The Rhode Island knowledge (permit) test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the two ways to take the Rhode Island knowledge exam.
• You can state the number of questions and the time limit at the DMV.
• You can say what to study and where to retake a failed exam.
• You can explain who does not need to take the exam.

What you need to know and understand

• Students in the CCRI 33-hour course take the DMV knowledge exam through the college as the course final.
• CCRI says students need a score of 70% to pass that final exam.
• At the DMV, the computerized exam has 40 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute maximum.
• First-time adult applicants and anyone who fails the exam through CCRI take it at the DMV main office in Cranston.
• An online reservation is required for the DMV exam.
• The exam can be given in other languages on request.
• Drivers licensed in another state do not take the exam but must surrender their old license.

Two routes to the same exam

If you are 16 to 18, you take the 33-hour classroom course first. When you complete it at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), the course final exam counts as the official DMV knowledge test (the permit test). CCRI states the passing score is 70%.

If you fail it through CCRI, took the course at another approved driving school, or are 18 or older and skipping the course, you book an online reservation and take the computerized exam at the DMV main office in Cranston. That version has 40 multiple-choice questions and you get up to 90 minutes.

What the questions cover

Questions are based on Rhode Island motor vehicle laws and the rules of the road, and the DMV tells applicants to study the Rhode Island Driver's Manual. Expect questions on licensing rules, signals and markings, right of way, speed, sharing the road, alcohol and drugs, and what to do after a crash.

• Graduated licensing rules, including the 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. limit and passenger rules.
• Blood alcohol limits: 0.08 for everyone, and 0.02 for drivers under 21.
• School bus stops, right on red, four-way stops and roundabouts.
• Phone rules: no phone use at all for drivers under 18, and no texting or handheld use for anyone.

A simple study plan

Our practice test and our guide to how the Rhode Island permit test works are good next steps.

1. Read the Rhode Island Driver's Manual one chapter at a time, and make notes on every number you see.
2. Use practice questions to find weak areas, then reread those chapters.
3. Focus on rules that are special to Rhode Island, such as the under-18 phone ban.
4. Get a good night's sleep and arrive early with any documents your course or the DMV asks for.

Common mistakes

• Studying only general US rules and missing Rhode Island specifics such as the under-18 phone ban.
• Turning up at the DMV without a reservation.
• Rushing. You have up to 90 minutes at the DMV, so read every option.
• Assuming the textbook alone is enough. The DMV points applicants to the state manual.

Test yourself: The Rhode Island knowledge (permit) test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Rhode Island Permit Test
• Rhode Island Permit Practice Test
• Learning to Drive in Rhode Island