Rhode Island permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost

Rhode Island permit test questions, answered with facts from the Rhode Island DMV.

The Rhode Island computerized knowledge exam (learner's permit) has 40 questions (motor vehicle laws and rules of the road), in 90 minutes, per the Rhode Island DMV; the Rhode Island DMV does not publish a pass mark; questions come from the official Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024).

Practice format (site format): The Rhode Island DMV does not publish a pass mark; reported pass marks differ, so our practice tests use a site format of 40 questions with 32 correct (80%) to pass, within the official 90-minute limit.

The Rhode Island computerized knowledge exam in brief

How many questions are on the Rhode Island permit test?

The Rhode Island computerized knowledge exam has 40 questions (motor vehicle laws and rules of the road), per the Rhode Island DMV.

What is the pass mark for the Rhode Island permit test?

The Rhode Island DMV does not publish a pass mark for the Rhode Island computerized knowledge exam. Our practice tests use 32 of 40 (80%) (a site format).

Is the Rhode Island permit test hard?

You need 32 of 40 (80%) to pass, so in our 40-question site format you can get at most 8 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.

How much does the Rhode Island permit test cost?

$13.50 — Limited instruction permit (under 18), per the Rhode Island DMV.

Is there a free Rhode Island permit practice test for 2026?

Yes. This site has 2 free Rhode Island computerized knowledge exam practice tests for 2026, each with 40 questions and our site-format pass mark of 32 of 40 (80%), plus a free road-sign quiz.

Time limit, retakes, age and ID

How long is the Rhode Island permit test?

The Rhode Island computerized knowledge exam has a 90 minutes time limit, per the Rhode Island DMV.

Can I retake the Rhode Island permit test if I fail?

Knowledge Exams page (read 2026-10-14): 'Applicants that fail to pass the knowledge exam must wait at least 8 days before retaking the exam.' No attempt limit found. New License Permits page (read 2026-10-14): 'Learner's permits for persons age 18 and older are valid for a period of one year. Learner's permits may be renewed for one (1) additional one-year period, after which the permit holder shall be required to pass the knowledge exam again'; the under-18 permit 'is valid for one year or until the applicant turns 18, whichever is greater.' Excerpt (not on the pages read): the under-18 permit 'can be renewed a maximum of two (2) times'.

How old do you have to be to take the Rhode Island permit test?

The minimum age is 16, per the Rhode Island DMV.

What do I need to bring to the Rhode Island permit test?

Excerpts only (New License Permits page, license checklist): a permit 'can be issued to any Rhode Island resident who is 16 but less than 18 years of age, and has completed the 33 hour driver education course certified by the Community College of Rhode Island'; original driver education completion certificate (under 18); one proof of identity (e.g. 'a certified copy of a birth certificate filed with a State Office of Vital Statistics or an unexpired passport'); Social Security number on the application or an SSA ineligibility letter; two proofs of Rhode Island residency; application LI-1; applicant accompanied by 'a parent, guardian, adult spouse, or licensed foster parent' (LI-1 notarized if the parent or guardian is not present). 18+: no driver education course required; must pass the computerized knowledge exam at DMV headquarters, 600 New London Ave, Cranston.

Which handbook is the Rhode Island permit test based on?

The official Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024). You can read it on the official site.

Official source: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV). Handbook: Rhode Island Driver's Manual.

Start the free Rhode Island computerized knowledge exam practice test 1 · Road-sign quiz

Last updated October 14, 2026.

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