20 questions from the Rhode Island driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, what action should you take regarding the accelerator when experiencing a tire blowout?
Answer: Ease up on the accelerator to slow the vehicle gradually. The handbook instructs drivers to ease up on the accelerator to slow down gradually rather than braking.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 43: “Ease up on the accelerator to slow the vehicle. Do not brake.”
2. When recovering from driving off the road onto a shoulder, how should you steer to return to the roadway?
Answer: Steer sharply toward the roadway to return. The instructions state to steer sharply toward the roadway, noting that counter-steering happens only after the tires touch.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 44: “Steer sharply toward the roadway to return.”
3. What is the minimum license suspension period imposed if a driver refuses to take a chemical test?
Answer: Six months. The handbook clearly states that refusing a chemical test results in a license suspension of at least six months.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 61: “If you refuse to take a chemical test, your license will be suspended for a minimum of six months.”
4. According to the manual, what action should you take if your headlights suddenly go out while driving?
Answer: Turn on your parking lights, fog lights, hazard flashers, or turn signal. The manual lists these specific lighting options as the immediate response to headlight failure.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 45: “Turn on your parking lights, fog lights, hazard (emergency) flashers, or turn signal.”
5. Which penalty is specifically listed for a 3rd or subsequent violation (within a 5-year period) classified as a felony with a BAC of 0.15% or above?
Answer: Seizure of the vehicle by the state. The section for a 3rd or subsequent felony violation with high BAC includes 'Seizure of the vehicle by the state' as a specific penalty.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 63: “3rd or subsequent violation (within a 5-year period) – Felony ■ 3 – 5 years in prison ■ $500 highway safety assessment ■ 3-year license suspension following the completion of ■ $86 fee the sentence ■ Alcohol/drug treatment ■ $1,000 - $5,000 fine ■ Seizure of the vehicle by the state Driving under the influence (DUI) 1st violation – Felony”
6. According to the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, what is the minimum Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level at which a driver of any age is considered legally intoxicated and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
Answer: .08%. The handbook states that a BAC of .08% or higher constitutes intoxication and results in a DUI charge for drivers of any age.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 61: “Any person of any age with a BAC of .08% or more is intoxicated and will be charged with drunk driving – Driving Under the Influence (DUI).”
7. Under what conditions are drivers required to turn on their vehicle headlights in Rhode Island?
Answer: From sunset to sunrise, when visibility is less than 500 feet, during inclement weather, or when windshield wipers are in use. The handbook lists multiple specific conditions including time of day, visibility limits, weather, and wiper usage that mandate headlight use.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 58: “You must turn on vehicle headlights when driving any time from sunset to sunrise and any time you cannot see 500 feet ahead of you. Headlights must be turned on if it is raining or snowing (inclement weather) or in conditions which would reduce visibility to less than 500 feet. Headlights must be on anytime windshield wipers are on.”
8. How far must a vehicle be parked from a fire hydrant according to the rules?
Answer: Within 8 feet of the hydrant. The handbook specifies that parking is prohibited within 8 feet of a fire hydrant.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 33: “Within 8 feet of a fire hydrant.”
9. What is the fine range for a 1st violation classified as a misdemeanor with a BAC between 0.02% and 0.08%?
Answer: $100 - $300 fine. The first listed 1st violation misdemeanor section, which corresponds to the lower BAC range contextually in the list structure, specifies a '$100 - $300 fine'.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 63: “Driving under the influence (DUI) 1st violation – Misdemeanor ■ Up to 1 year in prison ■ 30 – 180 day license suspension ■ $100 - $300 fine ■ $500 highway safety assessment”
10. What action should a driver take when turning left at an intersection regarding bicyclists?
Answer: Yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would to an oncoming vehicle. The handbook instructs drivers to yield to oncoming bicyclists when turning left, treating them with the same priority as other vehicles.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 55: “When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would to an on-coming vehicles.”
11. What is the recommended technique to avoid temporary blindness from approaching headlights at night?
Answer: Glance at the right edge of the roadway until the lights pass. The handbook advises looking at the right edge of the road to maintain orientation while avoiding direct glare from oncoming lights.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 53: “To avoid being temporarily blinded by approaching headlights, glance at the right edge of the roadway (or fog line: the white line on the right side of most roadways) until the bright lights have gone by and your vision has returned to normal.”
12. According to the Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, what is the legal drinking age in Rhode Island?
Answer: Twenty-one (21). The manual states that the legal drinking age in Rhode Island is twenty-one.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 60: “In Rhode Island, the legal drinking age is twenty-one (21).”
13. According to Rhode Island law, what is the minimum distance a driver must signal before making a turn?
Answer: 100 feet. The handbook states that signals must be given at least 100 feet before making a turn.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 38: “The Rhode Island law states that a driver must make a signal by hand or by using directional lights when driving out of a parking space and at least 100 feet at a minimum before making a turn.”
14. How can a driver determine if they are maintaining a safe distance behind a semi-trailer?
Answer: When you can see the side-view mirrors of the truck you are following. The handbook provides a specific visual cue for safe following distance behind large trucks: being far enough back to see their side-view mirrors.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 52: “You know you have enough distance behind a truck or semi-tractor-trailer when you can see the side-view mirrors of the truck you are following.”
15. Which of the following is listed as one of the three methods by which the body eliminates alcohol?
Answer: Breathing. The manual lists breathing, perspiring, and oxidation as the three methods for eliminating alcohol from the body.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 60: “The three methods by which the body eliminates alcohol: Breathing, Perspiring, and Oxidation (removed by the liver).”
16. What is the required action when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the roadway?
Answer: Move over by changing lanes away from the vehicle if safe, or slow down. The Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes away from emergency vehicles when safe, or slow down if changing lanes is not possible.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 36: “If you are driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, you must move over by changing lanes away from the designated vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down.”
17. Which action is prohibited when crossing lines during a turnabout?
Answer: Crossing a solid yellow line. The handbook states that drivers cannot cross a solid yellow line at any time when planning a turnabout.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 30: “You cannot cross a solid yellow line at any time.”
18. How does the manual describe the effect of combining alcohol with another drug?
Answer: It causes a synergistic effect where effects are multiplied. The handbook explains that mixing alcohol with drugs creates a synergistic effect that multiplies the impact on the driver.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 60: “Combining alcohol with another drug can cause a synergistic effect, whereby the effects are multiplied.”
19. What is the significance of signing a citation issued by a law enforcement officer?
Answer: It acknowledges receipt of the citation. The handbook clarifies that signing a citation is merely an acknowledgment of receipt, not an admission of guilt.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 67: “By signing, you are not admitting to the violation, only acknowledging that you have received it.”
20. What is the recommended action to guard against hydroplaning?
Answer: Keep tire pressure inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended standard. The handbook lists maintaining proper tire pressure as a specific method to prevent hydroplaning.
Rhode Island driver handbook, page 28: “Guard against hydroplaning by keeping tire pressure inflated to manufacturer’s recommended standard, reducing speed, and being careful while driving in the rain.”