The bill amends Section 31-10-20 of the General Laws regarding the requirements for obtaining a limited-instruction permit or license for individuals under eighteen years of age. It stipulates that such individuals must successfully complete a driver education course, which can now be conducted in a classroom setting or in an instructor-led virtual format. This virtual format is permitted for a two-year period from October 1, 2026, to October 1, 2028. The state board of education is required to provide a report by December 1, 2028, analyzing the test results of the instructor-led virtual instruction format compared to in-person classroom instruction.

The bill also maintains existing provisions that exempt individuals over eighteen years of age who have held a motor vehicle operator's license from another state for at least one year from these educational requirements. Additionally, it emphasizes that the driver education course must include specific content related to Rhode Island traffic laws and drivers' rights when stopped by law enforcement. Overall, the bill aims to modernize driver education by incorporating virtual learning options while ensuring that educational standards are upheld.

Statutes affected:
7498: 31-10-20