Knowledge Exams

Applicants 18 years of age and older must come to the DMV headquarters, 600 New London Ave, Cranston to take a computerized knowledge exam prior to issuance of a learner’s permit.

Applicants under 18 who have completed a driver education class with an approved curriculum at a driving school other than CCRI must come to the DMV headquarters in Cranston with the class completion certificate to take a computerized knowledge exam.

Computerized knowledge exams are administered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. These tests are available during normal business hours by reservation only.

For languages other than English, Spanish and Portuguese, please see instructions below.

Be sure to prepare for the exam by studying the entire contents of the Rhode Island Driver's Manual and bring a completed License/ID/Permit Application as well as all required documents listed in the document checklist.

Click here on this link for the Rhode Island Driver's Manual

Foreign Language Knowledge Exams

Applicants may request to take the knowledge exam (in a printed format) in a foreign language. Foreign language exams will need to be scheduled in advance to allow DMV time to prepare the test as requested. Customers requesting this service must:

STEP 1:

Obtain a reservation for the appropriate category:

• Persons seeking a Driver Privilege Card Permit MUST obtain a reservation for:
  • Driver Privilege Transactions → Driver Privilege Card License / ID Privilege Card / Knowledge Exam

                                                                              or

• Persons seeking a Driver Permit MUST obtain a reservation for:
  • License / ID / Registration/ Permit → Written or Computerized Permit Test (NOT for Driver Privilege Card)

This reservation can be made HERE, by clicking on this link.

Important Note:  All customers shall be required to have a reservation for the appropriate type of  transaction.  Customers who have an incorrect reservation will be turned away and required to make the appropriate reservation.

STEP 2

Once you have obtained a reservation date and time, a Foreign Language Knowledge Exam must be scheduled online through the link below.  Please note that a reservation confirmation number obtained during step one of this process will be required.

Request a Foreign Language Knowledge Exam HERE, by clicking on this link.

Be sure to prepare for the exam by studying the entire contents of the Rhode Island's Drivers Manual, which can be found at the link below:

Click here on this link for the Rhode Island Driver's Manual.

Foreign Language Knowledge Exams will be administered at the Cranston DMV facility, located at 600 New London Avenue, Cranston RI 02920 at a scheduled date and time.

Applicants taking a Foreign Language Knowledge Exam must:

• Be accompanied by someone that can translate for them BEFORE and AFTER the test.
• Arrive at least one hour prior to the scheduled time and present their appointment sheet, permit application and all other required documents to the Enforcement Office (Located on the first floor) for approval prior to testing.  See checklist for the full list of documents required for a new permit.
• Only the applicant is allowed inside the exam room.

Failed Exams 

Applicants that fail to pass the knowledge exam must wait at least 8 days before retaking the exam.