DMV Rhode Island · Facts and practice test
Rhode Island DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for Rhode Island DMV, plus a free 78-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
16 to 18 years old for a Limited Instruction Permit after the required 33 hour driver education course
Knowledge test fee
$13.50 limited permit fee for applicants under 18
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours with a supervising driver, including 10 hours at night, certified by parent or guardian affidavit
What to bring
Proof of identity, Social Security number or ineligibility letter, two Rhode Island residency documents, original driver education certificate if under 18, and parent or guardian signature or notarized LI 1 form
Find an office / appointment
Reservations made via the blue reservation bar on dmv.ri.gov home page; some branches operate by reservation only.
REAL ID status
REAL ID is optional, not mandatory; first application must be in-person with ID, SSN, and two RI residency documents; required for domestic flights/federal facilities from May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Applicant must hold a valid RI driver's license (min age 16 for permit) and complete a CCRI motorcycle safety course; M endorsement added after course, no separate knowledge/skills test.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 for intrastate-only CDL; 21 required for interstate travel. Must have held a driver's license at least 2 years; medical certification and knowledge/skills tests required.
Official source: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles site.
Getting a license in Rhode Island
Getting your first permit
In Rhode Island, the minimum permit age is 16 to 18 years old for a Limited Instruction Permit after the required 33 hour driver education course. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity, Social Security number or ineligibility letter, two Rhode Island residency documents, original driver education certificate if under 18, and parent or guardian signature or notarized LI 1 form. Reservations made via the blue reservation bar on dmv.ri.gov home page; some branches operate by reservation only.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
$13.50 limited permit fee for applicants under 18. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours with a supervising driver, including 10 hours at night, certified by parent or guardian affidavit.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID is optional, not mandatory; first application must be in-person with ID, SSN, and two RI residency documents; required for domestic flights/federal facilities from May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: applicant must hold a valid RI driver's license (min age 16 for permit) and complete a CCRI motorcycle safety course; M endorsement added after course, no separate knowledge/skills test. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 for intrastate-only CDL; 21 required for interstate travel. Must have held a driver's license at least 2 years; medical certification and knowledge/skills tests required.
The Rhode Island bank has 78 questions across 9 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.