Hawaii Motorcycle Knowledge Test — FAQ

You must pass a knowledge test and a vision test, which earns you a one-year motorcycle instruction permit, and then pass an off-street on-cycle skills test before a motorcycle license is issued. Hawaii has no statewide DMV — you apply at one of the four county Driver Licensing Offices.

Hawaii's Motorcycle Operator Manual does not publish an official question count or passing score. The knowledge test covers the rules of the road, highway signs, and motorcycle safety. Our practice test uses a 25-question, 80%-to-pass format so you can prepare in an exam-style way.

Yes. As of December 24, 2025, a Basic RiderCourse is required before a motorcycle instruction permit is issued in Hawaii. Confirm the current course requirement with your county Driver Licensing Office before you apply.

Yes. An off-street on-cycle skills test is required before a motorcycle or motor scooter license is issued. You must provide a motorcycle in safe operating condition with a current safety inspection certificate and a liability insurance card.

Yes. The skills test may be waived if you hold a motorcycle skills test Certification for Waiver issued by the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program, or a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another state.

The motorcycle instruction permit is valid for one year. It is issued after you pass the knowledge and vision examinations.

While learning to ride under a permit, you cannot carry passengers and you cannot operate the motorcycle during the hours of darkness.

If your motorcycle instruction permit expires before you take a skills test at least once, you must wait three months before you can apply for another instruction permit.

Any operator or passenger under 18 years of age must wear an approved safety helmet, securely fastened with a chin strap. Riders 18 and older are not required by law to wear one, though it is strongly recommended.

Yes. Every operator and passenger must wear glasses, goggles, or a face shield unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield. This rule applies at every age, so it is broader than the under-18 helmet rule.

Yes. You must not carry a passenger who is under the age of 7 years. Also, no passenger is allowed at all on a two-wheeled moped.

A moped is a two- or three-wheeled device with a motor no larger than two horsepower and a top speed of no more than 30 mph on a level surface. You need a driver's license of any category to operate one.

Yes. Liability insurance is required, and a valid proof-of-insurance card must be kept in the motorcycle or carried by the operator. A citation for not having proof of insurance can cost $100 or more.

Yes. You receive a 15% discount on premiums for liability coverage if you successfully complete a motorcycle education course in Hawaii.

Required equipment includes brakes, a head lamp, tail lamp, stop lamp, muffler, horn, rear-view mirror, and a seat. Fenders or mud guards are required, and handlebars may not be raised more than 15 inches above the seat.

A three-wheel motorcycle generally requires a separate license endorsement, which calls for passing both a written test and a skills test for that vehicle.

Hawaii has no statewide DMV. Licensing is handled by the four county Driver Licensing Offices — the City and County of Honolulu, and the Counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.

Study the Hawaii Motorcycle Operator Manual (DOT-H 2053), published by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. It is the standard Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum plus Hawaii-specific licensing, equipment, and insurance rules.