Get your first driver's license in Rhode Island

Online or in person

No, in person · At least two visitsYou apply for the permit in person. Online you can make the office reservation the DMV requires and schedule, change or cancel the road test. The computerized knowledge exam and permit at the Cranston headquarters, by reservation only, then the road test in Cranston at least 30 days later.

Cost

$8.50 permit + $28.50 road test + $44.50 licenseDMV fees, including a $3.50 technology surcharge. Paying by credit card adds a service fee (at least $1.55). Every road test, including a repeat, costs the road test fee.

You leave with

Learner's permit, then an operator's license

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Application form (LI-1) · all that apply
     Write your Social Security number on the form. If you are under 18 and a parent or guardian is not with you, their signature on the form must be notarized.
   • Proof of identity
     Original documents only, no photocopies, with your legal name and date of birth. If you got or renewed your passport in the last six months, bring a second identity document.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certified birth certificate (Filed with a state office of vital statistics)
     • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
     • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
     • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
     • Unexpired Employment Authorization Document
     • Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94
     • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
   • Proof of Rhode Island residency · 2 different documents
     No P.O. boxes. Bills, statements, checks and agency letters must be dated within the past 60 days; a lease or insurance policy must be currently in effect.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill (In your name or an immediate family member's)
     • Personal check, bank statement or payroll check
     • Lease agreement currently in effect (Handwritten leases are not accepted)
     • Letter from a Rhode Island state agency or a federal agency
     • Homeowner's, renter's or auto insurance policy currently in effect
     • School record from the current school year (Minors only; report card, diploma, transcript or ID card with your address)
     • Rhode Island license or ID of the person signing your application (Minors only)
   • Road test paperwork · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • Original permit (Photocopies are not accepted)
     • Proof of valid Rhode Island registration for the vehicle
     • Valid Rhode Island insurance card (A photocopy is accepted)
     • License of the supervising driver (An out-of-state license is accepted)
     • Notarized letter or Vehicle Use Authorization from the owner (If the registered owner is not present)
     • Completed LI-1 form (For the first license. Under 18, it must be notarized if a parent or guardian is not present or has a different last name.)
   • Payment · all that apply
     Cash, money order, personal or bank check (payable to Division of Motor Vehicles) or credit card. Third-party and temporary checks are not accepted.

2. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Rhode Island Permit Practice Test: 40 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Rhode Island practice test

3. Pass the knowledge exam and get a learner's permit

   Driver education is not required at 18 or older. Make a reservation and bring the LI-1 application and your documents to the DMV headquarters in Cranston (600 New London Avenue) for the computerized knowledge exam, offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Study the Rhode Island Driver's Manual first. If you fail, wait at least 8 days to retake it.

   Knowledge exams (DMV) ↗

4. Hold the permit at least 30 days

   You can take the road test after holding the learner's permit for 30 days. The DMV says that at 18 or older you may drive alone with the permit until the test. The permit is valid one year and can be renewed once; after that you must pass the knowledge exam again.

5. Pass the road test in Cranston

   Schedule it online or at any DMV branch; book early for the best choice of dates. Operator's license road tests are given in Cranston: the DMV's road test checklist names Skills Course A (1 Regan Ct.) and Skills Course B (behind the DMV at 600 New London Avenue). Tests run on a closed course with the examiner outside the vehicle. Bring a vehicle with valid Rhode Island registration and insurance; the examiner checks its inspection sticker (vehicles less than 2 years old and with 24,000 miles or less are exempt), lights and tires before the test. Cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours ahead, or you pay the road test fee again.

   Road tests (DMV) ↗

6. Get your operator's license

   After you pass the road test, apply for the license with the completed LI-1 form and pay the first license fee. Any DMV branch issues a first license after the road test.