RI Permit Practice Test

How to use this RI practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

RI practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable RI practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the RI bank

Every question below comes from the Rhode Island question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. At a Rhode Island four-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time. Which driver yields?

   1. The driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right
   2. The driver on the right yields to the vehicle on the left
   3. The vehicle with the larger engine has priority
   4. Both drivers proceed together
   Show answer

   The driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. At a four-way stop, arrival order normally settles priority, but equal arrival creates a special tie rule. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. What does Rhode Island law prohibit a driver from wearing while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway?

   1. Earphones or headsets
   2. Prescription eyeglasses
   3. A winter hat with ear flaps
   4. A hands-free microphone attached to clothing
   Show answer

   Earphones or headsets. The listed Rhode Island law prohibits operating a motor vehicle on a public highway while wearing earphones or headsets. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. Which document must be shown for a Rhode Island road test vehicle's insurance requirement?

   1. A current Rhode Island insurance identification card
   2. A utility bill in the vehicle owner's name
   3. A school transcript for the permit holder
   4. A vehicle sales advertisement
   Show answer

   A current Rhode Island insurance identification card. The road test checklist requires proof of valid Rhode Island insurance, and it identifies an insurance card as acceptable evidence. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. How are speeding fines treated in Rhode Island designated construction areas?

   1. They are doubled twenty-four hours a day
   2. They are waived when workers are not visible
   3. They are cut in half during daylight
   4. They apply only to commercial vehicles
   Show answer

   They are doubled twenty-four hours a day. Speeding tickets issued inside designated construction areas carry doubled fines twenty-four hours a day. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. On a two-lane Rhode Island road, how close must a parked vehicle's right wheels be to the right side or curb?

   1. A maximum of twelve inches
   2. A maximum of three feet
   3. At least six feet
   4. Any distance if hazard lights are on
   Show answer

   A maximum of twelve inches. Unless another law prohibits parking, the manual says a vehicle on a two-lane road must place its right wheels no more than twelve inches fr Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. How does Rhode Island's three-second rule help a driver judge following distance?

   1. It uses a fixed roadside point and a three-second count
   2. It requires one car length for every ten miles per hour
   3. It permits tailgating when the road is dry
   4. It measures distance only by looking at the speedometer
   Show answer

   It uses a fixed roadside point and a three-second count. The three-second method starts when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, such as a sign or pole. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. When must a Rhode Island driver turn on headlights during the day?

   1. Whenever visibility is reduced or the windshield wipers are in use
   2. Only when driving on an interstate highway
   3. Only after another driver flashes headlights
   4. Whenever the temperature falls below freezing
   Show answer

   Whenever visibility is reduced or the windshield wipers are in use. Rhode Island requires headlights when a driver cannot see 500 feet ahead and whenever wipers are operating because of rain, sleet, or snow. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. A school bus displays flashing red lights. What must an approaching Rhode Island motorist do?

   1. Stop fully and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing
   2. Pass slowly if no children are visible
   3. Stop only when approaching from behind the bus
   4. Continue unless the bus is in a marked school zone
   Show answer

   Stop fully and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing. Flashing red bus lights require a full stop for motorists coming from either direction, and the vehicle must stay stopped until the red ligh Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. How should a driver respond to a flashing red traffic signal in Rhode Island?

   1. Make a full stop, yield to traffic on both sides, then proceed when safe
   2. Slow down and continue without stopping
   3. Treat it as a flashing yellow signal
   4. Stop only if a pedestrian is waiting
   Show answer

   Make a full stop, yield to traffic on both sides, then proceed when safe. A flashing red signal has the same stopping meaning as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. Under Rhode Island's Basic Speed Law, what does the speed-limit sign represent?

    1. The maximum speed for ideal conditions
    2. A speed that is always safe in rain or ice
    3. A minimum speed required on every road
    4. A suggestion that may be ignored when traffic is light
    Show answer

    The maximum speed for ideal conditions. The manual explains that a speed-limit sign gives the maximum for ideal conditions, not a promise that the same pace is safe in every circum Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. Before receiving a Rhode Island Level 2 limited provisional license, how much supervised driving must a permit holder complete, and how much must be at night?

    1. 50 hours, including 10 hours at night
    2. 40 hours, including 5 hours after sunset
    3. 60 hours, including 20 hours at night
    4. 25 hours, including 10 hours at night
    Show answer

    50 hours, including 10 hours at night. The Level 2 application requires fifty hours of supervised driving with a qualified supervising driver, and ten of those hours must be compl Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. What minimum suspension does the Rhode Island manual state for refusing to take a chemical test?

    1. Six months
    2. Thirty days
    3. One year
    4. Until the driver turns 21
    Show answer

    Six months. A person who refuses a chemical test faces a license suspension of at least six months. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. Besides suspension and fines, which treatment-related consequence can appear after a Rhode Island chemical test refusal?

    1. Alcohol or drug treatment
    2. A mandatory vehicle repainting inspection
    3. A permanent ban on public transportation
    4. A required motorcycle skills examination
    Show answer

    Alcohol or drug treatment. The refusal penalties include alcohol or drug treatment, along with a special course on driving while intoxicated in the adult table. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. At this STOP sign, where should the vehicle stop before yielding?

    1. Before the crosswalk or stop line, then yield before proceeding
    2. After entering the intersection, if cross traffic is present
    3. Only beside the signpost when another car approaches
    4. At the next driveway beyond the intersection
    Show answer

    Before the crosswalk or stop line, then yield before proceeding. A STOP sign requires a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line, followed by a careful yield before moving into the intersection. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What travel pattern does the arrow on this ONE WAY sign identify?

    1. Traffic on the street travels only in the arrow's direction
    2. The next turn must be made only on red
    3. The right lane is reserved for passing vehicles
    4. Traffic may travel either way until the next block
    Show answer

    Traffic on the street travels only in the arrow's direction. ONE WAY identifies a roadway where traffic moves in the direction shown by the arrow. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. How should a driver treat a posted SPEED LIMIT sign?

    1. As a regulatory maximum that still requires adjustment for conditions
    2. As an optional suggestion that may be exceeded in daylight
    3. As a minimum speed required on every roadway
    4. As a truck-only restriction that does not apply to cars
    Show answer

    As a regulatory maximum that still requires adjustment for conditions. SPEED LIMIT appears in the manual’s Regulatory Signs section, so it communicates a legal traffic rule rather than a casual suggestion. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What area does this five-sided school symbol warn drivers about?

    1. A school crossing or school zone where extra caution is needed
    2. A public park where pedestrians never cross
    3. An adult-only crosswalk near a hospital
    4. A railroad platform with no roadway crossing
    Show answer

    A school crossing or school zone where extra caution is needed. The five-sided school symbol marks a school crossing or school area. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What roadway change does this warning sign identify?

    1. An added lane from the left
    2. A railroad crossing directly ahead
    3. A one-way street beginning immediately
    4. A required stop at the next intersection
    Show answer

    An added lane from the left. The warning-sign panel lists an added lane from the left as a roadway condition drivers may encounter ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What condition is identified by the skidding-car warning sign?

    1. The pavement may be slippery when wet
    2. A vehicle inspection station is ahead
    3. A road is reserved for racing
    4. The lane is ending at a bridge
    Show answer

    The pavement may be slippery when wet. The skidding-car symbol warns that the roadway may be slippery when wet. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. What does a crossroad warning sign tell a driver to anticipate?

    1. An intersection where traffic may cross from both sides
    2. A hospital entrance with emergency vehicles
    3. A road closed to all turning movements
    4. A one-way lane that must be used for passing
    Show answer

    An intersection where traffic may cross from both sides. A crossroad warning indicates an intersection ahead, with traffic potentially entering from either side. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. At an uncontrolled intersection, how should a driver approach?

    1. Treat the intersection as if a yield sign were present
    2. Assume the vehicle on the wider road always goes first
    3. Accelerate through before another vehicle arrives
    4. Stop only if a pedestrian is visible
    Show answer

    Treat the intersection as if a yield sign were present. An uncontrolled intersection has no sign or signal assigning the right-of-way, so Rhode Island guidance says to treat it as if a yield sign Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. When must Rhode Island drivers turn on their headlights?

    1. From sunset to sunrise, when visibility is under 500 feet, and when wipers are in use
    2. Only between midnight and dawn on roads without streetlights
    3. Only when another driver flashes headlights first
    4. Whenever the vehicle is stopped at a traffic signal
    Show answer

    From sunset to sunrise, when visibility is under 500 feet, and when wipers are in use. Rhode Island requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, whenever the driver cannot see 500 feet ahead, and when windshield wipers are being Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. What do solid yellow lines separating opposing traffic generally prohibit?

    1. Passing other vehicles across the solid lines
    2. Changing lanes in the same direction whenever safe
    3. Driving below the posted speed limit
    4. Turning into a legal driveway
    Show answer

    Passing other vehicles across the solid lines. Solid yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions and prohibit motorists from passing other vehicles across those lines. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. What should a driver do when facing a steady yellow traffic light?

    1. Slow down and proceed cautiously if stopping cannot be done safely, then clear the intersection
    2. Accelerate so the vehicle enters before the light turns red
    3. Stop in the middle of the intersection until green returns
    4. Treat it exactly like a flashing red signal
    Show answer

    Slow down and proceed cautiously if stopping cannot be done safely, then clear the intersection. A steady yellow warns that red is next. The driver should slow and use caution, stopping when that can be done safely. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. Why should a driver avoid taking the right-of-way for granted?

    1. Another driver may fail to yield, and giving way can prevent a collision
    2. The law never assigns right-of-way at intersections
    3. Yielding automatically causes a traffic violation
    4. The driver with priority must always stop first
    Show answer

    Another driver may fail to yield, and giving way can prevent a collision. Having legal priority does not guarantee that another road user understands or obeys the rule. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What speed principle applies when snow, rain, sleet, ice, or construction changes road conditions?

    1. Adjust speed to conditions because the posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions
    2. Drive at the posted limit regardless of surface or visibility
    3. Use the posted limit only when the road is icy
    4. Increase speed to spend less time in a work zone
    Show answer

    Adjust speed to conditions because the posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions. Rhode Island’s Basic Speed Law requires a speed that matches the road and traffic conditions. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. When must Rhode Island motorists use headlights during the day because of weather or visibility?

    1. When weather reduces visibility or windshield wipers are in use
    2. Only when the temperature is below freezing
    3. Only after sunset, regardless of weather
    4. Whenever another vehicle is within 200 feet
    Show answer

    When weather reduces visibility or windshield wipers are in use. Rhode Island requires headlights when daytime weather reduces visibility and whenever windshield wipers are operating because of rain, sleet Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. When entering a Rhode Island roundabout, to whom must a driver yield?

    1. Vehicles already traveling in the roundabout
    2. Vehicles waiting behind the driver at the entrance
    3. Only vehicles approaching from the left
    4. No vehicles when the entry lane is single lane
    Show answer

    Vehicles already traveling in the roundabout. At a roundabout entrance, the entering driver yields to vehicles already circulating. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. Before entering a roundabout, what should a motorist do after approaching the entrance?

    1. Slow to the posted speed, yield to traffic already inside, and wait for a safe gap
    2. Enter immediately because entering traffic has priority
    3. Stop inside the circle until every exit is empty
    4. Pass circulating vehicles on the left before merging
    Show answer

    Slow to the posted speed, yield to traffic already inside, and wait for a safe gap. Entry traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. A Rhode Island driver under 21 has a BAC of .05%. What charge applies?

    1. Nothing, .05% is under the legal limit
    2. Driving While Impaired, because .02% to under .08% is impaired for drivers under 21
    3. Driving Under the Influence, the same as .08%
    4. Only a parking-level infraction
    Show answer

    Driving While Impaired, because .02% to under .08% is impaired for drivers under 21. Rhode Island uses two thresholds. Any person of any age with a BAC of .08% or more is intoxicated and charged with drunk driving, DUI. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. When must a driver dim high beams while following another vehicle?

    1. When following at 200 feet or less
    2. Only after the other driver signals a complaint
    3. At 50 feet or less
    4. Only when the vehicle ahead is stopped
    Show answer

    When following at 200 feet or less. The manual’s 500/200 rule says high beams should be dimmed when following another vehicle at a distance of 200 feet or less. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. What does a flashing yellow traffic signal tell motorists to do?

    1. Proceed with caution
    2. Stop until the signal becomes solid green
    3. Accelerate before cross traffic arrives
    4. Ignore the signal as a malfunction
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution. A flashing yellow signal allows movement but calls for caution. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. During the first twelve months of a Limited Provisional License, how many unrelated passengers under 21 may ride?

    1. No more than one
    2. No more than two
    3. Up to four if belted
    4. Any number during daylight
    Show answer

    No more than one. For the first twelve months of a Limited Provisional License, Rhode Island permits no more than one licensed passenger younger than 21. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. What does Level 3 status change for a Rhode Island driver?

    1. It removes Level 1 and 2 restrictions on driving time and supervision
    2. It permits driving only with a parent
    3. It adds a permanent midnight curfew
    4. It removes the duty to use seat belts
    Show answer

    It removes Level 1 and 2 restrictions on driving time and supervision. A Level 3 Full Operator’s License permits driving without the earlier restrictions concerning time of driving and supervision. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. How does the Rhode Island three second rule measure following distance?

    1. Count until your vehicle reaches a fixed point passed by the vehicle ahead
    2. Measure three car lengths with a tape measure
    3. Wait until the vehicle ahead changes lanes
    4. Use the speedometer to hold a fixed number of feet
    Show answer

    Count until your vehicle reaches a fixed point passed by the vehicle ahead. The three second method uses a fixed roadside reference. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. When may a Rhode Island driver stop within 50 feet of a railroad crossing?

    1. Never
    2. Any time the gates are up
    3. Only for a short time to load or unload passengers or packages
    4. Only at night
    Show answer

    Only for a short time to load or unload passengers or packages. Parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing is prohibited, with one exception: stopping for just a short time to load Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. Before changing lanes, which sequence best follows the manual’s guidance?

    1. Give a signal, check mirrors and over the shoulder, then move when clear
    2. Signal only after crossing the lane line
    3. Rely on the rearview mirror without checking beside the vehicle
    4. Turn on hazard lights and move immediately
    Show answer

    Give a signal, check mirrors and over the shoulder, then move when clear. Mirrors cannot show every area beside and behind a vehicle, so the driver must check over the appropriate shoulder for a blind spot. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What speed limits does the manual list for residential areas and most highways?

    1. 25 mph in residential areas and 50 to 65 mph on most highways
    2. 15 mph in residential areas and 35 to 45 mph on most highways
    3. 35 mph in residential areas and 70 to 80 mph on most highways
    4. 45 mph in residential areas and 55 mph on every highway
    Show answer

    25 mph in residential areas and 50 to 65 mph on most highways. The manual’s highway guidance lists 25 miles per hour in residential areas and 50 to 65 miles per hour on most highways. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What pedestrian-signal rule does the manual state for Walk and Don’t Walk indications?

    1. Always obey both Walk and Don’t Walk signals
    2. Cross whenever a vehicle is stopped nearby
    3. Ignore Don’t Walk if the crosswalk is marked
    4. Use the signal only at night
    Show answer

    Always obey both Walk and Don’t Walk signals. Pedestrian signals control when a person should enter a crosswalk, so both indications must be obeyed. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. If an aggressive driver continues to hassle or follow you, where should you drive for help?

    1. The nearest police station or a busy place
    2. A deserted shoulder where the driver cannot see you
    3. Home, so the driver learns your address
    4. A faster lane where you can race away
    Show answer

    The nearest police station or a busy place. A driver who continues to hassle or follow you should be met with distance and public visibility, not a confrontation. Full explanation in Test 8