Rhode Island Online Driver Education and Rhode Island Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Rhode Island? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Rhode Island has implemented a graduated driver license program for Rhode Island drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Limited Instruction Permit (aka--Learner's Permit)

You may apply for a learner's permit after you turn 16 provided you have completed a 33-hour state-approved drivers education course.

When you're ready to head down to the local DMV office, remember to take the following paperwork with you:

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Completion certificate of your drivers education course
• Social Security card
• Your parent/guardian will need to be present to sign your learners permit application
• $11.50 to pay for the license fee

You will first be given a vision screening test, and then a written exam. If you pass, you'll be issued a learners permit to drive, which is valid for 1 year.

Learners Permit Restrictions:

• Whenever you drive, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old who is actively supervising your driving from the front passenger seat
• Everyone in the car must be wearing seat belts

Rhode Island Junior Drivers License

You may apply for a junior license once you meet the following requirements:

• You've held your learner's permit in good standing for at least 6 months
• You've had no moving violations or seat-belt violations in the last 6 months
• Completed 50 hour of supervised driving practice (10 of which must be at night)

When you're ready to upgrade to a junior license, call your local DMV office to schedule your road test. Take the following items with you to your appointment:

• Your instruction permit
• Your insurance card
• A car which is registered in Rhode Island and has a valid, up-to-date RI inspection sticker and 2 license plates
• A parent/guardian who qualifies as a supervising driver
• $10 to cover the license fee
• A certificate, signed by your parents, which says that you have completed 50 hours of driving practice.

If you pass the road test, you will be issued a junior license. However, some restrictions still apply:

• No driving between the hours of 1am and 5am (unless you're commuting to or from your job, a volunteer fire department, rescue squad, or EMS activity)

After you've had your junior permit for 1 year, you may apply for a full, unrestricted driver's license (provided you have maintained a clean driving record!)

Rhode Island Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Rhode Island is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $25,000--property damage per accident
• $75,000--single, combined limit

Driving without the required amount of auto insurance is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Rhode Island Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Rhode Island, and the law is strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST Rhode Island DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• Up to 1 year in jail or 10-60 hours of community service
• A fine ranging from $100 to $300
• A $500 highway assessment fee
• License suspended for up to 180 days
• Enrollment in a Rhode Island DWI course (tuition is on you)

Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, fines, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Rhode Island Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Rhode Island law currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones while they are driving (this includes both hand-held and "hands-free" cell phones).

Don't even think of text-messaging while you are driving! State law prohibits the reading, composing, and sending of text-messages while driving, regardless of how old the driver is.

Rhode Island Online Driver Education

Teen-aged drivers in Rhode Island are required to complete a state-approved drivers education course. You can find a list of approved drivers ed courses on the Rhode Island DMV website.

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.