You must complete a 33-hour driver education course to obtain a permit.
To obtain a permit, bring your course completion certificate, birth document, social security card, and License/ID/Permit Application to the DMV headquarters in Cranston to take the exam. All documents must be originals. A parent, legal guardian, licensed foster parent, or adult spouse must be present, show identification, and sign the permit application.
The permit is valid for one year or until you turn 18, whichever is greater. A road test may not be given until the permit is held for six months; however, a road test appointment may be scheduled at the time a permit is received. Costs are listed in the DMV Fee Table.
A drivers education course is not required to obtain a permit.
If you have never been issued a Rhode Island driver's license or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must apply for a driving instruction permit by taking the exam given at the Cranston DMV headquarters. You must also take a road test. Bring the License/ID/Permit Application to the Cranston DMV headquarters. Costs are listed in the DMV Fee Table.
Application for license identification card and permit (LI-1)
NCDS Road Test Form (50 hours)
Adaptive Driving Program, Inc., Mill Pond Plaza, 105 Franklin Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitative Services
State of Massachusetts Department of Motor Vehicles
Please Note: If you are interested in purchasing multiple packages, the RI permit requires classroom instruction first. Please enroll in the classroom of your choice. If you already have your RI permit, you can now enroll in one of the behind the wheel instruction packages. If you are interested in both classroom and behind the wheel instruction, please note that you must enroll and pay for each service separately.