Obtaining a Limited Instructional Permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Rhode Island. You are eligible to apply if you are at least 16 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Rhode Island who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months (greater than three years if you are over 18 and applying for an Instruction Permit)

HOW TO OBTAIN A LIMITED INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local DMV office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you have to pass a mandatory 33 hour driver education course from the Community College of Rhode Island before applying.
3. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must sign the application and should have their signature notarized.
4. Visit your local DMV office to submit the application. You must bring with you:
5. The completed permit application.
6. Driver education certificate (If under 18).
7. Provide proof of identity, Rhode Island residency and signature.
8. Your Social Security card.
9. Cash, personal checks or money orders for the permit fee - $11.50 if you are under 18 years of age and $6.50 if you are 18 or older.
10. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the DMV. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a Limited Instructional Permit which is valid for one year.

When driving with a limited instructional permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older who has held a license for at least five years. This person must sit beside you.

THE LIMITED PROVISIONAL LICENSE

If you are under 18, you must wait at least six months after being issued your limited instructional permit, and complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, ten of which must be night driving. You must be under the direct supervision of an experienced adult driver. After completing the mandatory minimum hours of practice driving, you can take the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a limited provisional license. The limited provisional license in Rhode Island includes the following restrictions:

1. You are not permitted to drive between 1 am and 5 am unless accompanied by a supervising driver.
2. During the first one year, you are not permitted to carry more than one unrelated passenger less than 21 years of age.

The limited provisional license expires on your 18th birthday.

THE FULL OPERATOR'S LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 17½ years old. You must have held a Limited Provisional License for at least a year and not have any traffic convictions in the last six months to get the full operator's license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Rhode Island, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.