV office. In addition to the RI Driver’s Manual, available through the RI DMV, a practice permit test is available online through a multitude of independent websites.

Required Permit Test Documents and Fees

Before you can take the drivers permit test, you must submit the following to a Rhode Island DMV office:

• Birth certificate.
• Social Security card.
• Certificate of completion of the Driver Education Program.
• $11.50 driving permit fee.

Applying for Your Drivers License

After you have held your learners permit for at least six months, you can apply for a Rhode Island drivers license. In order to obtain a license, you must pass a road test at one of 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

Road tests are available by appoint only, on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. DMV hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Pawtucket location, and until 3:30 p.m. at the Middletown location.

Road Test Requirements

Prior to taking the road test, you must pass a vision test, and submit proof of vehicle registration, and auto insurance. If the car is not in your name, you must also submit a notarized document allowing you to operate the vehicle for testing purposes.
 
Additional submissions include:

• Your original learners permit.
• Social Security card.
• Completed license application.
• $31.50 drivers license fee.

Once you have passed the road test, you will be issued a temporary license, and later receive your permanent license in the mail. If you do not pass the test the first time, you must take it again, in order to receive your Rhode Island drivers license.