DMV Writing Tests Blackout Week Begins

If you need to take a written driver's license exam, or the written test for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you're going to have to wait.

Starting today, Aug. 19, the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is moving its headquarters from Pawtucket to Cranston and, because of previous service consolidations, no one in the state can take either test anywhere until the new Cranston branch headquarters re-opens Aug. 25, according to the DMV website.

DMV officials noted that online and mail-in transactions will continue to be accepted and processed during the move. Additionally, AAA locations will continue to accept and process DMV transactions for AAA customers. Road tests appointments will be honored during this time, and the DMV Safety and Emission Garage will remain open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The new headquarters and written test center will be located at the Forand Building at 600 New London Avenue, Cranston.

During the move, other DMV branch locations, including the Middletown Branch will continue to maintain their current schedules, the DMV announcement stated.

The DMV Middletown Branch has offered all DMV services to the public, with the exception of the Written Exam. Up until now, it's had to redirect customers about an hour's drive away to the Pawtucket Branch.

Once the transition is made to Cranston, Aquidneck residents will have to travel there for the written exams.

Click here for additional information about changes to service at the Division of Motor Vehicles during the move.

For driving directions to the new DMV Cranston Branch at the Forand Building, 600 New London Ave, click here.