Pass the RI Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You Need to Know
The first major hurdle on your path to a Rhode Island driver's license is the computerized knowledge test, often called the permit test. This exam is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of the state's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices before you begin your supervised driving. The test format may vary, but the content is always drawn directly from the official Rhode Island Driver's Manual.
To help you prepare and feel confident walking into the DMV, we have compiled 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics you're almost certain to see on the real exam. Study these, understand the reasoning behind the answers, and you'll be on your way to success.
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. A person with a Limited Provisional License is not allowed to drive between what hours? a) 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. b) Midnight and 5 a.m. c) 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. d) 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Answer: c) 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Explanation: Rhode Island's GDL law imposes a curfew on provisional license holders between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., with limited exceptions for work or volunteer activities.
2. In Rhode Island, a supervising driver accompanying a permit holder must be at least 21 years old and have been licensed for how long? a) 1 year b) 2 years c) 3 years d) 5 years
Answer: d) 5 years. Explanation: The supervising driver must be a responsible, experienced driver who is at least 21 years of age and has held a valid driver's license for a minimum of five years.
3. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean? a) Stop and wait for a green light. b) The light is about to turn red. c) The same thing as a stop sign. d) Slow down and proceed with caution.
Answer: d) Slow down and proceed with caution. Explanation: A flashing yellow light is a warning. It means you should slow down, be aware of your surroundings, and proceed through the intersection with caution.
4. When parking your vehicle on a hill facing uphill with a curb, you must turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: c) Away from the curb. Explanation: This is a critical safety rule. By turning your wheels away from the curb, if your car's brakes fail, the front tire will roll back and catch the curb, stopping the vehicle. Remember the phrase "Up, Up, and Away."
5. Under Rhode Island law, you must use your headlights when visibility is less than: a) 1,000 feet. b) 750 feet. c) 500 feet. d) 200 feet.
Answer: c) 500 feet. Explanation: You must have your headlights on from sunset to sunrise and any other time when there is not enough light to see people or vehicles clearly at a distance of 500 feet.
6. For the first 12 months, a driver with a Limited Provisional License may carry how many non-household passengers under the age of 21? a) Zero b) One c) Two d) Three
Answer: b) One. Explanation: This GDL restriction is designed to limit distractions for new drivers. Only one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member is allowed, unless a supervising driver is also in the car.
7. This sign (an octagon shape) always means: a) Yield. b) Stop. c) Warning. d) No Passing.
Answer: b) Stop. Explanation: The octagon shape is used exclusively for stop signs to ensure they are instantly recognizable, even from a distance or if covered in snow.
8. To get a Limited Provisional License in Rhode Island, a teen must complete how many hours of supervised driving? a) 33 hours. b) 40 hours. c) 50 hours. d) 60 hours.
Answer: c) 50 hours. Explanation: Applicants for a provisional license must submit a signed affidavit from a parent or guardian certifying that they have completed 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours taking place at night.
9. A solid white line on the road: a) Separates traffic moving in opposite directions. b) Marks the right edge of the roadway. c) Indicates a passing zone. d) Means the road is ending.
Answer: b) Marks the right edge of the roadway. Explanation: Solid white lines are used to mark the right shoulder of the road and to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction (where lane changes are discouraged). Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
10. What is the minimum age to obtain a Limited Instruction Permit in Rhode Island? a) 15 b) 15 and a half c) 16 d) 16 and a half
Answer: c) 16. Explanation: A prospective driver must be at least 16 years old and have completed a certified driver education course to apply for a learner's permit in Rhode Island.
11. This road sign (a diamond shape) indicates what type of message? a) Regulatory (a law). b) Warning (a potential hazard). c) Guidance (directions or information). d) Motorist services.
Answer: b) Warning (a potential hazard). Explanation: Diamond-shaped signs are used to warn drivers of existing or potential hazards on or near the roadway, such as a sharp curve, slippery road, or an intersection ahead.
12. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with its lights and siren active, you must: a) Continue at the same speed. b) Speed up to get out of the way. c) Pull over to the right side of the road and stop. d) Stop immediately in your lane.
Answer: c) Pull over to the right side of the road and stop. Explanation: You must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. This means pulling as far to the right as is safe and coming to a complete stop until the vehicle has passed.
13. In Rhode Island, what is the "Three Second Rule" used for? a) Judging how long it takes to stop. b) Determining a safe following distance. c) The time you have to report an accident. d) The time you should wait at a stop sign.
Answer: b) Determining a safe following distance. Explanation: To use the rule, watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object (like a sign). Then, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
14. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs when requested by law enforcement, what is the consequence? a) A warning. b) A mandatory fine only. c) Immediate suspension of your license. d) You must attend a driver retraining course.
Answer: c) Immediate suspension of your license. Explanation: This is Rhode Island's "Implied Consent" law. By driving, you have consented to such a test. Refusal results in an automatic license suspension, even if you are later found not guilty of DUI.
15. Bicyclists on the road: a) Are not allowed on roads with cars. b) Must always yield to motor vehicles. c) Are considered vehicles and must obey all traffic laws. d) Should ride against the flow of traffic.
Answer: c) Are considered vehicles and must obey all traffic laws. Explanation: Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. They must follow all signs, signals, and rules of the road. Motorists must share the road and give them adequate space.
How to Study: The best way to prepare is to thoroughly read the Rhode Island Driver's Manual. Use these practice questions to test your knowledge on key topics. Good luck!
