Rhode Island’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

Rhode Island uses a graduated license system that requires teens to hold an instruction permit and provisional license before obtaining an unrestricted license. Below, we explain how this system works, including the requirements for each type of license. (31 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 31-10-6 (2024).)

How Can I Get a Limited Instruction Permit to Start Driving in Rhode Island?

The first step to getting your license in Rhode Island is to get a limited instruction permit. Below, we explain how to do this.

Driver's Education Requirement

Before obtaining any permit or license, Rhode Island teens must complete a driver's education course certified and approved by the Rhode Island Community College. Teens who are 15 years and ten months old can take the course, which includes 33 hours of instruction. Students are permitted to operate a dual-control vehicle (with an instructor) without a permit while on the driver's education course.

Limited Instruction Permit Application and Tests

After completing driver's education and turning 16 years old, Rhode Island teens can apply for a limited instruction permit by submitting the application, proof of residency, and a birth certificate to the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The teen's parent must sign the application at the DMV or before a notary. The signing parent will be liable for any negligence or misconduct of the applicant. The applicant must then pass the vision exam and a test covering Rhode Island traffic signs and traffic laws.

What You Can Do With a Limited Instruction Permit

A limited instruction permit authorizes the holder to drive only with a supervising driver in the front seat. Rhode Island defines a supervising driver as a parent, guardian, or certified instructor who has been licensed for at least five years. All occupants must wear seatbelts.

Penalties for Violating Instruction Permit Restrictions

Driving without a supervised adult is considered driving without a license. All other restriction violations are infractions. Infraction violations carry an $85 fine for a first offense, a $95 fine for a second violation, and a $100 fine for a third violation. (31 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 31-10-6.4 (2024).)

Who Qualifies for Rhode Island's Limited Provisional Driver's License?

Next on the list for teens working to get a driver's license is a limited provisional license. Here are the requirements and restrictions that apply to this type of license.

Requirements for a Limited Provisional License

The teen must hold a limited instruction permit for six months without any traffic violations before applying for a limited provisional license. The teen must also submit a driver's log signed by a parent indicating 50 hours of supervised driving time (including 10 nighttime hours). With all the requirements satisfied, the teen can take the driving test to obtain a limited provisional license.

Provisional License Restrictions on Hours and Passengers

The limited provisional license permits the holder to drive unsupervised but only:

• between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m.
• anytime to and from a place of employment
• anytime to and from a fire and rescue department to which the teen is a member, and
• to and from school from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. for athletic activities.

For the first 12 months, a limited provisional license holder can transport only one non-family member passenger younger than 21 years old. All passengers must always wear seat belts.

Penalties for Violations of Provisional License Restrictions

A violation of the curfew restriction is charged as driving without a license. Any other violation of the provisional license restrictions will be an infraction and carry an $85 fine for a first offense, a $95 fine for a second offense, and a $100 fine for a third offense.

When Will I be Able to Get a Full, Unrestricted Driver's License in Rhode Island?

After turning 17 years old, a teen can apply for an unrestricted license if the teen has held a limited provisional license for 12 months and has no traffic violations or seat belt tickets in the past six months.

All teens are also prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. Violations carry a $100 fine for a first offense and $150 fine for a second offense. A third offense results in a $250 fine and the teen will lose all driving privileges until age 18.

What Are Rhode Island's Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Rhode Island requires all vehicles to be properly insured. Here are the minimum requirements and the penalties for driving without adequate insurance.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage

Rhode Island mandatory liability insurance must include at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. This includes a $75,000 combined single limit. (31 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 31-32-2 (2024).)

Penalties for Uninsured Driving

Failure to have a valid insurance is a civil violation, with the following penalties:

• First offense: Up to three months license suspension and a possible fine of $100 to $500
• Second offense: Up to six months license suspension and a possible fine of up to $500
• Third offense: Up to one-year license suspension and a possible fine of up to $1,000

The driver's license won't be reinstated until he or she shows proof of valid insurance. (31 R.I. Gen. Laws Ann. § 31-47-9 (2024).)