DMV Driver Handbook in Rhode Island

SUMMARY: Rhode Island Driver Handbooks

In Rhode Island, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers a variety of resources to help you become a safer driver, such as the RI driver's manual and commercial driver's license manual. For more details about Rhode Island traffic and vehicle laws, the Vehicle Code is available online.

This page includes links to the various Rhode Island driving manuals and DMV handbooks you'll need to obtain a driver's license.

Rhode Island Driver's Manual

When you apply for a RI driver's license, you'll need to prepare for the written test by studying the Rhode Island Driver's Manual (also available in Spanish). In the DMV handbook, you'll learn about the following topics and more:

  • Rules of the road.
  • Traffic signs, signals, and road markings.
  • Applying for a RI driver's license.
  • Safety laws.
  • Safe driving habits.
  • Handling emergency situations.
  • Sharing the road with motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
  • The effects of alcohol on driving abilities.
  • Getting stopped by law enforcement.
Don't Forget an Online Practice Test!

Studying the Rhode Island driving manual is a good way to prepare for the written exam—but preparing with a comprehensive online practice test is a great way to ensure passing on your first attempt. With multiple-choice questions taken from past state exams, you'll be better acquainted with the questions you'll see on your real exam.

Rhode Island Motorcycle Manual

The Rhode Island DMV does not offer a motorcycle license DMV manual. However, you can refer to the driver's manual to learn about all the important rules of the road.

For more details about how to get licensed to operate a motorcycle in Rhode Island, please refer to our Motorcycle License page.

NOTE: You may also find it helpful to take an online Rhode Island motorcycle practice test to make sure you're ready to take the RI DMV motorcycle exams.

Commercial Driver's License Manual

If you're interested in getting your commercial driver's license (CDL) in Rhode Island, you'll need to study for the CDL written knowledge test. You can start by reading the RI Commercial Driver License Manual ( REV 2014).

The CDL DMV handbook covers a variety of subjects, including:

  • Commercial driver's license (CDL) applications requirements and fees.
  • CDL classes and endorsements.
  • Transporting hazardous materials.
  • Transporting passengers and cargo.
  • Basic vehicle control skills.
  • Pre-trip vehicle inspections.

At the end of each section, the CDL driving manual provides a series of practice questions to test your knowledge prior to the actual RI DMV written exam. For additional preparation, try an online CDL practice exam.

NOTE: The Rhode Island DMV also offers an online School Bus Manual.

Parent's Supervised Driving Guide

The Rhode Island DMV also provides The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide, to help you teach your teenager how to drive.

With this DMV handbook, you can take your teenager through each step of driving, from starting the engine to driving on a highway. It also includes a supervised driving log, which they will need to submit when applying for a RI driver's license.

RI Vehicle Code

In addition to reviewing the various DMV handbooks and drivers manuals , you can browse the Rhode Island Vehicle Code if you're interested in the laws related to RI traffic violations, vehicle registration, driver's licensing, and other related topics.

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