R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-30
Every operator's and chauffeur's first license to operate a motor vehicle shall be by the issuance of a temporary license for the period beginning at the date of issuance and expiring on the birthday of the licensee in the second year following the issuance of the temporary license. Every operator's and chauffeur's license issued after expiration of the temporary license shall expire on the birthday of the licensee in the fifth year following the issuance of the license, with the exception of any person seventy-five (75) years of age or older whose license shall expire on the birthday of the licensee in the second year following the issuance of the license, and shall be renewable on or before expiration upon application and payment of the fee required by this chapter. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles, having good cause to believe the applicant for renewal is incompetent or otherwise not qualified, may require an examination of the applicant as upon an original application; provided, however, if the renewal applicant is applying for a commercial driver's license and is in possession of a valid medical examination certificate issued pursuant to federal motor carrier safety regulations 49 CFR 391.41-391.49 that applicant shall be deemed to be competent and qualified under this chapter. The administrator of the division of motor vehicles is authorized to adopt any regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-10-30