How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Rhode Island?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Rhode Island. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island intermediate license holders must be at least 16.5 years old. There is a curfew from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Rhode Island Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Rhode Island uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

16.5

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 16
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16.5
Curfew hours: 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 non-family passenger under 21; family members exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension; clean record required for advancement

Rhode Island-Specific Information

Supervisor must be at least 20 years old and licensed for 5 or more years. Narrow curfew window (1 AM to 5 AM). Cell phone ban applies to all drivers under 18. Exceptions to curfew for work, school, and volunteer activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Rhode Island gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Rhode Island at age 16. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Rhode Island restricts driving between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Rhode Island, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 non-family passenger under 21; family members exempt.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Rhode Island at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.