Rhode Island permit test: vehicle requirements and warning lights
Vehicle equipment required for the skills test and dashboard warning lights. 8 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember7 key vehicle requirements and warning lights rulesShow the rules
- Children and infants should always ride in the back seats of vehicles with passenger side air bags. (p. 68, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Snow, ice or salt grime can block the sensors for advanced safety systems and cause them to shut down, so check them for obstructions. (p. 68, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- You may not drive on a tire with less than 2/32 of an inch of tread; you can measure tread depth with a quarter. (p. 68, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Lap and shoulder belts used together reduce the risk of death and serious injury by almost 50%. (p. 68, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Noises when turning the wheel may mean you need power steering fluid; the wheel should also have no play or looseness. (p. 68, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Never mix and match tires on your vehicle, such as radial with bias-belted. (p. 68, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- To get an accurate reading, measure tire pressure while the tire is cold. (p. 68, 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 vehicle requirements and warning lights questions
1.What is the least tread depth a tire can have for you to legally drive on it in Rhode Island?
- A4/32 of an inch
- B2/32 of an inch
- C6/32 of an inch
- D1/32 of an inch
Show the answer
✓ B. 2/32 of an inch
You may not drive on a tire with less than 2/32 of an inch of tread; you can measure tread depth with a quarter.
2.By about how much do lap and shoulder belts working together reduce the risk of death and serious injury?
- A25%
- B10%
- CAlmost 50%
- D90%
Show the answer
✓ C. Almost 50%
Lap and shoulder belts used together reduce the risk of death and serious injury by almost 50%.
3.Where should children and infants ride in a car with a passenger side air bag?
- AIn the front seat with the seat pushed back
- BIn the back seat
- CAnywhere, if the air bag light is on
- DIn the front seat if belted
Show the answer
✓ B. In the back seat
Children and infants should always ride in the back seats of vehicles with passenger side air bags.
4.In winter, snow and salt build up on your car. Why should you check your advanced safety system sensors?
- ASalt makes sensors work faster
- BBlocked sensors can shut those systems down
- CSensors only need checking in summer
- DSnow on sensors turns on the high beams
Show the answer
✓ B. Blocked sensors can shut those systems down
Snow, ice or salt grime can block the sensors for advanced safety systems and cause them to shut down, so check them for obstructions.