How to Get Your Driver's License in Rhode Island
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in Rhode Island. Rhode Island uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.5.
GDL Stages in Rhode Island
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older with 5+ years experience
Limited Provisional License
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
- Complete 50 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- No more than 1 non-family passenger under 21
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Hold limited provisional license for 12 months
- Clean driving record
Restricted License Rules
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. during the limited provisional phase.
- Only 1 non-family passenger under 21 is allowed.
How restrictions lift: Restrictions lift after 12 months with a clean record or at age 18.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to provisional license restrictions and may apply directly for a full license.
Rhode Island-Specific Information
Rhode Island requires the supervising driver during the permit phase to have at least 5 years of driving experience, which is one of the longest experience requirements for supervisors in the country. The nighttime curfew starts late at 1 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 17.5 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Limited Provisional License, Full Unrestricted License.
- No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. during the limited provisional phase.
- Only 1 non-family passenger under 21 is allowed.
Adults age 18 and older in Rhode Island can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to provisional license restrictions and may apply directly for a full license.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
Rhode Island learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.