HI Permit Practice Test

You must be at least 15½ years old to apply for an instruction permit in Hawaii. This age applies to all first time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for an instruction permit in Hawaii you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of legal presence in the United States
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Two proofs of Hawaii residency
• If your name has changed, documents showing the name change
• Payment for the application and testing fees

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license you must meet all federal requirements. Check the Hawaii DMV website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept liability for any damages caused by your negligence or willful misconduct while driving
• Accompany you to the licensing office when applying for your permit

The application process in Hawaii is as follows:

1. Complete the driver’s license application form
2. Gather all required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Visit your county driver licensing office
4. Pay the required fees
5. Pass a vision test
6. Pass the knowledge test

If you’re under 18 you must also:

• Be at least 15½ years old
• Have a parent or guardian sign your application

Hawaii does not currently allow you to apply for an instruction permit online. You must visit your county driver licensing office in person to complete the application, submit your documents, take your vision test and complete your knowledge test.

The Hawaii DMV charges fees for a permit application. These fees vary by county and cover the cost of processing your application, the knowledge test and issuing your permit. Visit your county driver licensing office website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Hawaii you must pass:

• A vision test to make sure you can see well enough for driving
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs and safe driving practices

The Hawaii permit knowledge test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You must correctly answer at least 24 questions (80%) to pass.

The Hawaii permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Special rules for motorcycles and mopeds

The best ways to prepare for your Hawaii permit test:

• Study the Hawaii Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Hawaii Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Pay special attention to traffic signs, signals and right-of-way rules

If you fail the Hawaii permit test:

• You can retake the test, but some counties may require a waiting period before retesting
• You may need to pay an additional fee for each retest
• You should study the areas where you had difficulty before attempting the test again

With a Hawaii instruction permit you can:

• Practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old (this supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat)
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test

When driving with a permit in Hawaii you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat at all times
• Cannot use any electronic mobile devices while driving
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian (if under 18)
• Cannot carry more than one passenger under the age of 18 who is not a household member (if under 18)

In Hawaii, the requirements vary by age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 180 days (6 months) before taking the road test
• You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your instruction permit
• You should practice enough to become a safe driver before taking your road test

Hawaii requires different driver education based on your age:
If you are under 18:

• Yes, you must complete a state-approved driver education program
• You must also complete behind-the-wheel training

If you are 18 or older:

• No, driver education is not required, although it’s still recommended to help you become a better driver

In Hawaii, before you get your driver’s license the requirements vary by age:
If you are under 18:

• You must complete a state-approved driver education program
• At least 30 hours of classroom instruction
• Behind-the-wheel training
• 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night) with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it’s still beneficial

You can find Hawaii-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking with your high school’s driver education program
• Visiting the Hawaii Department of Transportation website for a list of approved programs
• Contacting your county driver licensing office for recommendations

The Hawaii road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers like turns, lane changes, and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the examiner will check your vehicle to ensure it’s safe and properly registered and insured. The test will include:

• Pre-drive vehicle safety check
• Backing up in a straight line
• Parallel parking
• Turning at intersections
• Lane changes
• Speed control and following distance
• Obeying traffic signals and signs

You can schedule your road test in Hawaii by:

• Visiting your county driver licensing office website
• Using your county’s online appointment system (if available)
• Calling your county driver licensing office

On the day of your road test in Hawaii, bring:

• Your valid instruction permit
• A properly registered, insured, and safety-inspected vehicle for the test
• Current vehicle registration and insurance documents
• If you’re under 18, proof of completion of driver education
• If using a rental vehicle, ensure your name is on the rental agreement and that road testing is permitted

Common reasons for failing the Hawaii road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Inability to parallel park properly
• Not using turn signals appropriately

To convert your instruction permit to a driver’s license in Hawaii:
If you’re under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 180 days (6 months)
• Complete a state-approved driver education program
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• Be at least 16 years old
• Pass the road test
• Pay the fee

If you’re 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the fee

Hawaii’s graduated licensing program for minors has these stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15½ years old, pass the vision and knowledge tests, and practice with a licensed driver 21 or older. Valid for one year.
• Provisional License: Must be at least 16 years old, have held a permit for at least 6 months, completed driver education, completed 50 hours of practice driving, and passed the road test.
• Full License: Provisional restrictions end when you turn 18.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in Hawaii, your provisional license will have these restrictions:

• No driving between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or for employment, school, or emergency purposes
• No more than one passenger under 18 who is not a household member
• No use of mobile electronic devices, even with hands-free technology

These restrictions apply until you turn 18.

Hawaii does not recognize out-of-state instruction permits. If you are moving to Hawaii with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Hawaii instruction permit
• You will need to pass the vision and knowledge tests
• If you’re under 18, you must still meet all graduated licensing requirements

Hawaii offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Oral knowledge tests
• Extended testing time
• Use of special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Test readers for those with reading difficulties
• Contact your county driver licensing office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license in Hawaii by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal presence in the United States
• Proof of Hawaii residency
• Other required documents
• Visit your county driver licensing office website for more details on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the Hawaii Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies may also be available at your county driver licensing office.

Yes! We have free Hawaii practice tests that mirror the actual permit test. They help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your actual exam.

For more information about the Hawaii permit process:

• Visit your county driver licensing office website
• Call your county driver licensing office
• Visit your county driver licensing office in person

If you lose your Hawaii instruction permit:

• You can get a replacement at your county driver licensing office
• You will need to show proof of identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the county driver licensing office. The minor will need to surrender their permit or license.