Rhode Island permit test: lane changes, passing, freeways and work zones
Starting from the curb, lane changes, passing, freeway driving and work zone safety. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key lane changes, passing, freeways and work zones rulesShow the rules
- Before passing, ask whether passing is legal, safe and worth it; all three must be yes. (p. 33, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Never travel over the posted speed to pass a vehicle. (p. 34, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Passing on a hill, curve, railroad crossing, at an intersection, entering a bridge or tunnel, or over solid lines is dangerous. (p. 34, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Never pass more than one vehicle at a time. (p. 34, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The Basic Speed Law requires driving only as fast as road conditions allow; the posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions. (p. 36, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Always drive at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles. (p. 36, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Under the Move Over Law you must change lanes away from the vehicle when safe; if you can't move over safely, you must slow down. (p. 36, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving, including hands-free devices; the only exception is an emergency. (p. 36, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you miss your exit, go on to the next exit; never stop and back up to the one you missed. (p. 36, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Rhode Island follows the federal standard of total visible light transmittance of at least 70%; illegal tint carries a $250 fine. (p. 72, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample lane changes, passing, freeways and work zones questions
1.You are behind two slow cars on a two-lane road. How many may you pass at once?
- ABoth, if the road is straight
- BOnly one
- CAs many as you can before a curve
- DNone, ever
Show the answer
✓ B. Only one
Never pass more than one vehicle at a time.
2.How far behind an emergency vehicle should you always drive?
- A500 feet
- B100 feet
- C300 feet
- D200 feet
Show the answer
✓ A. 500 feet
Always drive at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles.
3.The car ahead is going 5 mph below the limit. May you exceed the speed limit to pass it?
- ANo, never to pass
- BYes, up to 10 mph over
- CYes, but only briefly
- DOnly on divided highways
Show the answer
✓ A. No, never to pass
Never travel over the posted speed to pass a vehicle.
4.You are 17 and your phone is mounted for hands-free use. When may you make a call while driving?
- AOnly in an emergency
- BOnly on the highway
- CAny time, since it is hands-free
- DOnly when stopped at a red light
Show the answer
✓ A. Only in an emergency
Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone while driving, including hands-free devices; the only exception is an emergency.