Rhode Island Permit Test & DMV Practice 2026 – 100% Trusted

If your headlights suddenly go out:

1. Turn on your parking lights, hazard (emergency) flashers, or turn signal.
2. Try the headlight switch a few times.
3. Pull off the road as quickly as possible and leave your emergency flashers on.

Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Do nothing until you are told to do so by the officer. You are not allowed to exit your vehicle unless asked to do so by the officer.

The Flagger ahead sign warns drivers that there is a flagger ahead, and to be especially alert in the work zone.

One of the most important caution signs is the stop ahead sign. It is placed far ahead of a stop sign when the driver’s view of the stop sign is blocked by a curve or other objects.

The three-second rule refers to a following distance. If the roadway is wet or slippery, you will need additional distance.

Yellow lines mark the center of a road used for traffic going in opposite directions. Dashed or broken yellow lines mean that passing is allowed from either direction if safe.

Before turning, check traffic behind and in front of you. Both the motor vehicle directly approaching you and the vehicle approaching on your right has the right-of-way.

Entering divided highway ahead (divided highway begins). Two-way traffic will be divided by a center strip ahead. Each roadway is one-way. Stay to the right.

Sharp Turn. The road will make a sharp turn to the left. The manual incorrectly calls this is a curve sign.

When a pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog is crossing or attempting to cross the street ahead of you, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop before arriving at the intersection and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian. Pedestrians who are blind or have low vision use the sound of traffic (including your engine) as a guide in determining when it is safe to cross a street, so never assume they will expect you to make a right turn on a red light at an intersection after stopping. Always be alert for pedestrians who are blind or have low vision, particularly if you drivean electric or hybrid vehicle that is quieter than most other vehicles on the road.

Lane reduction / road narrows. The right lane ends soon and there will be fewer lanes ahead. Drivers in the right lane must merge left when space opens up. Drivers in the left lane should allow other vehicles to merge smoothly.

When combined with the shoulder and lap belts, airbags can save lives. Children and infants should always ride in the back seats of vehicles equipped with passenger side airbags. Air bags supplement safety belts. Some motorists may have to move their seats back to establish a safety zone from a deployed airbag.

If red lights are flashing on the school bus, the law requires that motorists approaching from either direction come to a full stop and remain stopped until the red lights no longer flash. Motorists do not have to stop when the bus is opposite your vehicle on a divided highway. A divided highway is any roadway with a Jersey barrier, grass, guardrail, trees, water, etc. between the lanes of travel in opposite directions. There is also no need to stop your vehicle if a school bus is in a loading zone.

Driving while drowsy is dangerous because your senses and abilities become impaired. You may not see objects clearly, or in a timely manner. You may miss critical information like signs, lights, and sounds. It may also take you longer to process the information you take in or to make decisions in potential high-risk situations. You may misjudge speed and distances.

If you are confronted by a driver displaying aggressive behaviors toward you, follow these guidelines:

• Do not respond to the other driver. Avoid any escalation of conflict.
• Remain calm, and take a deep breath.
• Avoid eye contact with the other driver or passengers.
• Be tolerant and forgiving – the other driver may be having a really bad day and be looking for a way to vent anger.
• Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver is not. Your behavior may help reduce his or her anger.
• Be sure to allow enough room around your vehicle so that you can pull out or around if someone approaches your vehicle.
• Do not get out of your vehicle

Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, assume a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

Green arrows tell motorists they may proceed in the direction of the arrow. This is known as a protected turn. When another driver fails to stop at a red light, drivers who have a green light should not insist on the right-of-way.

A driver may pass on the right of another vehicle only as follows:

• When the motor vehicle ahead is making or about to make a left turn.
• On a street or highway that is wide enough for two or more lanes of traffic with no obstructions and not occupied by parked vehicles.
• On a one-way street or roadway wide enough for two or more lanes of traffic and free of obstructions or parked vehicles.

Under no conditions can you drive off the pavement or main traveled portion of the road to pass a motor vehicle.

To control a vehicle as it begins to skid:

1. Let off the gas.
2. Keep your foot away from the brake pedal and the clutch (if applicable).
3. Let the vehicle slow gradually.
4. Turn in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
5. Be prepared to steer left and right a few times until you get your vehicle completely under control.

This how you park on hills:

• If you park facing uphill where there is a curb, you should set the parking brake and turn the wheels away from the curb.
• In any other situation turn the wheels toward the curb or edge of the road.

See illustration in the driver’s manual.

You must stop at a railroad crossing when directed by a flagman or stop sign, flashing red signals or other devices that warn you of a coming train.

Do not pass. This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not overtake another vehicle.

A yellow pennant-shaped sign may be on the left-hand side of the road or highway in addition to a Do Not Pass sign or pavement markings.

To avoid being temporarily blinded by approaching headlights, glance at the right edge of the roadway until the bright lights have gone by and your vision has returned to normal. Motorists who stare into oncoming vehicles headlights or rear-view mirror light will experience temporary blindness as their body regains sight from the glare.

Never drink alcohol while you are taking other drugs. Combining alcohol with another drug can cause a synergistic (additive) effect, whereby the effects are multiplied. Not only does this pose a serious hazard to your health, but also it can have a disastrous effect on your ability to drive. One drink taken when you are also taking another drug, even a simple allergy or cold remedy, could have the same effect on your driving ability as having several alcoholic beverages. Even worse, it could kill you!

Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain or on a wet road. It is important to realize that on wet or icy roads the braking distance will be much longer. Therefore, when driving in these conditions, you must drive slower.