Free Rhode Island Permit Practice Test 3 (2026)
Real questions from the official Rhode Island driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
Smart Review drills only the questions you get wrong. Full-length mock exams in the real format. Progress saved on every device — and the same account unlocks the mobile app.
Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Right-of-Way & Intersections — 5
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 4
- Signaling & Communication — 3
- Traffic Signs & Signals — 3
- Traffic Lanes, Passing & Turning — 2
- Emergencies & Crashes — 1
- Sharing the Road — 1
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 1
Heaviest on Right-of-Way & Intersections (5 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
Every question here applies nationwide.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. When entering an interstate from an on-ramp, you should:
- Use the acceleration lane to reach highway speed, then merge into a gap
- Merge slowly below traffic speed
- Stop and wait for a gap
- Enter from the shoulder
Show answer
Answer: Use the acceleration lane to reach highway speed, then merge into a gap
The acceleration lane lets you match highway speed so you can merge smoothly into a gap.
2. Guide signs that give directions are usually:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Green
Show answer
Answer: Green
Green signs provide directional guidance.
3. Illegal drugs and marijuana affect driving by:
- Having no effect if you feel fine
- Only affecting vision
- Impairing coordination, reaction, and judgment
- Improving focus
Show answer
Answer: Impairing coordination, reaction, and judgment
Drugs impair the skills you need to drive safely — you can be charged with DUI for drug impairment.
4. At a four-way stop, if the driver to your right stopped just before you, then:
- You both go
- The driver on the right goes first
- You go first
- Largest vehicle goes
Show answer
Answer: The driver on the right goes first
First to stop goes first; here the right-hand driver stopped first, so they proceed.
5. Combining alcohol with prescription or over-the-counter drugs:
- Cancels the alcohol out
- Improves focus
- Is safe in small amounts
- Can multiply impairment and is dangerous
Show answer
Answer: Can multiply impairment and is dangerous
Mixing alcohol with medications can greatly increase impairment.
6. In a work zone you should watch for and yield to:
- Only cars
- Only trucks
- Workers, equipment, and flaggers directing traffic
- No one
Show answer
Answer: Workers, equipment, and flaggers directing traffic
Slow down and obey flaggers; watch for workers and equipment.
7. A safe U-turn requires:
- A clear view of traffic in both directions and no prohibiting sign
- A red light
- A hill
- Heavy traffic
Show answer
Answer: A clear view of traffic in both directions and no prohibiting sign
Only make a U-turn where you can see well both ways and it isn't prohibited.
8. The safest response to a rear-tire blowout is to:
- Turn sharply
- Brake hard
- Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually
- Accelerate
Show answer
Answer: Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually
Keep control: firm grip, ease off the gas, and brake gently once stable.
9. A pedestrian is in a crosswalk as you approach. You must:
- Yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian
- Proceed if you get there first
- Honk so they hurry
- Only stop if a signal tells you to
Show answer
Answer: Yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian
Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
10. Using hazard lights while driving normally in traffic is:
- A turn signal
- Recommended
- Required in rain
- Not appropriate — they're for stopped/disabled vehicles
Show answer
Answer: Not appropriate — they're for stopped/disabled vehicles
Hazards are for when you're stopped or disabled, not for normal driving.
11. What does this sign tell you?
- Detour
- Two-way traffic
- Wrong way
- Traffic flows in one direction — the way the arrow points
Show answer
Answer: Traffic flows in one direction — the way the arrow points
A one-way sign means traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow.
12. If a friend has been drinking, the responsible choice is to:
- Let them drive slowly
- Give them coffee
- Follow them home
- Take their keys and arrange a safe ride
Show answer
Answer: Take their keys and arrange a safe ride
Don't let an impaired friend drive — arrange a sober ride.
13. You can be charged with DUI for driving under the influence of:
- Only illegal drugs
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription/OTC medicine that impairs you
- Only if over .08
- Only beer or liquor
Show answer
Answer: Alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription/OTC medicine that impairs you
DUI covers alcohol AND any drug — including prescription or over-the-counter medicine — that impairs driving.
14. After an emergency vehicle passes, you should:
- Follow it closely
- Wait until it's clear, then merge back safely
- Immediately speed to catch up
- Stop for 5 minutes
Show answer
Answer: Wait until it's clear, then merge back safely
Don't follow closely; wait until the way is clear, then return to traffic safely (stay 500 ft back).
15. Hazard (four-way) flashers are meant for when your vehicle is:
- Moving fast
- Stopped or disabled and creating a hazard
- Passing
- Turning
Show answer
Answer: Stopped or disabled and creating a hazard
Use hazards when stopped or disabled — not during normal driving.
16. Two lanes merge into one. Who is responsible for merging safely?
- The driver in the lane that is ending must yield and merge when there's a gap
- The driver in the continuing lane must brake
- Whoever is ahead must speed up
- Both stop and wait
Show answer
Answer: The driver in the lane that is ending must yield and merge when there's a gap
The driver whose lane is ending yields and merges into a safe gap in the continuing lane.
17. You must dim your high beams when:
- Only in cities
- Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet behind one
- Never
- Only when tired
Show answer
Answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet behind one
Lower your high beams within 500 ft of oncoming traffic and 300 ft when following.
18. A pedestrian who is using a white cane or a guide dog steps into the road. You must:
- Proceed carefully around them
- Yield only if at a crosswalk
- Honk to warn them
- Yield and stop — they always have the right-of-way
Show answer
Answer: Yield and stop — they always have the right-of-way
You must always yield to a blind pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog.
19. What does this sign mean?
- Right lane closed
- Road ends
- No right turn
- Sharp curve to the right ahead
Show answer
Answer: Sharp curve to the right ahead
A curved-arrow warning sign means the road curves to the right ahead — slow down.
20. Driving much slower than surrounding traffic:
- Can be dangerous and may block traffic — keep right
- Is required
- Has no downside
- Is always safest
Show answer
Answer: Can be dangerous and may block traffic — keep right
Driving too slowly impedes traffic and is hazardous; keep to the right if going slower.