Hawaii DMV Permit Test FAQ

You need 80% to pass — at least 24 correct out of 30. The test is closed-book; questions come straight from the official Hawaii Driver's Manual published by the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation.

You may retake the test, but each county sets its own retest waiting period and fee. Most counties allow you to retest the same day or schedule a new appointment. Re-study Chapters I–XIII of the Hawaii Driver's Manual before returning, and use this site's practice tests to drill weak topics.

You must be at least 15½ years old for an instruction permit in Hawaii. Applicants under 18 need parental consent from each living parent or legal guardian, plus proof of identity, legal presence, Social Security number, and two documents proving Hawaii residence. The permit must be held for at least 180 days before applying for a provisional license.

Permit (15½+): Must be supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the right front seat at all times. Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. the supervisor must be a parent or legal guardian.

Provisional License (16+): May transport only ONE non-household passenger under 18. May not drive 11 p.m.–5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian, or driving to/from work or a school-authorized activity. Must be held 6 months before getting a full Class 3 license at age 17.

Drivers under 21 are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .02 or more — Hawaii's Zero Tolerance limit. Refusing the chemical test results in license revocation of 1, 2, or 4 years depending on prior alcohol-enforcement contacts. Even one beer can put a teen over the .02 limit.

.08 — adult drivers (per-se Under the Influence)
.05–.07 — Impaired (still chargeable)
.02 — drivers under 21 (Zero Tolerance)

If you blow .08 or refuse, your license is taken on the spot under Administrative License Revocation and you receive a 30-day temporary permit.

Hawaii does not publish a single statewide default — limits are set by posted signs. School zones are typically 15–25 mph when children are present. Freeway-posted limits run up to 60 mph on H-1, H-2, and H-3. The "basic speed" rule still applies: you must always drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for traffic, road, and weather conditions.

Hawaii prohibits parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, in front of a public or private driveway, on a sidewalk, in a crosswalk, on the wrong side of the street, double-parked, or where less than 10 feet of street width remains for free traffic movement. You also may not park more than 24 continuous hours on any public street or highway.

If your test shows .08 or more (or you refuse), your license is taken on the spot under Administrative License Revocation and you receive a 30-day temporary permit. Refusal triggers revocation of 1, 2, or 4 years depending on prior contacts. Open-container violations on any public road or sidewalk carry fines up to $5,000, 30 days imprisonment, license suspension, or vehicle registration forfeiture under HRS 291. You may also be charged with DUI even if you refuse the test.

Hawaii is a No-Fault state. Minimum coverage:
• $10,000 PIP (Personal Injury Protection) per person
• $20,000/$40,000 bodily injury liability (per person/per accident)
• $10,000 property damage liability

Proof of insurance must be in the vehicle at all times — driving without valid insurance violates HRS 431:10C and can result in fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.

Right on red: Allowed in Hawaii after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians and any cross traffic.

Left on red: Allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians and traffic.

You may renew at any county Driver Licensing Office in Hawaii up to 6 months before expiration. There is NO grace period — the license is void after the expiration date. You may renew within 1 year after expiration, but you cannot legally drive during that period. A vision test is required at every renewal. You may renew once by mail but must appear before the examiner at every other renewal so an updated photograph can be taken. Notify the County in writing within 30 days of any address change.