Rhode Island: 30 Hardest Driving Test Questions
Questions that need a second thought, picked for close numbers, exceptions and easy-to-confuse rules. Take your time.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Rhode Island Driver’s Manual" (April 2024), Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
All 30 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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The manual says to watch for signs and markings that show a railroad crossing is ahead. What shape and color is that sign, as the manual describes it?
- Octagonal and red
- Circular and yellow
- Rectangular and white
- Triangular and orange
Show answer
Correct answer: Circular and yellow
The manual describes the railroad crossing ahead sign (RR) as a circular yellow sign.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 46
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What does the term "limited access" mean?
- There are no speed limits on these roads
- There are no intersections on these roads
- Only certain drivers may use these roads
- There are no entrances or exits on these roads
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Correct answer: There are no intersections on these roads
The manual says "limited access" means there are no intersections on these roads.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 35
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What does "covering the brake" mean?
- Pressing the brake pedal lightly while still pressing the accelerator
- Taking your foot off the accelerator and hovering over the brake without touching it
- Setting the parking brake before the intersection and releasing it after
- Tapping the brake pedal repeatedly to flash the brake lights behind you
Show answer
Correct answer: Taking your foot off the accelerator and hovering over the brake without touching it
Covering the brake means keeping your foot ready over the brake pedal so you can push it if a hazard arises.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 41
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What is the fine, after a violation is sustained, for a child riding in the front seat or a child over age 7 not in a child restraint system?
- $55.00
- $85.00
- $100.00
- $150.00
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Correct answer: $85.00
The manual states an $85.00 fine for these child restraint violations.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 27
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After failing the driving skills test for the first time, how long must you wait before your next appointment?
- At least 7 days
- At least 14 days
- At least 60 days
- At least 30 days
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Correct answer: At least 30 days
You may not retake the test right away; you must wait at least thirty days.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 14
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What should a pedestrian do on arriving at a roundabout crosswalk?
- Look right for oncoming vehicles and bicycles
- Cross at once if the crosswalk is marked
- Look left for oncoming vehicles and bicycles
- Wait for the traffic signal to turn green
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Correct answer: Look left for oncoming vehicles and bicycles
On arriving, pedestrians should look left in search of oncoming vehicles and bicycles.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 41
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If the road is wide enough to do so without crossing the centerline, what should you do while preparing to turn left?
- Move close to the curb so no one can pass on your left
- Stop in the middle of the lane so following vehicles must wait
- Leave room for following vehicles to pass you on your right
- Move to the right edge of the lane so no one can pass you
Show answer
Correct answer: Leave room for following vehicles to pass you on your right
When the road is wide enough and you do not cross the centerline, you leave room for following vehicles to pass on your right.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 29
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If a truck is pulling a trailer, how long is the blind spot behind it?
- About 10 feet
- About 20 feet
- Over 50 feet
- Over 100 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Over 50 feet
The blind spot behind a truck pulling a trailer is more than 50 feet long.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 52
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How far behind emergency vehicles does the manual say to drive?
- 500 feet
- 100 feet
- 300 feet
- 1,000 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 500 feet
The manual says to always drive 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 36
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Under the Move Over Law, what must you do on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction when you approach a designated vehicle?
- Stop completely until the designated vehicle has left the area
- Keep your lane and sound your horn to warn the vehicle
- Move over only if the vehicle has its siren turned on
- Move over by changing lanes away from the vehicle when it is safe
Show answer
Correct answer: Move over by changing lanes away from the vehicle when it is safe
You must change lanes away from the designated vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 36
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If an officer stops you at nighttime, what are you required to do with the interior lights?
- Turn them off and keep the headlights on
- Turn all lights off, headlights included
- Turn them on and leave them on
- Flash them twice, then turn them off
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn them on and leave them on
If an officer stops you at night, the manual says you are required to turn the interior lights on.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 67
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How far may it take a train to come to a complete stop after applying the brake?
- A quarter of a mile
- A mile and a half
- Half a mile
- Three miles
Show answer
Correct answer: A mile and a half
The manual says a train may need a mile and a half to stop after the brake is applied.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 46
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If a vehicle fire is out of control, how far away should you move?
- At least 10 feet
- At least 25 feet
- At least 100 feet
- At least 50 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 100 feet
A fuel fire can cause the fuel tank to explode, so the manual says to move at least 100 feet away.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 46
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A police report is required for a collision if the property damage is over what amount?
- $500
- $2,500
- $5,000
- $1,000
Show answer
Correct answer: $1,000
The manual's list of cases that need a police report includes property damage over $1,000.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 65
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Motorists wishing to turn should not enter a shared turn lane unless they intend to turn within what distance?
- 100 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 300 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 100 feet
Drivers must not enter the shared turn lane unless they intend to turn within 100 feet.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 38
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A 12-ounce container of beer has about the same amount of alcohol per serving as which of these?
- A 4-to-5-ounce glass of wine
- A 10-ounce glass of wine
- A 3-ounce shot of hard liquor
- A 20-ounce glass of wine
Show answer
Correct answer: A 4-to-5-ounce glass of wine
The manual says a 12-ounce beer, a 4-to-5-ounce glass of wine and a 1 to 1 1/2 ounce shot of liquor have about the same alcohol.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 60
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For a second DWI violation (BAC 0.02% - 0.08%) under age 18, how long is the license suspension?
- 6 – 12 months
- An additional 2 years
- Up to 30 days
- Until age 21
Show answer
Correct answer: Until age 21
A second DWI under 18 brings a license suspension until age 21.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 62
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Most people experience “lows” in alertness between midnight and 6 a.m. and again between approximately what times?
- 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- Noon and 2 p.m.
- 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Show answer
Correct answer: 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The manual says most people have lows from midnight to 6 a.m. and from about 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 21
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What is the penalty for a third and subsequent offense of a driver under 18 using a cellular phone while driving?
- A $250 fine and loss of license for 30 days
- A $250 fine and loss of license until 18 years of age
- A $150 fine and loss of license until 21 years of age
- A $500 fine and loss of license for one year
Show answer
Correct answer: A $250 fine and loss of license until 18 years of age
A third or later offense brings a $250 fine and loss of license until age 18.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 37
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After seeing danger, about how long does it take the average driver to apply the brake?
- About 1/4 of a second
- About 1 1/2 seconds
- About 3/4 of a second
- About 2 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: About 3/4 of a second
The manual says the average driver needs about three-quarters of a second to apply the brake.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 28
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In the orderly visual search pattern, how far ahead is the target area where you search intersections, driveways and parked vehicles?
- 1-2 seconds
- 20-25 seconds
- 12-15 seconds
- 30-35 seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: 12-15 seconds
You evaluate your front zones in the area you will reach after traveling 12-15 seconds.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 50
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On dry level pavement, with a driver reaction time of 3/4 second, what total stopping distance does the manual give for a vehicle traveling 50 mph?
- 145 feet
- 175 feet
- 210 feet
- 250 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 175 feet
At 50 mph the manual's total stopping distance is 175 feet.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 28
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When passing a bicyclist, how much clearance does the manual say to allow, as much as possible?
- 1-2 feet
- 3-5 feet
- 7-9 feet
- 10-12 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 3-5 feet
The manual suggests allowing as much clearance as possible, 3-5 feet, when passing a bicyclist.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 55
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For a first violation of the school bus stopping law, for how long may your driver's license be suspended?
- For a period up to ten (10) days
- For a period up to thirty (30) days
- For a period up to sixty (60) days
- For a period up to ninety (90) days
Show answer
Correct answer: For a period up to thirty (30) days
The first-violation penalty may include a license suspension of up to thirty days.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 54
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What is the youngest age, on the first day of class, at which a person may register for a driver education class before turning 16?
- At least 15 years and 10 months old
- At least 15 years and 8 months old
- At least 15 years and 2 months old
- At least 15 years and 11 months old
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 15 years and 10 months old
A person may register for the class at 15, provided he or she will be at least fifteen years and ten months old on the first day of class.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 10
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A tire with less than what amount of tread may you not drive on?
- 2/32 of an inch
- 1/32 of an inch
- 4/32 of an inch
- 6/32 of an inch
Show answer
Correct answer: 2/32 of an inch
The manual says you may not drive on a tire with less than 2/32 of an inch of tread.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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The manual recommends activating your hazard lights when you back up for a distance greater than how many feet?
- 10 feet
- 20 feet
- 50 feet
- 30 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 feet
It is recommended that you use your hazard lights if you back up more than 30 feet.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 34
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The rear license plate on your vehicle must be lit so it can be seen and read from at least how far behind the vehicle?
- 20 feet
- 100 feet
- 60 feet
- 150 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 feet
The manual says the rear plate must be lit so it can be read at least 60 feet from the back of the vehicle.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 52
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Where there are signs, how close across the street from a fire station driveway may you NOT park or stop?
- Within 30 feet of the driveway
- Within 75 feet of the driveway
- Within 50 feet of the driveway
- Within 100 feet of the driveway
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 75 feet of the driveway
Across the street from a fire station driveway, where signs are posted, the limit is 75 feet.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 33
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How close to a fire hydrant may you NOT park or stop?
- Within 4 feet
- Within 15 feet
- Within 10 feet
- Within 8 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Within 8 feet
The manual lists within 8 feet of a fire hydrant as a place you may not park or stop.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 33