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Rhode Island

Rhode Island online defensive driving

What Rhode Island requires, in the state’s own words: who the course is for, how long it is, whether it can be taken online and who approves it. Each fact below links to the official source it comes from.

  • Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
  • Sources read October 7, 2026
A driver with her seat belt on and both hands on the wheel, watching the highway ahead

DriverOnline’s Rhode Island course is not open yet. Rhode Island decides which courses count there. This page explains the state’s rules so you know what to look for, and we will email you when our course opens.

Rhode Island rules

What Rhode Island requires

States name these courses differently. Below is the course Rhode Island runs or requires, under the name the state uses.

Mature driversOnline allowed

Motor vehicle accident prevention course

Premium reduction for drivers 55 and older

Overseen by Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles

What it does

Rhode Island auto insurance rates must provide a premium reduction for persons 55 and older who complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

What the source says
“shall provide for a reduction in premium charges for those persons fifty-five (55) years of age and older who successfully complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the division of motor vehicles.”

R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-9-7.1, read October 7, 2026

Taking it online

Courses may be approved that provide online courses, classroom or driving instruction, for a minimum number of hours set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

What the source says
“Courses may be approved that provide for a form of instruction, including, but not limited to, online courses, classroom, or driving instruction for a minimum number of hours determined by the division of motor vehicles.”

R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-9-7.1, read October 7, 2026

Certificate

A certificate is valid for two years from its issuance, provided the holder has had no chargeable accidents or convictions within a three-year period.

What the source says
“Any certificate issued shall be valid for a period of two (2) years from its issuance, provided the holder has had no chargeable accidents or convictions within a three-year (3) period.”

R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-9-7.1, read October 7, 2026

Where these facts come from

Every statement above is taken from an official source and shown with the passage it rests on. Rules change, so confirm anything that matters to you with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles before you sign up for any course.

Questions

Rhode Island defensive driving: common questions

Can I take defensive driving online in Rhode Island?

Courses may be approved that provide online courses, classroom or driving instruction, for a minimum number of hours set by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-9-7.1
What does Motor vehicle accident prevention course do for a driver in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island auto insurance rates must provide a premium reduction for persons 55 and older who complete a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Source: R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-9-7.1
Is DriverOnline’s Rhode Island defensive driving course open?

Not yet. Rhode Island decides which courses count there, and DriverOnline’s course is not available in Rhode Island yet. Leave your email and we will tell you when it opens.

Tell me when it opens