Rhode Island Driver's License

Commercial Driver Licenses

In Rhode Island, the DMV issues specialized CDLs for individuals operating large or heavy vehicles for commercial purposes. Rhode Island CDLs are divided into three distinct classes, which include Class A, Class B, and Class C, each tailored to specific vehicle types and weights.

Class A

Vehicles falling under this class have a gross combined mass rating of at least 26,001 pounds, with the dragged vehicle surpassing 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers and tanker trucks.

Class B

This category includes single vehicles with a gross combined mass rating of at least 26,001 pounds, as well as vehicles towing units under 10,000 pounds, such as straight trucks and large buses.

Class C

Drivers must obtain a license under this classification if they operate vehicles that transport 16 or more passengers or carry hazardous materials.

Non-Commercial Driver Licenses

In Rhode Island, non-CDLs are categorized into three main types: Limited Provisional License, Full Operator's License, and Motorcycle License.

Limited Provisional License

This license is issued to drivers aged 16½ to 17 after holding a learner's permit and gaining supervised driving experience. It allows young drivers to drive under specific restrictions before obtaining a full operator's license at age 18.

Full Operator's License (Class D)

The Class D license is for personal vehicles like cars and small trucks. As part of the application process, individuals must pass vision and knowledge exams and must provide proof of identity.

Motorcycle License

This license is required for operating motorcycles. Applicants must complete a motorcycle safety course and pass knowledge and practical riding tests to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.

Vision Screening

Vision screening is essential to the driver's licensing process at the Rhode Island DMV. All new applicants must pass a vision test, whether for a learner's permit or a driver's license. This requirement ensures that all drivers possess the necessary visual acuity for safe driving on public roads.

The vision screening can be completed at any DMV office or by presenting an Eye Exam Card filled out by a state-licensed physician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.

The Rhode Island DMV mandates a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. Applicants who do not meet this standard are referred to a vision specialist for further examination and potential correction.

If an applicant uses corrective lenses during the vision test, a restriction is placed on their license, indicating that corrective lenses must be worn while driving. If correction is necessary, a statement from an eye care professional confirming that the applicant's vision meets DMV standards must be provided.

The vision screening procedure at the Rhode Island DMV generally involves reading letters or symbols from a standardized chart at a specified distance. Additional depth perception, peripheral vision, and color recognition tests may also be conducted to verify if the driver possesses comprehensive visual capabilities.

Applicants with medical conditions or disabilities affecting their vision may need to submit additional documentation from a healthcare provider. The DMV may grant waivers or special accommodations based on these specific circumstances and professional recommendations.

Knowledge Exams

Individuals 18 years and older in Rhode Island must take a computerized knowledge exam at the DMV Cranston headquarters. Applicants under 18 who have completed a driver education class at an approved driving school must also take the test at the Cranston DMV.

The knowledge exam requires a reservation, which can be made through the DMV's online reservation system. The exams are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2:45 PM.

Computerized exams are offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. For other languages, a printed format can be requested, which requires scheduling in advance to allow for preparation.

Applicants must bring one proof of identity, their Social Security Number or a letter from the Social Security Administration, and two proofs of Rhode Island residency. Those under 18 need an original Driver's Education Certificate and a parent or guardian's presence or notarized signature.

Preparation involves studying the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, which contains all the necessary information for the exam.

Rhode Island DMV Road Test

To begin the Rhode Island DMV road test process, applicants must obtain a valid Rhode Island learner's permit, practice driving with a licensed adult, and learn the state's traffic rules, signs, and safe driving practices.

For applicants under 18, they must complete a Rhode Island driver education course available at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and other approved schools such as:

• AAA Driving School
• Labonte's Auto School
• Newport County Driving School
• The MET Driving School

Afterward, applicants must schedule the road test through the Rhode Island DMV Road Test Scheduler or by visiting a local DMV branch. On the day of the appointment, they must bring their state learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of Rhode Island residency, and any other necessary documents.

On test day, the vehicle must pass a safety inspection by the Rhode Island DMV. This inspection confirms that brakes, lights, horns, and mirrors function correctly. The vehicle must also have valid Rhode Island registration and insurance.

The test starts with a pre-drive check of the vehicle's safety features. Then, it continues with basic driving maneuvers, on-the-road driving in Rhode Island traffic, and parking exercises.

Vehicle Maneuver

Maneuvering involves the skilled and precise handling of a vehicle to navigate various driving situations and environments. If an individual has mastery in operating a vehicle, it enhances their driving efficiency and safety, which contributes to a smoother driving experience and prevention of accidents on the road.

To find out if an individual truly understands the vehicle dynamics, examiners will assess the applicant's ability to execute the following tasks:

• Pre-Drive Safety Check
• Starting the Vehicle
• Stop and Go
• Turns (left, right, U-turns, three-point turns)
• Parking (parallel, angle, incline)
• Lane Changes
• Backing Up
• Navigating Intersections
• Speed Control
• Right-of-Way Rules
• Defensive Driving

After the test, the Rhode Island DMV examiner provides immediate feedback. Applicants receive instructions on obtaining their Rhode Island driver's license if they pass. If they fail, the examiner gives feedback on areas needing improvement and information on rescheduling.

Rhode Island Driver's License Fees

Driver's license fees in Rhode Island can be paid using cash, money orders, personal checks, bank checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, Discover, Visa, and American Express). Checks should be made payable to the DMV. Third-party and temporary/starter checks are not accepted.

The fees for obtaining a driver's license in Rhode Island are as follows:

• Instructional Permit (age 18 and older): $7.50
• Limited Instructional Permit (under age 18): $12.50
• Limited Provisional License (under age 18): $24.50
• Road Test: $27.50
• First Full Operator's License (age 18 and older): $39.50

Meanwhile, additional fees include a minimum service fee of $1.55 or 2.40% for credit card transactions over $65.

After payment, the process includes receiving a temporary paper license valid for 60 days. The permanent driver's license is typically mailed within 45 days. The temporary license allows the driver to legally operate a vehicle on the state road while waiting for the regular driver's license.

For the latest information and specific requirements, individuals must consult the Rhode Island DMV website or contact them directly at (401) 462-4368.

License Renewal

In Rhode Island, the process for renewing a driver's license through the DMV offers multiple options.

Online

Renewing a driver's license online in Rhode Island is a streamlined and convenient process designed to save time and hassle. Drivers can renew their licenses up to 90 days before the expiration date, which makes it easy to stay compliant with state regulations without the need for an in-person visit.

To begin the online renewal process, drivers must visit the DMV Drivers License/State ID/CDL Renewal System. The system will guide them through a series of prompts, which require the input of personal information and the current driver's license number.

During this process, applicants will not receive a temporary license. The new license will be mailed to them within a few weeks.

In-person

This method is accessible to all drivers, particularly those who need to update their personal details. When choosing this method, applicants must visit a DMV office equipped with the required documents. Moreover, they need to complete the application form, pass any required tests, and pay the applicable fees.

By Mail

Mail renewal is an option for those who have received a notice from the DMV. To start this process, applicants must complete the renewal notice, attach the necessary documents and payment, and mail it to the DMV, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.

Note that no temporary license is issued through this method. For payment, if not using a check or money order, individuals must include a completed Form LI-1 along with a credit card authorization form. In the absence of a mailed notice, the individual must use the Registration Renewal form to proceed.

The fees for renewing different types of driver's licenses in Rhode Island are as follows:

• Operator's License (5 years): $62.50
• Operator's License (8 years): $100
• State ID (5 years): $26.50
• State ID (10 years): $53.00
• Duplicate License/ID: $27.50
• Provisional Driver License: $20

License Replacement

Several methods are available to replace a lost or damaged driver's license in Rhode Island.

Online

The DMV Duplicate License Request Service System should be utilized to replace a lost or damaged driver's license. This service employs the photo and signature from the previous license. During the process, the applicant can confirm or update their organ donor and voter registration status.

A receipt can be printed or emailed upon completion for law enforcement purposes. The service operates within specific hours and guarantees the new license is processed and mailed within a specified timeframe.

In-person

For in-person license replacement, an individual must visit any Rhode Island DMV branch and complete and sign the Form LI-1. They must bring all necessary documents to the office for verification. Once the application and documents are submitted, the duplicate license is processed, and this new license will be issued to the applicant.

By Mail

If an individual is temporarily out of state due to school, work, or military service, the Rhode Island DMV allows replacement requests by mail. The individual must complete Form LI-1 and send it with the payment to the DMV office in Cranston, RI. The mail requests require the same documentation as in-person applications.