Rhode Island Online Driver Education and Rhode Island Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Rhode Island Learner’s Permit or first Rhode Island driver’s license. Rhode Island has a Graduated Driver License Program for Rhode Island teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Rhode Island driver’s license goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Rhode Island Limited Instructional Permit or Rhode Island Learner’s Permit
When you turn 16, you can finally apply for a Rhode Island Limited Instruction Permit, otherwise known as a Rhode Island Learner’s Permit. In order to apply, you need to:
- Complete a 33-hour Rhode Island approved driver education course
- Acquire a Rhode Island Driver’s Manual so you can study for the test
- Bring a certified birth certificate (not a copy), your driver education certificate, and a Social Security card
- Your parent/guardian must sign your Rhode Island Instructional Permit application
- Don’t forget the Rhode Island license fee of $11.50
Once you’re ready, head on down to your local Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with your parent or guardian and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a vision test, as well as a written exam. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Rhode Island Limited Instruction Permit, which is valid for 1 year. Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is at least 21, has held a valid driver license for 5 years, and is sitting beside you All passengers must wear seatbelts, and be sure to carry your Rhode Island Limited Instruction Permit with you at all times.
Once you’ve held your Rhode Island Limited Instruction Permit for 6 months and have met a few more requirements, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Rhode Island Graduated License Program, the Rhode Island Limited Provisional License.
The Rhode Island Junior Driver License and Rhode Island Full Driver License
You can apply for your Rhode Island Limited Provisional License once you’ve held your Rhode Island Limited Instruction Permit for 6 months and have met a few requirements:
- Hold your Rhode Island Limited Learner’s Permit for at least 6 months in good standing
- No Rhode Island moving violations or safety belt convictions for the previous 6 months
- Completed 50 hours of driving practice with a supervising driver
- At least 10 practice hours must be at night
If you’ve completed these requirements, then make an appointment and head on down to your local Rhode Island DMV. Be sure to bring:
- Your valid Rhode Island Limited Instruction Permit
- Proof of active insurance (an insurance card)
- A vehicle registered in Rhode Island with valid RI inspection sticker and two plates
- A parent/guardian who qualifies as a supervising driver
- $10 license fee
- Certificate of 50 hours driving practice signed by your parent/guardian
Then you’ll have to take the dreaded Rhode Island road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Rhode Island Limited Provisional License. However you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Rhode Island Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
Although with supervision you can still drive at any time, there are a few restrictions for your Rhode Island Limited Provisional License that you must follow:
- No driving between 1AM and 5AM unless you’re driving to/from work, a volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or emergency medical service activity
If you violate any of these Rhode Island teen driver license restrictions, your Rhode Island Learner’s Permit or Rhode Island Provisional Instruction License may be suspended.
After you’ve had your Rhode Island Provisional Instruction License for 1 year, you can apply for a Rhode Island Full Operator’s License. Then, these restrictions are removed. Just go on down to your local Rhode Island DMV--you know the drill. Freedom!
Rhode Island Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Rhode Island Limited Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive--or are you? Not quite yet, because Rhode Island drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
- $75,000 combined single limit
If you are in an accident and discovered driving without Rhode Island mandatory liability insurance, your Rhode Island license could be suspended.
Rhode Island Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a Rhode Island teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Rhode Island drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most state, Rhode Island has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Rhode Island DUI or Rhode Island DWI, you face addition penalties to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a Rhode Island DUI with a blood alcohol concentration of .08, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail up to 1 year and/or
- Community Service 10-60 hours
- Fine of $100-$300 (for .08 BAC)
- Highway Assessment $500
- License Suspension from 30 days to 180 days
- A Rhode Island DWI course
And of course, further Rhode Island DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Rhode Island license suspension or even Rhode Island license revocation.
Currently, Rhode Island teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving, and this includes hands-free devices. The fine is $50 for your first and second offense. Upon your third conviction, your Rhode Island Limited Instructional Permit or Rhode Island Limited Provisional License will be suspended until you turn 18! As a whole, Rhode Island drivers are prohibited from sending text messages while driving. The fee is $85 for first conviction, $100 for the second, and $125 for the third.
Rhode Island Online Driver Education
Rhode Island teen drivers are required to take a Rhode Island approved driver education course. You can find more information about approved Rhode Island online driver education on the Rhode Island DMV website.
