Automatic Fail: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid on the Rhode Island Road Test

The Rhode Island road test, conducted at the Cranston DMV, is the final, practical assessment of your driving skills. While the examiner scores you on a variety of maneuvers, some errors are considered so hazardous that they result in an immediate, automatic failure. Being aware of these critical mistakes is the best way to ensure you don't make them on test day.

To help you succeed, here are 10 of the most common mistakes that will automatically fail your Rhode Island driving test, and how you can practice to avoid them.

1. Disobeying a Traffic Sign or Signal

This is the most fundamental error and an instant test-ender. The examiner must see that you respect and obey all traffic controls.

The Mistake: Not coming to a full and complete stop at a stop sign (a "rolling stop"). Running a red light. Ignoring a "Yield" or "Do Not Enter" sign.
How to Avoid It: At every stop sign, bring the vehicle to a full stop behind the white line. Make a conscious effort to feel the car's momentum cease before proceeding. Be alert and scan ahead for signs and signals as you approach any intersection.

2. Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way

Forcing another driver or a pedestrian to take evasive action to avoid hitting you is a major safety violation.

The Mistake: Pulling out in front of an oncoming car, causing them to brake hard or swerve. Not yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Failing to yield to traffic when making a left turn.
How to Avoid It: Be patient and defensive. Always look left, right, and left again before pulling into traffic. Never assume another driver will slow down for you. When in doubt, the safest move is to yield.

3. Examiner Intervention

If the driving examiner has to take physical control of the car (grabbing the wheel) or give a sharp verbal command ("Stop!") to prevent a collision, your test is over.

The Mistake: Drifting toward a parked car, failing to see a stopped vehicle ahead, or starting an unsafe maneuver that forces the examiner to react.
How to Avoid It: This failure is usually the result of another error, like lack of observation. Stay focused, maintain a safe following distance, and constantly scan your surroundings to anticipate hazards before they become emergencies.

4. Speeding

Exceeding the posted speed limit, even by a few miles per hour, demonstrates a lack of control and a disregard for the law.

The Mistake: Driving over the speed limit at any point during the test. Examiners are particularly strict about this in residential areas and near schools.
How to Avoid It: Be constantly aware of the posted speed limit and check your speedometer frequently. If no limit is posted, know the default RI speed limits (e.g., 25 mph in a residential district).

5. Lack of Observation at Intersections

Simply stopping at a stop sign isn't enough. You must show you are actively looking for hazards.

The Mistake: Coming to a stop but then pulling out without adequately looking both ways for cross-traffic. Not scanning for pedestrians or cyclists.
How to Avoid It: Make your head movements obvious. Exaggerate turning your head to the left, then to the right, then back to the left one more time before proceeding from a stop. This shows the examiner you are being observant.

6. Poor Vehicle Control

The examiner must feel safe in the car with you. You need to be in command of the vehicle at all times.

The Mistake: Consistently jerky braking or acceleration, weaving within your lane, taking turns too wide (entering the oncoming lane), or driving up onto a curb.
How to Avoid It: Get very comfortable with the specific vehicle you will use for your test. Practice in it until controlling the gas, brake, and steering is second nature and your movements are smooth.

7. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)

Maintaining a safe space cushion around your vehicle is a core principle of defensive driving.

The Mistake: Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, leaving no room to stop safely if they brake suddenly.
How to Avoid It: Use the "three-second rule." Watch the car ahead of you pass a stationary object like a signpost. It should take you at least three full seconds to reach that same spot. Increase the distance in bad weather.

8. Making an Improper Turn

Turning seems simple, but there are several ways to do it incorrectly and fail.

The Mistake: Turning from the wrong lane (e.g., a left turn from the right lane). Turning into the wrong lane (e.g., turning left and immediately going into the far right lane). Forgetting to use your turn signal.
How to Avoid It: Plan your turns in advance. Get into the correct lane early. Remember the rule: turn from the lane closest to you into the lane closest to you. Signal your intention every time.

9. Causing a Collision

It may seem obvious, but any contact with another vehicle, a fixed object (like a sign), or a pedestrian is an automatic fail.

The Mistake: Misjudging distance and bumping a car during a maneuver, scraping a curb during a turn, or making any other form of contact.
How to Avoid It: Practice makes perfect. Work on maneuvers like the three-point turn in a safe, open area until you have a solid understanding of your vehicle's dimensions.

10. Violation of Any Other Traffic Law

This is a catch-all category. Any illegal action can be grounds for failure.

The Mistake: Making an illegal U-turn, failing to wear your seatbelt, or using your cell phone for any reason.
How to Avoid It: Know the Rhode Island Driver's Manual inside and out. Turn your phone off completely and put it out of reach before the test begins. Make following the law your top priority.

By keeping these critical errors in mind during your practice sessions, you can build the safe driving habits needed to pass your road test with confidence.