Rhode Island Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: 21

In Rhode Island the legal drinking age is twenty-one (21). Alcohol is by far the greatest hazard for a driver.

Correct answer: Three: Limited Instructional Permit, Limited Provisional License, and Full Operator’s License

Rhode Island uses a three-level graduated licensing system: Level One is the Limited Instructional Permit, Level Two is the Limited Provisional License, and Level Three is the Full Operator's License.

Correct answer: A minimum of three seconds

When stopping, completely cease all forward motion for a minimum of three seconds. This gives you time to look left, look right, look left again, and proceed with caution.

Correct answer: Permitted, but not required, after a full stop unless a "no turn on red" sign is posted

Drivers are permitted, but not required, to turn right at a red light after a full stop, unless a "no turn on red" sign is posted. You must first yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Correct answer: Permitted after a full stop, unless a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted, and after yielding

Drivers are permitted, but not required, to turn right at a red light after a full stop unless a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted. You must first yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning.

Correct answer: The risk of a collision doubles

Looking away from your path of travel for two or more seconds doubles the likelihood of a crash. Keep your eyes on your intended path of travel.

Correct answer: More than behind a car — about three to four seconds

Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle — about three to four seconds. A motorcycle cannot always stop "on a dime," and slippery pavement makes it harder to stop quickly.

Correct answer: Stop before the crosswalk and remain stopped until the light turns green

A steady red light means stop before reaching the crosswalk and wait until the light is green, unless another signal such as a green arrow directs you otherwise.

Correct answer: Use the three-second following-distance rule

The three-second rule is the easiest way to judge a safe following distance. It works in most situations, though it cannot always guarantee enough time to stop.

Correct answer: From the extreme right-hand side of the road

Right turns must be taken from the extreme right-hand side of the road. Do not develop the dangerous habit of swinging to the left before turning right.

Correct answer: Time

After drinking, nothing will reduce the effects of alcohol except time. Coffee, food, fresh air, or exercise might wake a person up, but will not sober them up.

Correct answer: 16 years old

A Rhode Island Limited Instructional Permit can be issued to a resident who is at least 16 but less than 18 years of age (and who has completed the required driver education). You cannot obtain the permit before age 16.

Correct answer: Look left, look right, then look left again

Stopping for at least three seconds gives you time to look left, look right, and look left again before proceeding with caution.

Correct answer: In a federally approved restraint seat in the back seat

Children less than seven years old must be transported in a federally approved restraint seat in the back seat of the vehicle, following the seat manufacturer’s instructions for age and weight.

Correct answer: Both oncoming traffic and pedestrians

A right turn on red is allowed only after the driver has stopped completely and yielded the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles.

Correct answer: Research shows no difference in crash risk between the two

Research indicates no difference in risk between hand-held and hands-free cell phone use. Both divert a driver’s attention enough to cause a collision.

Correct answer: Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting, so the brake light may not come on

Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, which does not activate the brake light. Predict that a cyclist may slow without any visual warning.

Correct answer: The light is about to turn red — slow down and stop if you can do so safely, and clear the intersection

A yellow light tells you that a red light is next. Slow down and proceed with caution if a stop cannot be made safely, and clear the intersection.

Correct answer: Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed point, then count three seconds — if you pass it before you finish, you are too close

When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point (a sign, pole, or pavement mark), start counting "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." If your vehicle passes the point before you finish, you are following too closely — drop back.

Correct answer: It makes the driver behind you think you are going to turn left

Swinging to the left before turning right is likely to make the driver behind you assume you are going to turn left, which is dangerous. Keep to the extreme right instead.