RI DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield RI DMV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Rhode Island, a DUI that results in serious bodily injury or death to another person is treated as what? → A felony with possible lengthy prison time
2. Which tire condition greatly increases the risk of skidding and hydroplaning in bad weather? → Worn or bald tread
3. A curb painted yellow in Rhode Island generally means: → No parking or restricted stopping in that area
4. Which document set is generally required when applying for a Rhode Island instruction permit? → Proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Rhode Island residency
5. A signer appears confused and cannot explain the document they want notarized. The Rhode Island notary should: → Refuse the notarization because the signer does not appear competent or willing
6. When parking on a hill where there is NO curb, which way should your front wheels point? → Toward the edge of the road
7. A broken (dashed) white line between lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction means: → You may change lanes when safe to do so
8. How long is the term of office for a notary public in Rhode Island? → 4 years
9. What is the rule for cell phone use by Rhode Island drivers under age 18? → All cell phone use is prohibited while driving, even hands-free
10. In Rhode Island, at what distance before a turn must you signal on a highway or in most driving situations? → At least 100 feet before the turn
11. Which of these is a legal place to stop your vehicle? → A designated parking space along the curb
12. If a Rhode Island permit holder fails the knowledge test, what typically applies before retaking it? → They must wait and may need to pay the exam fee again to retest
13. Is a Rhode Island notary required to post a surety bond to receive a commission? → No, Rhode Island does not require a notary bond
14. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and older in Rhode Island? → 0.08%
15. How does alcohol affect driving ability? → It impairs judgment, reduces reaction time, and decreases coordination
16. Under Rhode Island's Move Over law, when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights you must: → Move over a lane if possible, or slow down
17. A bicyclist ahead extends their left arm straight out to the side. This signals that the bicyclist intends to: → Turn left
18. Your brakes suddenly fail while driving downhill. What is the first defensive action you should take? → Pump the brake pedal and shift to a lower gear
19. What does a flashing red traffic signal mean? → Stop completely, then proceed when safe, as at a stop sign
20. What is required to legally park in a space reserved for persons with disabilities in Rhode Island? → A valid disability placard or plate issued to an occupant of the vehicle
21. You are merging onto a highway and a large truck is in the merge lane's path. The best action is to: → Adjust your speed to merge safely behind or well ahead of the truck
22. What does the acronym 'IPDE' stand for in defensive driving? → Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute
23. Which action helps prevent your vehicle from skidding on ice or packed snow? → Accelerate, turn, and brake gently and gradually
24. When you leave your vehicle parked on a public street, Rhode Island law requires you to: → Stop the engine, remove the key, and set the parking brake
25. You are following a motorcycle that is approaching a railroad crossing. Why should you increase your following distance? → The rider may slow suddenly or shift position to cross the tracks safely
26. Which scenario describes a proper refusal of service by a Rhode Island notary? → Refusing because the signer cannot produce satisfactory evidence of identity
27. You approach an intersection where the traffic signals are dark because of a storm power outage. How should you treat it? → As a four-way stop
28. What should a Rhode Island notary do upon legally changing their name during the commission term? → Notify the Department of State of the change
29. Which of the following statements about turnabouts is FALSE? → You can perform a turnabout within 100 feet of an intersection
30. When passing a bicyclist on a Rhode Island road, drivers must: → Leave a safe distance and pass at a reasonable speed