Class 10 is Rhode Island's basic passenger car license
A Class 10 operator license in Rhode Island permits you to drive a single passenger vehicle — a car, pickup truck, or van — on public roads. It is the most common license type and the one most people get when they first learn to drive. You cannot use it to carry passengers for money, operate a commercial vehicle, or drive a motorcycle or moped.
Rhode Island groups its licenses by class, and Class 10 sits at the entry level for non-commercial driving. Once you hold a Class 10, you can drive any passenger vehicle that does not require a commercial endorsement, as long as you follow the restrictions that explore to your age and experience level.
Key Takeaways
- Class 10 covers standard passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans for personal use only.
- You cannot use a Class 10 license to drive for hire, operate a commercial vehicle, or ride a motorcycle.
- Drivers under 18 face nighttime driving restrictions and passenger limits that stay in place until age 18 or 21, depending on when you got your license.
- Rhode Island requires a written test, road test, and vision screening before you receive a Class 10.
- A Class 10 license is valid for five years if you are under 21, and six years if you are 21 or older.
What vehicles you can and cannot drive with Class 10
With a Class 10 license, you can drive any passenger vehicle up to a certain weight limit. This includes sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, station wagons, pickup trucks with a single rear axle, and vans designed to carry up to 15 passengers. The vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must not exceed 26,000 pounds.
You cannot drive a vehicle that requires a commercial license, such as a tractor-trailer, dump truck, or bus. You also cannot drive a motorcycle, moped, or motorized bicycle — those require separate endorsements. If you want to drive for hire (as a taxi, rideshare, or delivery driver), you will need a different class of license and additional endorsements.
Restrictions for drivers under 18
Rhode Island imposes graduated restrictions on Class 10 drivers who are under 18. These rules tighten during your first months of driving and ease as you gain experience and age.
During the first six months after you receive your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can carry no more than one passenger under 21 (other than a family member). After six months, the nighttime restriction lifts to 1 a.m., and you can carry up to three passengers under 21. At age 18, all restrictions end, even if you received your license before turning 18.
These rules exist to reduce crash risk among new young drivers. If you are caught violating the restrictions, you face a fine and points on your license.
How to get a Class 10 license in Rhode Island
The path to a Class 10 license depends on your age. If you are 18 or older, you can go directly to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take the written and road tests. If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course.
The steps are:
- Get a learner's permit. Visit a DMV office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Rhode Island residency. Pass a vision screening and written test on traffic laws and road signs. Pay the permit fee (currently $20). You can then drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.
- Complete driver education. If you are under 18, enroll in a state-approved driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction). If you are 18 or older, this step is optional.
- Hold the permit for six months. You must wait at least six months from the date you received your permit before you can take the road test. During this time, log supervised driving hours (Rhode Island recommends at least 50 hours, with 10 at night).
- Schedule and pass the road test. Book a test appointment at a DMV office. Bring your permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and inspected. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and obeying traffic signs.
- Pay the license fee and receive your Class 10 license. Once you pass, pay the license fee (currently $50 for a five-year license if you are under 21, or $60 for a six-year license if you are 21 or older). You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
When you explore for a Class 10 license, bring originals or certified copies of the following:
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099)
- Proof of Rhode Island residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days)
- Your learner's permit (if you are under 18)
- Proof of vehicle insurance (for the road test)
- Your vehicle's registration and inspection certificate (for the road test)
If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Renewal and expiration of Class 10 licenses
A Class 10 license expires five years from the date of issue if you are under 21, or six years if you are 21 or older. Rhode Island sends a renewal notice to your address on file about 30 days before expiration. You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions (no address change, no medical restrictions, no violations).
To renew, you will need to pass a vision screening. A road test is not required for renewal unless the DMV has reason to question your driving ability. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class 10 license?
Yes, as long as it is a single-axle pickup truck and the vehicle's gross weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds. Most standard pickup trucks fall within this limit. If you are unsure about a specific vehicle, check the registration or owner's manual for the GVWR.
What happens if I drive with passengers under 21 during the restricted hours?
You face a fine and points added to your license. The penalty varies depending on how many passengers you were carrying and whether it was your first violation. Accumulating points can lead to license suspension.
Do I have to take the road test again if I let my Class 10 license expire?
If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew without retaking the road test. If it has been expired for more than five years, you will need to reapply as a new driver and take both the written and road tests.
Can I upgrade from Class 10 to a commercial license later?
Yes. To get a commercial Class A, B, or C license, you must hold a valid Class 10 for at least one year, pass a written test specific to commercial driving, and pass a road test in a commercial vehicle. You will also need a medical certificate from a certified examiner.
What is the difference between Class 10 and Class 5?
Class 5 is a commercial license for drivers of small trucks or vans. Class 10 is for personal use only. If you want to drive commercially, you must upgrade to Class 5 or higher and obtain the required endorsements.