Rhode Island Motorcycle Driver’s License

Are you ready to take your motorcycle on the open road of Rhode Island? Then do it right and make sure that you have your motorcycle driver’s license.  Head to the nearest DMV office in the state and apply for a license.

Basic Requirements for the License

In order to apply for a motorcycle license, you must have a regular Rhode Island driver’s license before you are eligible for a motorcycle instruction permit. If you are 16 or 17 years old, follow this process: Complete a 33 hour driver education course certified by the Community College of Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Driver Education Program is administered by CCRI with campuses located in Warwick and Lincoln.

• If you have completed an out-of-state driver education course, it must be approved by the CCRI.
• After the completion of the course and if you passed the written exam, you will be given a certificate. Submit this certificate along with a completed permit application to the nearest DMV office in Rhode Island.
• Your parent, legal guardian or licensed foster parent must sign the permit application and have their signature notarized.
• Applicants must provide a certified birth certificate, driver education certificate and social security card at your DMV office.
• Pay the application fee.
• Pass the vision test.

Note: The motorcycle learner’s permit is valid for 1 year only. This permit will allow you to practice riding a motorcycle.

For applicants who are over 18 years old, Rhode Island requires a special license to operate a motorcycle and is currently one of the few states to offer a motorcycle safety course. In order to get a motorcycle license the following steps must be followed:

• • Complete the Rhode Island’s motorcycle safety course which is given through the Community College of Rhode Island.
  • Bring your certificate of completion and your current valid Rhode Island driver’s license to your local DMV office.
  • Pay the fee to receive your motorcycle permit.
  • Hold your permit for a period of 30 days. After the 30 days period, you may return to any DMV branch office with your motorcycle permit and valid Rhode Island driver’s license in order to get your motorcycle driver’s license.

Before heading into the nearest DMV office, make sure that you have the following documents, as appropriate:

• • Certified or original birth certificate from any state
  • Driver’s license or instruction permit issued in another state
  • US passport
  • US military ID card ( active, retired, reserve)
  • Rhode Island ID card
  • Social security number
  • Marriage certificate

If you already hold a motorcycle license in another state and are applying for a Rhode Island license, the DMV will convert your existing motorcycle driver’s license or endorsement to a new license. However, applicants must be 16 years of age, have passed the motorcycle knowledge test, the sign test and vision screening. The final step is to pass the motorcycle skills test where you will demonstrate your competency in the operation of a motorcycle.