Messages to the Parents
Dear Parent/Guardian,
As Governor and the mother of two kids, my top priority is making sure our children are safe. Teaching your child how to be a responsible driver starts with the example you set. This one-on-one time is a perfect setting to share the lessons you have learned as a driver. Your advice and guidance will keep your child safe and help them become a confident driver.
Driving is a great way to explore our beautiful state. Learning how to drive is an important rite of passage for a young person but also, above all, a privilege. It is why we all need to work together to limit our distractions when operating a vehicle. No phone call or text message is worth risking your life, or the lives of others.
This training program explores the technical skills and commonsense approaches that kids need to learn to be safe drivers. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles is committed to helping you as you work with your family’s first-time driver.
Enjoy this time learning with your new driver and thank you for doing your part to keep Rhode Island’s roads safe.
Gina M. Raimondo,
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