RI Permit Practice Test 8

All 20 questions in test 8

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

   1. Only when driving on an interstate highway
   2. Whenever visibility is reduced or the windshield wipers are in use
   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. Low beams are appropriate in those conditions, since high beams can reflect from precipitation and reduce what the driver can see. The interstate-only choice narrows a rule that applies to any roadway. A practical cue is simple: if weather turns the wipers on, turn the headlights on too.

2. 2. Which group of Rhode Island signs contains rules such as STOP, YIELD, and DO NOT ENTER?

   1. Regulatory signs
   2. Guide signs
   3. Tourist attraction signs
   4. Mile marker signs
   Show answer

   Regulatory signs. The manual places STOP, YIELD, and DO NOT ENTER under the heading Regulatory Signs. These signs communicate traffic controls that drivers must follow. Guide signs instead identify routes, exits, hospitals, food, or services. A mile marker reports location, and a tourist attraction sign points toward a destination. When a sign imposes a movement or entry rule, think regulatory before guide information.

3. 3. For a Rhode Island driver age 21 or older, which BAC range is listed under the first DUI violation?

   1. 0.02% to less than 0.05%
   2. 0.1% to 0.15% only
   3. 0.08% to 0.1%
   4. 0.15% or above only
   Show answer

   0.08% to 0.1%. The adult DUI table begins its first violation category at a BAC of 0.08% to 0.1%. The choice “0.02% to less than 0.05%” belongs to a lower concentration and does not identify this adult DUI category. The two higher ranges are separate penalty bands with different listed consequences, not the opening range. A useful study cue is to separate the adult table by BAC bands before comparing suspension periods, fines, or community service requirements.

4. 4. 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 three feet
   2. A maximum of twelve inches
   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 from the right side or curb. Three feet leaves unnecessary clearance and can interfere with moving traffic. Six feet is even farther away, while hazard lights do not authorize an improper parking position. After stopping, check the curb alignment, leave room for traffic, and verify that no separate restriction such as a hydrant, crosswalk, or intersection applies.

5. 5. After stopping at a red light in Rhode Island, what must a driver do before making a permitted right turn?

   1. Sound the horn twice before entering the intersection
   2. Wait for a green arrow even when no sign restricts the turn
   3. Turn immediately if the cross street is empty
   4. Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians
   Show answer

   Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Rhode Island allows a right turn at red after a full stop unless a no-turn-on-red sign is posted, but the driver must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. An empty-looking cross street does not remove the duty to yield, and a green arrow is not required in every permitted right-on-red situation. The horn choices add requirements the manual does not state. Stop, check, yield, and then turn only when safe.

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

   
   1. After entering the intersection, if cross traffic is present
   2. Before the crosswalk or stop line, then yield before proceeding
   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. Rolling through when the road looks empty still fails to make the required stop. Stopping beside the signpost or beyond the intersection puts the vehicle too far forward. Use the pavement marking as the visual cue, then scan for people and vehicles.

7. 7. What does the Rhode Island manual state about texting while driving?

   1. Texting is allowed with a hands-free device
   2. Texting is allowed for drivers over 21
   3. Texting is allowed whenever traffic is stopped
   4. Texting while driving is forbidden in Rhode Island
   Show answer

   Texting while driving is forbidden in Rhode Island. The manual gives a direct warning that texting while driving is forbidden in Rhode Island. The age, traffic-light, and hands-free choices all invent exceptions that are not stated in that warning. The broader law section also explains that a wireless handset may not be used to compose, read, or send a text while operating a motor vehicle. Treat the prohibition as applying to the activity itself, not merely to one type of phone or roadway condition.

8. 8. What must a driver do when an emergency vehicle approaches with warning lights and siren?

   
   1. Follow the emergency vehicle closely after it passes
   2. Keep moving at the same speed to avoid blocking traffic
   3. Stop in the center of the nearest intersection
   4. Pull to the right and stop, unless already in an intersection
   Show answer

   Pull to the right and stop, unless already in an intersection. Rhode Island requires drivers to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle by moving to the side and stopping. If a driver is already in an intersection, clearing that intersection safely comes first, followed by pulling over. Maintaining speed or stopping in the intersection can obstruct the emergency response. Following closely is also unsafe because the emergency vehicle may stop, turn, or encounter hazards unexpectedly. The cue is to make room immediately, using the right side when possible, and remain stopped until the vehicle has passed and the roadway is safe.

9. 9. A Rhode Island permit holder runs a stop sign during a practice drive. What does the manual say about the supervising driver?

   1. The supervising driver is legally responsible for any driving violation the permit holder commits
   2. Only the vehicle owner can be cited
   3. The supervising driver bears no responsibility for the permit holder's driving
   4. Only the permit holder's parent can be held responsible
   Show answer

   The supervising driver is legally responsible for any driving violation the permit holder commits. The licensed supervising driver must sit beside the permit holder at all times, be ready to take control in an emergency, and is legally responsible for any driving violation the permit holder may commit. That makes the choice saying the supervisor bears no responsibility wrong. The rule is written about the supervising driver, not the vehicle owner or a parent who is not in the car. A supervisor who is distracted or asleep cannot meet that duty, which is why the manual also says to be ready to take control.

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

    
    1. A road is reserved for racing
    2. A vehicle inspection station is ahead
    3. The pavement may be slippery when wet
    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. Reduce speed before reaching the slick area, leave extra room, and use gentle steering and braking. The inspection choice concerns vehicle equipment and is not represented by a warning symbol. Racing is not a normal roadway message, and a lane ending at a bridge would require a different road-shape warning. Connect the vehicle sliding symbol with reduced traction, especially when rain begins after a dry period and oil residue rises to the surface.

11. 11. After an emergency vehicle passes, what should you do before re-entering the traffic flow?

    1. Re-enter immediately without signaling because the lane is open
    2. Signal, check over your shoulder, and confirm another emergency vehicle is not coming
    3. Follow the emergency vehicle at a close distance
    4. Remain stopped indefinitely at the roadside
    Show answer

    Signal, check over your shoulder, and confirm another emergency vehicle is not coming. The first emergency vehicle may not be the only one responding. Before returning to traffic, activate the turn signal and glance over the shoulder to check for another emergency vehicle. Moving immediately can place the vehicle in the path of a second responder, while following closely creates a dangerous wake and may violate the required separation. Once the shoulder and lane are clear, merge smoothly and resume a lawful speed.

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

    
    1. Only vehicles approaching from the left
    2. Vehicles waiting behind the driver at the entrance
    3. Vehicles already traveling in the roundabout
    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. The manual describes waiting for a gap and then merging into the counterclockwise flow, so an empty entry lane alone does not establish priority. Traffic behind the entrant is not the controlling concern, and the rule does not limit yielding to vehicles from one side. Slow to the posted speed, scan the circle, and enter only after the circulating lane gives you a safe opening.

13. 13. A Rhode Island driver is found operating a registered vehicle without proof of financial security in effect for the first time. What penalty may apply?

    1. A fine of $500 and a suspension of up to six months
    2. A $50 fine with no possible suspension
    3. A fine of $100 up to $250 and a suspension of up to 30 days
    4. A fine of $1,000 as a civil violation
    Show answer

    A fine of $100 up to $250 and a suspension of up to 30 days. Rhode Island law scales the penalty for operating without financial security in effect. A first offense can bring a suspension of up to 30 days and a fine of $100 up to $250. A second offense raises the possible suspension to six months with a $500 fine, and a third or later offense can bring a suspension of up to one year and a $1,000 civil fine. The flat $500 figure printed in the driver's manual matches only the second offense. A driver stopped without the insurance card has one business day to show coverage that existed at the time, so keep proof in the vehicle with the registration.

14. 14. After failing the Rhode Island road test, how long must an applicant wait before retaking it?

    1. At least 30 days
    2. At least 7 days
    3. Until the next business day
    4. At least 90 days
    Show answer

    At least 30 days. Failures must wait at least thirty days before retaking the road test, and there are no same day returns. If the test vehicle is rejected, for example for illegal window tint, or the applicant lacks proper documentation, the road test must be rescheduled. Seven days and the next day are not the rule, and 90 days is longer than required. Use the waiting period for supervised practice on the maneuvers that were failed.

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

    1. Accelerate through before another vehicle arrives
    2. Assume the vehicle on the wider road always goes first
    3. Treat the intersection as if a yield sign were present
    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 were present. Slow down, scan in every direction, and yield when another road user has priority or the situation is uncertain. Road width does not automatically decide who proceeds, and accelerating removes reaction time. Waiting for a visible pedestrian is also too narrow because vehicles and bicycles may cross your path. The practical cue is absence of control, which means extra caution and yielding judgment.

16. 16. Who may use a cellular phone while driving in Rhode Island?

    1. Only a driver stopped at a red light
    2. Any driver if using a hands-free device
    3. A minor whenever the call lasts less than one minute
    4. A driver under 18 only during an emergency
    Show answer

    A driver under 18 only during an emergency. Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, including a hands-free device or speakerphone. The stated exception for a minor is an emergency. A short call is still phone use, and hands-free equipment does not create a general permission for a minor. Being stopped at a red light does not turn the vehicle into a parked location for this rule. The cue is age and operation: under 18 means no phone use while driving except for an emergency.

17. 17. When a solid line is on your side of a two-way roadway, what does it mean?

    1. Change lanes freely if the road appears empty
    2. Pass whenever the vehicle ahead is moving below the limit
    3. Cross only to pass a truck or bus
    4. Do not pass or cross the line, except for listed emergencies or a legal turn
    Show answer

    Do not pass or cross the line, except for listed emergencies or a legal turn. The solid line on your side controls your movement, so passing and crossing it are prohibited in ordinary travel. The manual recognizes narrow exceptions, including an emergency, a breakdown, an object in the roadway, parking, or a legal turn. A slow vehicle does not cancel the restriction, and an empty road does not make a crossing automatically lawful. The useful visual cue is line placement: the solid line beside your lane means stay put unless an identified exception applies.

18. 18. If another driver is tailgating you on a highway, what response does the manual recommend?

    1. Change lanes when possible and avoid speeding up or braking suddenly
    2. Brake hard to make the tailgater increase distance
    3. Speed up so the other driver cannot pass
    4. Call attention to the driver with repeated horn use
    Show answer

    Change lanes when possible and avoid speeding up or braking suddenly. A tailgater reduces the margin for stopping, but provoking that driver can turn a problem into a road rage event. The manual advises changing lanes when possible, staying calm, and avoiding sudden braking or acceleration. Increasing speed is not a safe solution because the following vehicle remains too close at a higher speed. Keep looking ahead, create room around your own vehicle, and let the impatient driver pass when a safe opening exists.

19. 19. What does a steady green traffic light allow a Rhode Island driver to do?

    1. Proceed without checking for anyone
    2. Proceed with caution while avoiding vehicles and pedestrians
    3. Treat the light as a stop sign
    4. Reverse through the intersection
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution while avoiding vehicles and pedestrians. A steady green light permits movement, but the manual pairs that permission with caution. The driver must avoid colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian. A green indication does not remove the need to scan the intersection, and it does not authorize reversing or treating the signal as a stop sign. Check the path before entering, especially for a pedestrian still clearing the crossing or a driver violating a red light. The useful cue is green means go only when clear, with the driver retaining responsibility for a safe path.

20. 20. What fine range does the Rhode Island adult penalty table list for a first chemical test refusal?

    1. $200 to $500
    2. $800 to $1,000
    3. $100 to $300
    4. $1,000 to $5,000
    Show answer

    $200 to $500. The adult chemical test refusal table lists, for a first violation, a 6 month to 1 year license suspension, a $200 to $500 fine, a $200 Department of Health chemical testing program assessment, a $500 highway safety assessment, 10 to 60 hours of community service, and a special course or treatment. The $800 to $1,000 range is for a third or later refusal. The $100 to $300 range is the fine for a first DUI at 0.08% to 0.1%, and $1,000 to $5,000 is far above any refusal fine in the table.