Rhode Island DMV Practice Test 2026

The Rhode Island DMV knowledge exam consists of 40 questions drawn from the Rhode Island Driver's Manual and General Laws Title 31. Contact the RI DMV directly to confirm the current passing score — figures of 70% and 80% have been reported by different sources, and the official threshold should be confirmed before your appointment.

Rhode Island has a two-tier system for underage drivers. A BAC at or above 0.02% but below 0.08% triggers the civil 'Driving While Impaired' offense under § 31-27-2.7 — not a criminal DUI. At 0.08% or higher, criminal DUI (§ 31-27-2) applies to any driver regardless of age. The 0.02% threshold is not 'zero tolerance' — drivers below 0.02% do not face a civil impairment violation.

Rhode Island's DUI statute (§ 31-27-2) includes an enhanced penalty tier triggered at 0.15% BAC or higher. Penalties include mandatory ignition interlock device installation, extended license suspension, and significantly higher fines. This enhanced tier applies in addition to the base DUI penalties.

Rhode Island's Graduated Driver Licensing program: Stage 1 permit requires age 16 plus completion of a 33-hour in-person CCRI-certified driver education course (online courses not accepted since 2022). Stage 1 requires a 6-month holding period and 50 supervised hours (10 at night), certified by an adult affidavit. Stage 2 provisional drivers face a 1:00 AM–5:00 AM curfew (exceptions for work and school athletics) and a maximum of 1 unrelated passenger under 21 in the first 12 months.

Rhode Island § 31-22-30 bans ALL handheld device use for every driver — calling, texting, navigation, and music streaming. Adults 18 and older may use hands-free devices. Drivers under 18 face an absolute ban on ALL device use (handheld and hands-free), with the only exception being a genuine 911 emergency call. Fines: 1st offense $100, 2nd $150, 3rd or more $250.

Rhode Island § 31-20-12 requires all approaching vehicles in both directions to stop when a school bus displays red warning lights. An exception applies for divided highways with a physical median barrier. Drivers must maintain at least a 50-foot following distance behind a school bus in the same lane. First-offense fine for failing to stop: up to $300.

Rhode Island has primary seat belt enforcement (§ 31-22-22) — officers can stop a vehicle solely for a seat belt violation. The base fine is $40. Children must use an approved child restraint system if they are under 8 years old AND under 57 inches tall AND under 80 pounds — all three conditions must be present. Children under 2 years old or under 30 pounds must be in a rear-facing restraint.

Rhode Island § 31-22-24 requires drivers to turn on the vehicle's interior dome light whenever stopped by law enforcement before dawn or after dusk. This law — unusual among U.S. states — allows the officer to see inside the vehicle more easily during nighttime stops, improving safety for both the driver and the officer. It is directly tested on the Rhode Island DMV knowledge exam.