Parking test: Before going out on the road, you will be required to pass a parking test. Successful completion of a three-point turn is required at all MVD offices that offer road tests, with the exception of Coolidge, Holbrook, Nogales, Payson, Show Low, Tempe and Winslow, which require parallel parking. The parallel parking requirement was dropped on May 19, 2015 from the driver skills test. Because officials argued that failing applicants for their parallel parking shortcomings wasn't.
This video is meant to be an example of the closed course testing environment and does not show the actual test. The actual test is NOT based on the content of this video and may include components not seen in the video. Drivers will be tested on skills and knowledge as listed in the Rhode Island Driving Manual .
In accordance with Rhode Island General Law, prior to issuance of a first license, residents are required to pass a skills test aka “road test” in order to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills necessary to be deemed a safe driver. These tests are normally proctored by means of a motor vehicle operator examiner (MVOE) accompanying an applicant in a vehicle and directing them through a predefined route and set of maneuvers.
With the outbreak of the COVID19 pandemic in mid-March of 2020, being confined in a vehicle, for an extended period, with numerous individuals presents health concerns for the applicants and examiners.
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Road Test Office has developed this modified testing process based on the following key pillars:
Beginning in June of 2020 DMV examiners will be proctoring non-commercial skills tests on a closed course and from outside the vehicle. This testing process will consist of four segments that have been prescribed for license applicants to demonstrate that they possess the basic core skills to be deemed a safe driver.
The Closed Course Testing Guide contains information intended to help license applicants prepare for the skills test as well as how to be prepared for the day of the test. Please take the time to review this guide:
Beginning in June of 2020 DMV will be scheduling at two closed course locations, first at Providence and later in the month Cranston. Priority shall be given to any customers that have had appointments cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Any tests scheduled at branch locations (Middletown, Wakefield, or Woonsocket) may be rescheduled to one of these two closed course locations.
For the best selection of locations, dates, and times we recommend you schedule your appointment as far in advance as possible. You can schedule or reschedule an appointment at any time Online or at any DMV Branch location during normal business hours.
Costs and payment methods are listed in the DMV Fee Table.
Information regarding locations and hours of operation can be found here.
A road test must be cancelled/ rescheduled at least 48 hours before the scheduled test to avoid paying another road test fee. Cancel or reschedule an appointment at any time Online or call the Road Test Office at (401) 462-5750. Please keep in mind that our offices are not open on weekends and holidays when calling to reschedule.
You will be required to take a driving test if you have:
Individuals 18 years of age or older must hold a Learner's Permit for at least 30 days prior to their first scheduled road test.
If you are between 16 1/2 and 18 years old, you must hold a Limited Instruction Permit for at least six months prior to the first scheduled road test (or until your 18th birthday).
A minimum waiting period after a road test failure has been established to allow adequate time for applicants to acquire the necessary skills through additional instruction and practice, in order to pass the road test and be issued a full license to operate.
THE PROCEDURE FOR SCHEDULING TESTS AFTER A FAILURE IS AS FOLLOWS
*This 180-day period shall be maintained upon each failure until the applicant’s permit has exhausted the 2 possible one-year extensions or the applicant is no longer eligible for an extension, at which time a new permit must be obtained by passing the knowledge test again.
Road tests will be automatically cancelled when the Governor declares a state of emergency for the entire state, announces that all State Offices are closed, or weather conditions are considered unsafe. A DMV representative will attempt to contact you to reschedule the test as soon as the determination is made and or the state of emergency is lifted. If you are not contacted, please call the Road Test Office at (401) 462-5750.
You may reschedule a new road test at no additional fee if your road test was cancelled due to weather conditions.
NOTE: To schedule a CDL Road Test appointment, please call the Community College of Rhode Island at (401) 825-1146.