Frequently Asked Questions

Thedrivers ed in Rhode Island is provided by the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), which offers a comprehensive course of both lectures and riding, plus training motorcycles. As there is no separate motorcycle manual, you may wish to study Rhode Island Driver s Manual for basic preparation.

The driving course will expect that you:

• Complete a 16.5-hour training program which consists of:
• Six and a half hour lecture.
• Two five-hour riding ranges.
• Carry a bike helmet to classes.
• Carry weather-appropriate clothes to classes.

CCRI will appoint you a riding coach. More info on class schedule, methods and payment is available at CCRI registration point.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

You will also need to carry a helmet to classes when you attend the motorcycle driving course to get your bike license.

The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) can give you more details on other equipment necessary to pass the bike drivers course.

When supplying your helmet, think of the specific regulations that you need to adhere to: it needs to be DOT certified and exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218).

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

The burden of responsibility that comes when one holds a license to drive commercial vehicles requires you to visit the main DMV office in Cranston, in person to apply for a CDL that needs to be renewed.

For more information: How to Renew Commercial Driver s License (CDL) in Rhode Island

Only when you successfully pass the written drivers test you can go on to apply for the driving permit.

For more information: DMV Practice Tests Get Your Permit the First Time

However, usage of the CDL license between states depends on the type issued and on guidelines each state has on:

• Definitions for commercial motor vehicles (CMV).
• Standards for endorsements.
• Medical requirements.
• Intrastate or interstate commerce requirements.

If you decide to use the CDL license out of the state, it is best to check at nearby DMV locations on the transfer, upgrade or added endorsements requirements you need to get to comply with traffic regulations for CDL license owners.

For more information: Rhode Island Commercial Driver s License Application

It is advisable to have in mind the definitions for a moped or a scooter so that you can check your vehicle against them and make sure not to drive an unauthorized vehicle. Both motor vehicles are:

• Two-wheeled.
• With maximum 50cc capacity.
• Cannot exceed 30 mph.

If you wonder about the specific requirements for a motorized bike, a trike or a customized bike, you may want to check if the particular one needs to go under the procedure for motorcycle registration at a nearby DMV location.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island

It will not be an additional financial burden as it is free of charge.

The only thing that needs to be done is submitting a Veteran Designation Form which needs to be signed off by your officer in charge.

In support, you also need to present your DD 214 discharge form with honorable credentials to qualify for the designation.

For more information: Rhode Island Veteran Benefits

If you are an experienced driver and you wish to drive commercial vehicles, you need to:

• Bring your regular Rhode Island drivers license, which you have held for at least two years.
• Bring your Social Security Card.
• Complete the application for commercial driver s license.
• Pass both CDL written and skills tests.
• Obtain CDL instruction permit.
• Provide a valid medical card or certificate.
• Pay the $11.50 fee.

A chauffer application is separate. You may wish to locate a DMV to check specifics on how to apply as chauffer.

For more information: Rhode Island Commercial Driver s License Application

• Limited instruction permit
• Instruction permit

To get alimited instruction permit,beginner drivers who are state residents need to be between 16 and 18 years old. When you submit the required documents and pay the driving permit fees in your nearest DMV location office, you must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian who need to sign the application.

An instruction permit is issued to drivers over 18 who do not own a drivers license or whose license has been expired for more than 5 years. Drivers ed is not required.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island

You will then need to obtain all necessary documents, submit an application, pass all tests and pay the fees. You will initially receive your motorcycle permit which is valid for 18 months. After a period of 30 days a full motorcycle driving license will be issued to you.

Unless you provide Minor Release Agreement Form from your parents,you must be over 18 to enroll into the procedure to get your motorcycle license.

A motorcycle license, which has been issued by another state, can be verified and converted into a valid Rhode Island drivers license.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

• ID Application form/LI-1 form
• A certified birth certificate/Proof of Identity Document
• Social Security Card
• Proof of residency
• $26.50 fee

The Rhode Island Application for License, Identification Card and Permit Form gives a specific list of valid documents acceptable for the ID card replacement. A note to have in mind in terms of identity proof is that your tax identification number cannot be considered as such.

Section E of the form refers to data important for a lost ID card. The service is provided for free to citizens aged 59 or more.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Rhode Island Driver s License or ID Card

Renewing your drivers permit requires thatyou submit your application to a local DMV office, in person.

You are expected to bring the current driving permit, a renewal form and your Social Security Card for identification. Rhode Island Driver s Manual offers additional details for renewal of your drivers license.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island

The all-inclusive application document for ID cards and licenses of the state of Rhode Island will be the basic form that you will need to submit at a DMV office.

Below you may find a list of everything that needs to be enclosed in the application cluster:

• ID Application form/LI-1 form
• Proof of identity
• Your old/expired ID card
• Supporting documentation for a non-U.S. citizen status verification.
• Proof of residency
• $26.50 fee

There is a fee exemption for senior citizens aged over 59.

For more information: How to apply for a Rhode Island Identification Card

In addition, most recent medical regulations for commercial driving license ask certified medical examiners to send secure monthly medical reports to the relevant commercial transport authority.

For more information: Rhode Island Commercial Driver s License Application

You can renew your motorcycle license in Rhode Island either in person or online. To renew in person, you need to be a Rhode Island resident and prepare and submit the following documents to the DMV location convenient for you:

• Identification document
• Current motorcycle license
• Renewal form
• $26.50(or $30 with vanity) renewal fee
• Written knowledge test or a road test certificate (if the license has been expired for more than three years)

DMV will firstly issue a temporary permit, so that you can continue driving uninterrupted for the first 60 days. When the regular motorcycle license is finally processedit will be mailed to the address you have provided.

Rhode Island DMV offers online renewals which you can process with a credit card.

For more information: How to Renew/Replace a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

If you wish to check benefits that arise from military association leverage you are encouraged to check at a nearby DMV address.

Some advantages come out from the attributions that are associated with regular driving license. DMV Rhode Island can provide a Veteran Designation Form free of charge. There is an option of renewing motorcycle license online which can make the procedure easier for people abroad. Military persons who hold a CDL license can get a CDL Military Skills Waiver which allows them to opt out of the skills test.

For more information: Rhode Island Motorcycle Drivers

When you turn 17, and provided you have held the limited provisional license for at least 12 months, you are eligible to apply for a full operator sdrivers license.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island

To be well prepared and sure you will obtain the identification cardon time, please get in touch with DMV offices to see the frequency that is usual for your location.

For more information: Rhode Island DMV Office Contact Information

• If you are under 70, you need to renew your CDL license every five years.
• If you are over 70, you need to renew your commercial driving license every two years.

Please note that CDL licenses expired for more than one year cannot be renewed. If you fail to renew on time, you will need to go through all written drivers exams, a road test and obtain a commercial driver’s permit beforehand.

To renew a CDL license, you need to apply in person at a DMV Cranston office, which will usually send out a reminder.Upon applying, you will immediately be issued a temporary CDL license valid for 60 days, and the actual license will be mailed to you.

For more information: How to Renew Commercial Driver s License (CDL) in Rhode Island

1. Prepare a notarized duplicate-request affidavit
2. Obtain a self-addressed stamped envelope
3. Prepare a check or money order for $26.50 made payable to DMV

When you go through the procedure via mail, it is advisable that you call DMV beforehand and get proper instructions for steps and fees as those may vary.

The duplicate identification card will be mailed to you on your designated address.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Rhode Island Driver s License or ID Card

If you wish to drive intrastate only, you may apply for CDL when you are 18 years old.

In both cases, you will first be issued a CDL instruction permit after you pass the written exam.

For more information: Rhode Island Commercial Driver s License Application

This restriction takes into account the sixmonths driving experience necessary to proceed from a learners permit to a provisional drivers license.

Make sure that if you are under the age of 18, you complete and submit the Minor Release Agreement Form, which will enable you to enroll into the motorcycle classes as minor.

For more information: Rhode Island Motorcycle Drivers

Below is a list of all available CDL endorsements:

• CDL H endorsements (for hazardous materials)
• CDL P endorsements (for passengers)
• CDL S endorsements (for school buses)
• CDL N endorsements (for tank vehicles)
• CDL X endorsements (for hazmat/tank vehicle combination)
• CDL T endorsements (for double/triple trailers)

You are advised to check for more on CDL endorsements in the Commercial Driver s License Manual of Rhode Island.

For more information: Rhode Island Commercial Driver s License Application

• First issuance of ID card: $26.50
• DuplicateID card: $26.50
• Renew expired ID card: $26.50
• Update ID card: $6.50

There is an age exemption of all costs for citizens aged 59 or more.

As fees may vary due to state surcharges, it is advisable that you locate a DMV and check the most recent fee in advance. A handy option at DMV locations is credit card payment option.

For more information: How to apply for a Rhode Island Identification Card

• At least 21 years old.
• In possession of a drivers license for a minimum of 5 years.
• Sitting beside you at all times to assist in emergency cases.

The adult driver who is supervising you while you keep your learners permit is responsible for any traffic violations you may commit during the first year.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island

• Medical examiner s certificate
• Self-certificate

Unless exempted (when driving government vehicles in official capacity), you must present a medical examiner s certificate issued by a licensed examiner to DMV within 15 days of issuance. A list of examiners certified when you apply for a CDL can be found here.

You must also self-certify that you can drive under the following four categories:

• Interstate commerce excepted CDL license holder
• Interstate commerce non-excepted CDL license holder
• Intrastate commerce excepted CDL license holder
• Intrastate commerce non-excepted CDL license holder

Interstate and Intrastate non-excepted CDL license holders will be required to present a current valid medical card to get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

For more information: Rhode Island Commercial Driver s License Application

Traffic violations may be the cause of extension of their learners permit period and they will not be able to get their full operator drivers license. Age-related law restrictions may apply and parent involvement may be crucial.

More information: Get a Rhode Island Traffic Ticket Lawyer to Fight Your Ticket

Therefore, the best option is to locate a DMV and check the specific requirements for the motorcycle endorsement you need to get. Further steps you need to undertake will depend on the classification of the motorcycle.

For more information: Rhode Island Motorcycle Drivers

• Limited instruction permit fee: $11.50
• Instruction permit fee: $6.50

Drivers permit application needs to go along with your birth certificate or another ID proof, a social security card, a vision test and a proof of residency. In case your last name differs from that of your parent or guardian, the application must also be notarized. Non-resident drivers under 18 need to pass a knowledge exam test.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island

• Motorcycle permit:
• Application form (Ll-1)
• Certificate of completion from the RI Motorcycle Safety Course obtained at CCRI
  • Current valid RI license
• Motorcycle license:
• Application form (LI-1)
• Current license and motorcycle permit valid for at least 30 days

The motorcycle license fee is $26.50. If you do not hold a valid Rhode Islanddrivers license you can check the things you need to do to get one here.

If you need to travel out of state the DMV will issue a motorcycle endorsement statement marked as H restriction.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

• A written exam at the second lecture.
• A riding skills test at the second driving range session.

If it happens that you fail the written knowledge exam, you will need to reschedule it with CCRI for a later available date. If you do not succeed at the riding skills test, you may need to enroll in the complete safety program again.

To avoid this, the ridingcoach who will be appointed to you when you take the motorcycle coursewill be of best help when you prepare for the test. He or she will alsotrackand advise you on your individual progress. Additional resource beneficial for preparation is the Rhode Island Driver s Manual. Practice tests are a great place to start.

For more information: How to Apply for a Motorcycle License in Rhode Island

If you intend to continue using a commercial drivers license, you will need to follow all the required steps toreinstate your suspended license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Rhode Island

• Age.
• Residence.
• Identity.

In the above sense, a driving license and an ID cards can be considered equivalent. Nonetheless, certain tests and steps are not necessary to be taken for the ID cards. The procedure and the documentation is less burdensome.

For more information: How to apply for a Rhode Island Identification Card

For more information: DMV Practice Tests Get Your Permit the First Time

It can take up to 30 minutes to complete it in full and can be made available in other languages upon request.

A useful place to prepare for passing the drivers examis DMVs Drivers Manual. The fee required is $11.50.As fees may vary, before applying for the driving test, check with your closest DMV location office.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island

Not each drivers test can be taken on the same day, so you are encouraged to plan your time accordingly. Fees may vary, so please check at DMV locations for an accurate updated fee.

There are three basic tests that are required to pass in order to get a commercial driving license. These tests include:

• Electronic/manual knowledge tests
• Road tests
• Background checks for commercial drivers carrying hazardous materials endorsement on their CDL license

More details on times and schedules for taking the drivers test necessary for obtaining commercial drivers license are available in the Commercial Driver s License Manual of Rhode Island.

For more information: Rhode Island Commercial Driver s License Application

To check for any exceptions that may be due to age or other restrictions you are advised to contact DMV at a convenient location and ask for the status of a Rhode Island expired ID card.

For more information: How to apply for a Rhode Island Identification Card

Many services that Rhode Island DMV provides for its citizens are available online. At the moment, only drivers license can be renewed online.

To check future availability of the ID cardonline service you may wish to get in touch with your closest DMV office.

For more information: How to apply for a Rhode Island Identification Card

• Your parent
• A legal guardian
• A licensed foster parent
• An adult spouse

The legal guardian and the foster parent need to identify and verify their legal status.

For more information: Learner s Permit for Beginner Drivers in Rhode Island