After you pass in Rhode Island: restrictions and your licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how to collect your provisional license after passing.
• You can state the night driving limit and its exceptions.
• You can apply the passenger rule correctly.
• You can say when you qualify for a full license.

What you need to know and understand

• Get the provisional license at the DMV before your permit expires, with a parent, guardian, licensed foster parent or adult spouse unless their signature is notarized.
• You may not drive alone between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
• Exceptions: driving to or from work, or volunteer fire, rescue or EMS duties if you are a member.
• From 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. you may drive alone between home and a school-sponsored athletic activity when the school provides no transport.
• For the first 12 months, no more than one passenger under 21; immediate family and household members do not count.
• Everyone in the car must be belted or in a child restraint.
• Under 18 you may not use a phone at all while driving.

Collecting your license

After you pass, go to the DMV and get your provisional license before your permit expires. If you are under 18, a parent, guardian, licensed foster parent or adult spouse goes with you, unless their signature on the application is notarized. The adult must live in Rhode Island and qualify as a supervising driver. Check the DMV fee table for the current license fee.

The night limit

With a supervising driver beside you, you may drive at any hour. Without one, you may drive from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. you may drive alone only:

• To or from work.
• To or from an activity of a volunteer fire department, rescue squad or emergency medical service you belong to.
• From 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., between home and a school-sponsored athletic activity with no school transport.

Passengers and belts

For the first 12 months, you may carry no more than one passenger under 21. Brothers, sisters and others in your immediate family or household are exempt, so they do not count toward the limit. Passengers 21 or older are not affected. Everyone must be belted at all times, and as the driver you are responsible for it.

Moving up to a full license

You can get a Full Operator's License before 18 once you are at least 17, have held the provisional license for 12 months and have had no moving violation or seat belt conviction for 6 months. Because the permit stage lasts at least 6 months from age 16, most teens reach this point at about 17 and a half. Apply with a parent, guardian, adult spouse or licensed foster parent. The full license removes the time and passenger limits. The provisional license expires on your 18th birthday. Our guide to the limited provisional license rules has more examples.

Common mistakes

• Driving two non-family friends under 21 in your first year.
• Driving home alone at 1:30 a.m. from a party, which is not a listed exception.
• Taking a hands-free call because you are now licensed. The under-18 phone ban still applies.
• Getting a seat belt ticket and delaying your full license.

Test yourself: After you pass in Rhode Island: restrictions and your licence

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

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Driver’s Ed
• Rhode Island 50 Hour Driving Log and Affidavit Checklist