A DMV learners permit in Rhode Island is a credential issued to residents who wish to operate a motor vehicle on public roads before they reach 18 years of age. The Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV), which is administered by the state Department of Revenue (DOR), issues limited instruction permits to individuals who are between 16 and 18 years of age, as well as instruction permits to applicants who are 18 years of age or older. In order to be eligible for a drivers permit, motorists will have to satisfy certain requirements and meet the eligibility criteria.

General drivers permit requirements in RI include preparing the mandatory documentation, passing the written knowledge test, paying for the applicable fees and obeying the restrictions placed on these learning credentials. For more information about how to apply for a learners permit in Rhode Island, continue reading the sections below.

Rhode Island Learners Permit Eligibility Guidelines

To become eligible for a Rhode Island learners permit, residents need to first satisfy certain criteria, which may vary based on the age of each applicant. In general, the DMV issues two types of permits: a limited instruction permit and an instruction permit. Applicants between 16 to 18 years of age are generally eligible for a limited instruction permit. However, they need to complete a 33-hour driver education course in order to qualify for the credential.

On the other hand, when applying for an instruction drivers permit in RI, first-time motorists must be at least 18 years of age. After satisfying the basic eligibility drivers permit requirements, applicants will be mandated to meet other requirements, such as submitting certain documents, passing the mandatory tests and paying the applicable fees.

How to Apply for a Learners Permit in Rhode Island

Applicants who want to obtain a learners permit in Rhode Island must perform the appropriate procedures and gather the mandatory paperwork. Prior to getting a learners permit, motorists have to identify which type of credential they can to apply for, which depends on their age.

While the DMV offers limited instruction permits for residents who are between 16 and 18 years of age, an instruction permit is only offered to applicants who are older than 18 years of age. Rhode Island residents may apply for a limited instructional permit by fulfilling the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years of age.
• Complete a 33-hour driver education course certified by the CCRI (Community College of Rhode Island).
• Visit a local RI DMV office along with a parent or legal guardian who can provide proof of identification.
• Submit a completed Application for License, Identification Card and Permit (form LI-1).
• Provide proof of date of birth.
• Submit proof of Social Security Number (SSN).
• Provide proof of state residency.
• Pass a written knowledge exam.
• Pay for the applicable fees.

The Rhode Island Drivers Permit Test

Prior to getting a learners permit in Rhode Island, motorists must visit a DMV location and take a knowledge test. While applicants of all ages can take the RI DMV permit test, drivers who are younger than 18 years of age must complete a driver education program and provide a certificate of completion in order to be eligible to take the exam.

Motorists who are preparing for the drivers permit test can choose different languages in which they will take the test. Overall, the RI DMV offers this computerized test in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Moreover, applicants may also take a foreign-language DMV permit test in a printed format at certain DMV branches.

When getting ready for the learners permit test, applicants are encouraged to prepare themselves by studying with a Rhode Island driver’s manual. Otherwise, motorists can take a drivers permit practice test, which will provide them with the opportunity to practice their knowledge before taking the official DMV test.

Note: If an applicant fails to pass the learners permit test, he or she will have to wait at least eight days in order to take it again.

Rhode Island Driving Permit Rules and Restrictions

After getting a learners permit in Rhode Island, applicants will be required to obey certain rules and driving restrictions that apply for a limited instructional permit. For instance, permit holders who are younger than 18 years of age will have to satisfy the following learners permit rules and restrictions:

• Motorists must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and who has held a license for five years or more.
• The accompanying motorist must be seated in the passenger seat beside the permit holder.
• Passengers being transported by a permit holder must wear seat belts at all times.

Obeying these RI learners permit rules and restrictions will prevent you from losing your driving privileges and help you proceed to the next stage of the licensing system.

Rhode Island Learner Permit Fees

A payment for the Rhode Island DMV permit price must be submitted as the final step of the permit application procedure. Overall, motorists must pay the learner permit fee of $11.50.

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