State guides · Rhode Island
Rhode Island DMV written test guide
Everything you need to know about the written test in Rhode Island, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.
| Agency | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RIDMV) |
|---|---|
| Official handbook | Rhode Island Driver's Manual ↗ |
| Questions | Not published |
| To pass | Not published by the state |
| Test in Spanish? | Yes |
Computerized knowledge exam at DMV headquarters in Cranston, by reservation only; applicants under 18 who took the CCRI driver education course may test at CCRI. The test has a 90-minute maximum but usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you fail, wait at least 8 days to retake. No online test option. The DMV does not publish the number of questions or the passing score.
Rhode Island rules you need to know
- Alcohol, 21 and over: In Rhode Island the legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% BAC. Official source ↗
- Alcohol, under 21: Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or more are charged with Driving While Impaired. Official source ↗
- Following distance: Keep at least 3 seconds, adding one second for each bad weather or road condition. Official source ↗
- High beams: Dim your high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 200 feet when following. Official source ↗
- Turn signal: Signal at least 100 feet before turning. Official source ↗
- Fire hydrant: Do not park within 8 feet of a fire hydrant. Official source ↗
- Crosswalk: Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Official source ↗
- School bus: You need not stop for a school bus on the opposite side of a divided highway. Official source ↗
- Right on red: Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Official source ↗
- Left on red: Rhode Island law only allows right turns on red, not left turns. Official source ↗
- Cell phone: No driver may hold a phone while driving; drivers under 18 may not use one at all, even hands-free. Official source ↗
- Move Over law: Move out of the lane next to stopped emergency, tow, work or disabled vehicles; if you can't, slow down. Official source ↗
- Permit age: You can get a limited instruction permit at 16 after a 33-hour driver education course. Official source ↗
Rhode Island test FAQ
How many questions are on the Rhode Island written test?
Rhode Island doesn't publish the number of questions or the passing score; ask your local office.
Can I take the Rhode Island driver's test in Spanish?
Yes. Rhode Island offers the written test in Spanish.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Rhode Island?
You can get a limited instruction permit at 16 after a 33-hour driver education course.
What documents do I need for a permit in Rhode Island?
It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RIDMV) before you go.
Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →
10 Rhode Island practice questions
1. In Rhode Island, within how many feet of a fire hydrant is parking prohibited?
- 10 feet
- 8 feet
- 20 feet
- 15 feet
Show answer
Answer: 8 feet
Rhode Island law prohibits parking within 8 feet of a fire hydrant.
2. In Rhode Island, if you are under 21, at what BAC are you charged with Driving While Impaired?
- 0.01%
- 0.08%
- 0.02%
- 0.05%
Show answer
Answer: 0.02%
Drivers under 21 with a BAC of 0.02 percent up to under 0.08 percent are charged with Driving While Impaired.
3. What is the minimum age for a limited instruction permit in Rhode Island?
- 16
- 17
- 14
- 15
Show answer
Answer: 16
You must be 16 and have completed a 33-hour driver education course.
4. With a Rhode Island limited provisional license, during what hours may you not drive alone, with some exceptions?
- 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Midnight to 6 a.m.
- 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
- 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Show answer
Answer: 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
You may drive unsupervised from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., or to and from work and certain volunteer emergency activities.
5. You are 17 and driving in Rhode Island. May you talk on a hands-free phone?
- No, only in an emergency
- Yes, with an adult present
- Yes, at a red light
- Yes, if it is hands-free
Show answer
Answer: No, only in an emergency
Drivers under 18 may not use a phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.
6. If you fail the Rhode Island DMV knowledge exam, how long must you wait to retake it?
- At least 30 days
- Only 24 hours
- At least 8 days
- Six months
Show answer
Answer: At least 8 days
Applicants who fail the knowledge exam must wait at least 8 days before retaking it.
7. At night in Rhode Island, you are following another car. Within what distance must you dim your high beams?
- 200 feet or less
- 100 feet or less
- 300 feet or less
- 500 feet or less
Show answer
Answer: 200 feet or less
The 500 and 200 rule: dim within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and 200 feet when following.
8. Besides English, in what languages does the Rhode Island DMV give the computerized exam?
- Spanish and French
- No other languages
- Spanish only
- Spanish and Portuguese
Show answer
Answer: Spanish and Portuguese
The computerized exam is offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese; other languages can be requested in printed form.
9. In Rhode Island, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?
- 30 feet
- 25 feet
- 10 feet
- 20 feet
Show answer
Answer: 20 feet
Do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
10. In Rhode Island, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
- 50 feet
- 25 feet
Practice with Rhode Island rules
360+ voiced questions, a practice test in your state's format and video lessons.
Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.