Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue

Driving Schools

Important Information

The Division of Motor Vehicles licenses both instructors and businesses that conduct behind-the-wheel driver training. These licensed instructors and companies are responsible for teaching their customers how to drive while they hold a valid Rhode Island Learner's Permit or Limited Learner's Permit. While teaching, instructors are required to have their instructor's license on them.

No person, unless licensed under the provisions of this chapter, shall engage in the business of giving instruction for compensation in the driving of motor vehicles and motorcycles. However, no license shall be required for a person who is engaged in teaching in a regularly recognized secondary school or college driver training program or a program in § 31-10.1-1.2, which is approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Opening a Driving School

To assist you with opening a driving school, we have listed the requirements that must be completed before approval. Please find the requirements below:

  1. Community College of  Rhode Island (CCRI) Training Course: Pass the required CCRI training course, HMNS 2290: Driver and Traffic Safety Education (new applications only). It is recommended to contact C.C.R.I in December to enroll in course 401-825-1214
  2. Create an LLC: Register your driving school as an LLC at the Secretary of State's business database (ex., Lovette's Driving School, LLC).
  3. Vehicle Registration: Ensure all vehicles are registered in the name of the driving school, as well as equipped with an auxiliary brake on the passenger side.
  4. Background Checks: Ensure all responsible agents listed on the application have received a BCI check within the past 30 days.
  5. Insurance: Contact your insurance provider and obtain a commercial insurance policy (GU1338) indicating a Driving School.
  6. Complete Applications: First, complete the application for the driving school itself. Then, complete a separate application for each instructor. The steps are listed on the back of each application. You can find the application below.

Driving Schools Applications

Driving School License Fees:

First Issuance $52.50
Renewal 1 yr $52.50

Instructor License Fees:

First Issuance $17.50
Renewal 1 yr $17.50