What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the HDOT office — start to finish.
A Hawaii motorcycle instruction permit lets you practice riding on public roads while you prepare for a motorcycle license. You earn the permit by passing a knowledge test and a vision test, and it is valid for one year.
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). As of December 24, 2025 a Basic RiderCourse is required before a permit is issued, so always confirm current steps and fees with your county office before you go.
As of December 24, 2025, a Basic RiderCourse is required before a motorcycle instruction permit is issued. Drivers under 18 must also complete a Hawaii-certified driver's education program, and applicants 16 to 18 must practice 90 days and earn Driver Education and Behind-the-Wheel completion certificates before a road test.
Study the Hawaii Motorcycle Operator Manual (DOT-H 2053). It is the standard Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum plus Hawaii's licensing, equipment, helmet, passenger and insurance rules. The knowledge test covers the rules of the road, highway signs and motorcycle safety.
Take the motorcycle knowledge test and a vision test at your county Driver Licensing Office. Passing both earns you a motorcycle instruction permit valid for one year.
While learning to ride under the permit, you cannot carry passengers and you cannot ride during the hours of darkness. Build skills in low-traffic areas before moving into heavier traffic.
You must provide a motorcycle in safe operating condition with a current safety inspection certificate and a liability insurance identification card. All vehicle safety defects must be corrected before you take the test.
An off-street on-cycle skills test is required before a motorcycle or motor scooter license is issued. The skills test may be waived if you hold a Certification for Waiver from the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program, or a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another state. If your permit expires before you take a skills test even once, you must wait three months to reapply.
Check the official HDOT page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. Hawaii's Motorcycle Operator Manual does not publish a question count or passing score; the 25-question, 80%-to-pass figure shown here is a third-party practice format. As of December 24, 2025, a Basic RiderCourse is required before a motorcycle instruction permit is issued. Hawaii has no statewide DMV — licensing is handled by the four county Driver Licensing Offices.