The driving skills (road) test proves you can handle a car. You bring the car, the paperwork and a qualified adult. Missing one document or a burned-out bulb means you go home and reschedule, so check everything the night before.
Know the rule
All first-time applicants must take the driving skills test. Drivers with a valid license from another state do not.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
You provide the car. It must be registered in Rhode Island, actively inspected and insured, and the registered owner or owner's spouse must be in it—otherwise bring a notarized letter from the owner giving permission.
Handbook p. 12 ↗What the test covers:
- Pre-driving procedures
- Maneuverability test
- Parallel parking
- Three-point turnabout
- Backing maneuver
- Other common driving experiences
Reasons for immediate failure:
- Seat belt violation (driver and/or passenger)
- Stop sign violation
- Running over a curb or cone with one or more wheels
- Intervention by a passenger (verbal or physical)
- Collision with a barrier
- Any dangerous action
Documents to bring:
- Original permit—no photocopies
- Signed, notarized affidavit of 50 hours driving (all drivers under 18)
- Supervising driver's license (out-of-state license is acceptable)
- Notarized letter allowing use of the vehicle if the registered owner is not present
- Notarized letter from a corporation's owner/president if using a corporate vehicle
Vehicle requirements:
- Valid Rhode Island registration and two plates
- Valid RI insurance card—electronic or photocopy OK, owners listed on it
- Leased vehicles: proof of the lessee
- Valid inspection sticker unless under 2 years old and 24,000 miles or less
- No rental vehicles and no pets (certified service dogs allowed with documents)
- Legal window tint only
Know the rule
Registration exceptions: a vehicle registered to a military family member or a military person stationed in RI (valid military ID required), or a driving school car with out-of-state plates that has form GU-1338b on file.
Handbook p. 13 ↗The examiner's safety inspection checks:
- Starting the engine
- Brake lights
- Front and rear turn signals
- Low and high beam headlights
- Hazard lights
- Tires and horn
- Windows (must roll down) and legal tint
Know the rule
A parent, legal guardian or instructor who qualifies as a supervising driver must be present. Instructions are given in English; a Spanish and Portuguese vocabulary list is available.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
If documents are missing or the car is unsafe, you must reschedule—you may not leave to get missing documents and come back.
Handbook p. 13 ↗Know the rule
Know your controls without looking: wipers, headlights and the hazard button (usually a red or white triangle on top of the steering column or in the center of the dash).
Handbook p. 13 ↗Minimum wait before retaking a failed driving skills test
Handbook p. 70 ↗Know the rule
If no appointment is available before your permit expires a second time, you may need to retake the knowledge exam and get a new permit—but you can't take the exam until your present permit has expired.
Handbook p. 14 ↗Grounds for immediate termination of the test:
- Missing or violating any requirement
- Collision or any Title 31 motor vehicle violation
- Dangerous actions or leaving the designated roadway
- Dangerously inexperienced driving
- Lack of cooperation with the examiner
- Equipment failure or erratic operation of the vehicle
Put it into practice
You arrive in your mom's 3-year-old car with a photocopy of your permit and she stays home without writing a notarized letter. The examiner sends you away: the permit must be original, and the absent owner needed a notarized letter. You can't fetch them and return—you must reschedule.