Rhode Island DMV road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Pre-driving procedures
• Maneuverability test
• Parallel parking
• Three-point turnabout
• Backing maneuver
• Starting on a hill (parking brake must hold)
• Other common driving situations

Mistakes that end the test

• Seat belt violation (driver and/or passenger)
• Stop sign violation
• Running over a curb or cone with one or more wheels
• Verbal or physical intervention by the passenger
• Collision with a barrier
• Any dangerous action, leaving the designated roadway, any Title 31 violation, lack of cooperation, equipment failure

Your car

• RI registration (exceptions: military family or stationed in RI with military ID; out-of-state driving school with GU-1338 certificate on file), two plates
• Insured; owner listed on the insurance card (electronic accepted)
• Valid inspection sticker (vehicles less than 2 years old and with under 24,000 miles are exempt)
• No rentals, antique vehicles, low-speed vehicles, pets (certified service dogs excepted), cameras or recording devices

After you pass

Drivers under 17½ (at least 17 years 6 months, 12 months on the provisional license, no moving violation or seat belt conviction in the previous 6 months) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• No unsupervised driving 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., except to/from work, volunteer fire/rescue/EMS activities, or (4-5 a.m.) between home and a school-sponsored athletic activity without school transport
• First 12 months: no more than one passenger under 21, except immediate family/household members
• All occupants belted or in child restraints
• Under 18: no cell phone use, even hands-free; fines $100/$150/$250 and loss of license until 18 on a third offense
• Provisional license expires on the 18th birthday

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.