Drivers Permits in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for issuing driver permits. Depending on your age, there are two types drive permits the Limited instruction permit and the Instruction permit. Teenagers are required to complete a driver’s education course before they can apply for an instruction permit.
Rhode Island Learner’s Permit Requirements
There are two types of learner’s permit:
- Limited instruction permit: 16 to 18 years old.
- Instruction permit: 18 years old or older.
Limited Instruction Permit (Under 18 years old)
You are eligible for a limited instruction permit if you are between 16 and 18 years old. You will need to complete a Driver’s Ed course offered by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) before applying for your limited instruction permit. You will be issued with a certificate of completion after completing the course and passing the written exam.
Instruction Permit (18 Years Old and Older)
Once you are older than 18 years old, you can apply for an instruction permit, you must also apply for an instruction permit before you obtain your full driver’s license if you have never been issued a Rhode Island driver’s license or your RI driver’s license has been expired for over 5 years.
To apply for your learner’s permit, visit your local Rhode Island DMV office and:
- Pass the written exam.
- Submit an Application for License Identification Card and Permits (Form LI-1).
- Provide proof of RI residency
- Provide proof of your social security number
- Provide proof of identity
- Pay the $6.50 fee
With your leaner’s permit you are allowed to drive as long as you are supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
Provisional Driver License
You will be eligible to obtain your provisional driver license after holding your learner’s permit for more than six months and completing 50 hours of driving practice, with 10 hours being at night.
To apply, visit your local Rhode Island DMV office with the following documents:
- Your learners permit
- Payment of $19.50 provisional fee and $26.50 road test fee
In addition to the above requirements you will be required to pass a DMV driving test.
You must be at least 17 years old and have held your provisional license for more than one year to be eligible to apply for an unrestricted Rhode Island driver’s license.