Messages to the Parents
Dear New Motorist,
As Governor of the great State of Rhode Island, and a father who proudly watched as his two children earned drivers’ licenses of their own, I’d like to ensure that you, and each and every Rhode Islander with whom you share the road, can feel safe and secure behind the wheel.
From the moment you buckle your seat belt and take yourself on an adventure across our 39 cities and towns – whether it’s on the back roads or highways of our great state — you must always focus on your surroundings. That means limiting distractions when you’re behind the wheel — it’s not worth risking your life or the lives of those you share the road with for a text message or phone call. It also means zero tolerance for driving while impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Safety is of the utmost importance. Here in Rhode Island, with scenery from pristine beaches to bustling downtowns to calming rural drives, the journey can be as fun as the destination. However, we want every driver and passenger to reach their destination safely. We cannot wait to share the road with you, and we wish you the best of luck go forward. Thank you.
Daniel McKee
Governor, Rhode Island
The Division of Motor Vehicles is responsible to enforce the motor vehicle laws of the State of Rhode Island. As the Administrator, I understand and share your concerns to keep your children safe. It is especially important now, as they take a major step towards independence and adulthood by getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and learning to drive.
The DMV is committed to the safe operation of all motor vehicles, and like you, we take a special interest in helping your teen develop the safe driving skills they will need not only as new drivers but as a foundation for every time they drive.
To that end, we are providing this booklet to help you teach your teenager how to become a good and safe driver.
This program is designed to help you teach your teen the skills they will need for all driving conditions. By actively participating in the experience you will be helping your young driver to develop abilities to anticipate hazards and actions by other drivers while avoiding the distractions caused by cell phones and text messages.
By following this program in their training, you will ensure that they will have the confidence in their own ability and peace of mind for you that they will be safe.
Walter R. Craddock
Administrator, RI DMV