Rhode Island Driver Education & Traffic Safety
Successful completion of this course earns a certificate of completion that students may present to the DMV for a Drivers Permit.
Learn the Skills to Become a Safe, Responsible Driver
CCRI's Rhode Island Driver Education & Traffic Safety Program provides the classroom instruction required to help new drivers build the knowledge and skills needed for safe, responsible driving. Through engaging classroom instruction, students learn the rules of the road, defensive driving strategies, and safe driving practices while preparing to take the Rhode Island DMV Knowledge Test, which is administered as part of the course.
The program is available to students between the ages of 15 years, 10 months and 21 years. Successful completion of the course satisfies Rhode Island's classroom driver education requirement for obtaining a learner's permit.
Program Overview
CCRI's Driver Education course includes:
- 33 hours of classroom instruction
- Rhode Island DMV Knowledge Test (Permit Test)
- Classes offered throughout the year at CCRI campuses and community partner locations
- Accelerated one-week courses offered during the summer and school vacation periods
Please note: This program provides classroom instruction only. Behind-the-wheel driving instruction is not included.
Before You Register
To enroll, students must:
- Be at least 15 years and 10 months old by the first day of class.
- Register online through the CCRI Workforce registration system using a credit card.
- Bring proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card) on the first day of class.
- Purchase the required textbook: AAA How to Drive, 15th Edition before the first class. The textbook is available through the CCRI Bookstore, local AAA offices, and online retailers.
- Review and acknowledge the Student Parent Agreement prior to attending class.
Details
-
Cost - $145 Textbook is an additional $39.95, $10 non-refundable registration fee
-
Time Commitment - 33 hours (schedule varies by course)
Student Accommodations
CCRI is committed to providing equal access to educational opportunities.
Students requesting accommodations for Driver Education should visit the Driver Education Accommodations FAQs for eligibility requirements, documentation guidelines, timelines, and instructions for requesting accommodations.
Driver Education Accommodations FAQ's
Parent & Guardian Information
Parents and guardians play an important role in helping new drivers develop safe driving habits and complete Rhode Island's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements.
After Completing Driver Education
Students who successfully complete the course and pass the Rhode Island DMV Knowledge Test may apply for a Limited Instruction Permit through the Rhode Island DMV.
View the Graduated Driver Licensing Road Map for the complete licensing process.
Detailed permit and licensing information is available on the Rhode Island DMV website.
Supervised Driving Requirements
Rhode Island requires students to complete 50 hours of supervised drivin with 10 of those hours at night (sunset to sunrise).
Supervised driving may be completed with:
- A parent or guardian
- A qualified supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has been licensed for at least five years
- A Rhode Island licensed driving school
Families are encouraged to use the Parent's Supervised Driving Program and the RoadReady mobile app to log supervised driving hours.
Locations
Driver Education courses are offered throughout Rhode Island, including:
- Warwick Campus
- Lincoln Campus
- Providence Campus
- Newport County Campus
- Westerly Education Center
- Woonsocket Education Center
- Partner high schools
- Community partner locations
Course availability varies throughout the year.
FAQ's
Who can enroll?
Students must be at least 15 years and 10 months old by the first day of class. Students may register before reaching the minimum age. The program serves students through age 21.
How much does the course cost?
- Course tuition: $145
- Non-refundable registration fee: $10
- Required textbook: AAA How to Drive, 15th Edition (approximately $39.95)
What does the course include?
The course includes 33 hours of classroom instruction and the Rhode Island DMV Knowledge Test (Permit Test).
Does the course include driving lessons?
No. Driver Education provides classroom instruction only. Students must complete behind-the-wheel practice separately with a qualified supervising driver or a Rhode Island licensed driving school.
What should I bring on the first day?
Please bring:
- Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
- Your required textbook
What is the attendance policy?
Students must attend the first class to remain enrolled.
Students who miss more than six hours of instruction cannot successfully complete the course. Students who miss six hours or less must complete an approved make-up class.
Is there a final exam?
Yes. The final exam serves as the Rhode Island DMV Knowledge Test. Students must earn a passing score of 70%.
Where are classes offered?
Classes are offered throughout Rhode Island at CCRI campuses and community partner locations.
How do I request a duplicate Certificate of Completion?
Students may request a duplicate certificate by completing the online Duplicate Certificate Request and paying the required replacement fee. Once payment is received, additional instructions
will be provided to complete the request.
I completed Driver Education in another state. Can I transfer my certificate?
Possibly. Students requesting credit for an out-of-state Driver Education course must submit the required documentation for review. Approval is subject to Rhode Island requirements. Note: Online Drivers Education is not accepted in Rhode Island.
Who may request accommodations?
Students with a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan who require accommodations to participate in Driver Education may request accommodations.
How do I request accommodations?
Complete the Workforce Accommodations Form as early as possible.
After submitting the form, email all pages of your current IEP or 504 Plan to [email protected] at least 14 days before your course begins, or as soon as possible.
Use the subject line: Driver Ed Request for Accommodations
Include:
- Student's full name
- Driver Education course number
- Course start date
- Instructor's name (if known)
What documentation is required?
Students must submit a current IEP or 504 Plan. All pages of the document must be included.
What accommodations are available?
Accommodations are determined through an individualized review of the student's documentation and educational needs.
Examples may include:
- Testing in a separate location
- Test questions read aloud
- Extended testing time (when appropriate)
- Other approved classroom accommodations
Does CCRI offer accommodated Driver Education classes?
Yes.
CCRI offers accommodated Driver Education sections designed for students who benefit from:
- Smaller class sizes (maximum of 10 students)
- Individualized instructional support
- A classroom taught by a certified Special Educator
When should I submit my request?
Students are strongly encouraged to submit accommodation requests at least 14 days before the course start date to allow sufficient time for review and implementation.
Accommodation requests may still be submitted after this timeframe, including by the first day of class. However, CCRI cannot guarantee that accommodations will be reviewed, approved, and in place by the start of the course if the request is received less than 14 days in advance.
Will my accommodations automatically be approved?
No. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually based on the documentation submitted.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Questions regarding Driver Education accommodations should be directed to [email protected].
CONTÁCTANOS
Nuestros instructores experimentados y comprensivos se dedican a fomentar un entorno de aprendizaje cómodo donde los estudiantes puedan generar confianza y alcanzar sus metas académicas y profesionales.
- Email: [email protected]
- Teléfono: 401-455-6019 (Lunes a Viernes 8am – 4pm)
- Mensaje de Texto: 401-259-1369
Have a Question?
Contact Workforce PartnershipsCCRI's Division of Workforce Partnerships works in close collaboration with industry and business leaders to ensure the college’s offerings are meeting both current and future workforce needs.