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Rhode Island teens on a Limited Instruction Permit must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night (sunset to sunrise), before the road test. The hours are confirmed to the DMV on an affidavit. This checklist covers who can supervise, how to log the hours and how to plan them across the 6-month permit period.
Key facts (checked November 2026)
- Total: 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving.
- Night: at least 10 of the 50 hours, sunset to sunrise.
- Supervisor: a parent or guardian, a driver 21 or older licensed for at least 5 years, or a Rhode Island licensed driving school.
- Timing: the road test comes after 6 months on the permit.
Who can supervise a Rhode Island permit driver?
| Supervisor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Parent or guardian | Yes |
| Other adult (relative, family friend) | At least 21 and licensed for at least 5 years |
| Driving school | Must be a Rhode Island licensed driving school |
An older sibling who is 21 but has only held a license for 3 years does not qualify. A 19-year-old friend does not qualify.
The Rhode Island 50 hour affidavit: what to check
Every driver under 18 must bring a signed and notarized affidavit of the 50 hours to the driving skills test. A parent or guardian signs it to state that you completed at least 50 hours with a supervising driver, 10 of them at night. Bring it with your original permit and the supervising driver’s license.
Book the notary a few weeks early so it does not hold up your test date.
How to log the hours
- CCRI encourages families to use the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program and the RoadReady app to log hours.
- Record each drive the same day: date, start and end time, day or night, conditions and who supervised.
- Mark night drives clearly so you can show the 10-hour minimum at a glance.
A 6-month plan for 50 hours
| Months | Target hours | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | About 15 | Quiet streets and lots: starting, stopping, steering, turns |
| 3 to 4 | About 20, including night drives | Busier roads, four-way stops, lane changes, highways |
| 5 to 6 | About 15 | Rain and darkness, parking, test-style drives |
That works out at about 2 hours a week. Spreading the night hours through fall and winter is easier, as it gets dark earlier.
What to cover with your supervisor
- Merging onto highways
- Rain, fog and snow
- Parking, including hills
- Sharing the road with bikes, motorcycles and trucks
Common questions
How many hours do you need to drive with a permit in Rhode Island?
50 hours, with at least 10 at night.
Can my grandparent supervise me?
Yes, if they are at least 21 and have been licensed for at least 5 years.
Do driving school lessons count?
A Rhode Island licensed driving school is one of the allowed supervisors. Check the affidavit form for how school hours are recorded.
Does the 50 hour log need notarizing in Rhode Island?
Yes. The Rhode Island Driver’s Manual says the 50-hour affidavit must be signed and notarized for every driver under 18.
What counts as night driving?
Driving between sunset and sunrise.
Does driver’s ed count toward the 50 hours?
No. The 33-hour course is classroom only. See Rhode Island 33 hour driver education.
Back to the Rhode Island learner driver guide. Next: the Rhode Island road test checklist. Compare states: supervised driving hours by state.
Sources
- Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, “Rhode Island Driver’s Manual” (April 2024) (dmv.ri.gov)
- Community College of Rhode Island, “Rhode Island Driver Education & Traffic Safety” (ccri.edu)
- Community College of Rhode Island, “Graduated Driver License: Road Map To Get Your License” (ccri.edu)