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Rhode Island driver's license

Get your first license in Rhode Island after moving to the US.

How it goes

  1. 1
    You arriveYou have moved to Rhode Island and you want to drive here.
  2. 2
    Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
  3. 3
    The written testYou take the written test.
  4. 4
    Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
  5. Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

What it costs

A first license

Every listed license fee already includes a $3.50 technology surcharge.

You pay this when you apply.

If you just arrived in the US

Your immigration status

You will get a temporary paper driver's license or ID card to use while you wait for your permanent card to arrive in the mail.

If your license from another state has expired

A license expired for less than 5 years can still be transferred. If it has been expired 5 years or more, you must pass the learner's permit test — given only at the Cranston location, with a reservation — and a road test.

If you have no license to transfer

You must pass the learner's permit test and a road test. The permit test is given only at the Cranston location, and a reservation is required.

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

The DMV collects Social Security and tax identification numbers only as far as federal law requires. The number does not appear on your license, digitally or visually.

Tests you take

Eye test

Your eyesight is screened as part of the examination.

Drive test

Required if you have never been licensed in any state, if you hold a foreign-country license, or if your Rhode Island or out-of-state license has been expired for more than 5 years. Certain physical-condition restrictions also require it.

Tries you get on the written test

If your permit has been expired for two years or more, you must retake the learner's permit test.

  • If you fail, you must wait at least 8 days before retaking it.

Practice questions for the written test

You are tested on the skills and knowledge in the Rhode Island Driving Manual.

  • Study the Rhode Island Driver's Manual to prepare for the computerized knowledge exam.

Using an interpreter

You are responsible for the interpreter and carry all liability for their presence in the test vehicle.

What to bring to the drive test

The car and its insurance

Rental cars are not allowed for the road test. Also barred: cameras or recording devices, antique vehicles, low-speed vehicles, and pets.

  • You can bring your own car or use a dual-controlled vehicle supplied by the state. If you are testing for a chauffeur license, will drive only an automatic, or need a specially equipped vehicle for a disability, you must bring your own; a disabled applicant can also choose to be tested at the DMV office nearest their home.

  • The examiner inspects the car — valid RI registration and plates, a valid RI inspection sticker, directional lights, headlights, brake lights, hazard lights, tires, windows that roll down, and sunscreen or aftermarket window tinting — and a failed item ends the visit before the test starts. Vehicles less than 2 years old and under 24,000 miles do not need the inspection sticker.

  • You can take the road test in a car you supply or in a dual-controlled vehicle supplied by the state.

Where to go

Who gives the tests

DMV examiners give the road test. The examiner watches from outside the vehicle on a closed course rather than riding with you.

Booking an appointment

You can book an appointment at ridmvreservations.ri.gov.

Office locations

You can find DMV offices and their hours at dmv.ri.gov/locations-hours.

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Every source, quoted18 sources

Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

Applying for a driver's license in Rhode Island?

Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.

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