How to Get a Driver’s License in Hawaii [2024]

Learn how to get your HI learner's permit or driver's license and schedule your driving test in Hawaii with this step-by-step guide. Discover what to expect, things you need, and how to get behind the wheel faster.
Hawaii car
HI driver's license types How do I apply? How do I schedule my driving test? Knowledge (written) test Driving (road) test How do I replace or renew my license? New residents

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How Does It Work?

If you are a Hawaii driver or want to become one, you will need a Hawaii driver’s license. To get a license, you will need to provide documentation to your county’s licensing division, pass a vision, written and road test. To save you some time, here is a step by step guide that you will need to follow to get a driver's license in Hawaii. Pro tip: If you're planning a road trip through Hawaii's picturesque landscapes and might be driving a manual transmission vehicle, make sure you're equipped with the right skills. Learn the essentials with our handy Stick Shift guide.

Get an Instruction Permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get a Provisional (Teen) license

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: Planning a trip across Hawaii's islands requires adeptness in various driving conditions. Solidify your driving abilities with our detailed guides on handling a stick shift and executing parallel parking. Learn the right approach for parking in reverse and performing three-point turns. Proper mirror configuration is essential for safety. Our Online Driving Simulator can provide an immersive practice experience, and for visitors from overseas, be sure to review the international driver's license requirements specific to Hawaii.

Types of Licenses

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit
Hawaii Class 3 Driver's License
Class 3
This is the regular non-commercial driver's license that allows you to operate any passenger car or any single vehicle whose gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) does not exceed 18,000 pounds, and any vehicle designed to carry no more than 15 passengers including the driver. Read the Hawaii Driver manual or take a free Hawaii driver practice test.
Hawaii Class 1/2 (Moped/ Motorcycle) Driver's License
Class 1/2 (Moped / Motorcycle)
Class 1 allows you to operate mopeds on highways. Class 2 allows you to operate motorcycles. Read the Hawaii Motorcycle Operator Manual or take a free motorcycle practice test.
Hawaii Class A/B/C (Commercial) Driver's License
Class A/B/C (Commercial)
Class A allows you to operate any combination of truck/tractor and trailer that exceeds 26,001 GVWR pounds with a trailer that exceeds 10,001 GVWR. Class B is for any single vehicle that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds. Class C is for any single vehicle that does not meet the GVWR of Class B but requires passenger or hazardous endorsement. Read the Hawaii CDL Manual or take a free Hawaii CDL General Knowledge test.

Class 3 License

To apply for a Class 3 driver's license, you must pass a vision exam and a written exam, then take a road test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age:
Apply for Provisional License I’m between 16 and 18
(Instruction Permit Holder)
Apply for Provisional Driver’s License
How to Start
Apply for Full (Adult) License 18+ I’m between 17 and 19
(Provisional License Holder)
Apply for a Full (Adult) Driver’s License
How to Start
Apply for Full (Adult) License 18+ I’m 18+
(First Timer)
Apply for a Full (Adult) Driver’s License
How to Start

Instruction Permit

Instruction permit is the first phase of a three-stage graduated licensing program for drivers under age 18. A Hawaii driver's instructional permit allows you to practice driving, supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age who is sitting in the front seat next to you. (Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., you must be supervised by a licensed parent or guardian.)

1Apply in person

You will need to apply at a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office. Note that not all offices offer the same services. Contact the office you choose to find out if it issues instruction permits.

2Complete the Applicaton form

3Submit required documentation

The documentation you bring should verify the following:

  • Your identity, including your legal name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your Social Security number or proof of ineligibility for a Social Security number
  • Your US citizenship (or your legal presence in the US if you are not a US citizen)
  • Your residential address in Hawaii

Use this interactive guide to choose documents if you live in Honolulu or Mauiu counties.

Check the lists of acceptable documents for Hawaii county and for Kauai county.

If you are not a US citizen, your legal presence in the US will be verified with the USCIS. You will be charged a small fee (typically $1.00) for this.

If you are applying for a Limited Purpose license or Limited Purpose instructional permit in any county, select documentation from this Limited Purpose FAQ.

4Provide your parent/guardian consent

Unless you are married or an emancipated minor, both of your parents with custody should complete and sign the appropriate form in front of a licensing office representative or have it notarized (in Kauai they don't accept notarized forms). You can download forms here for Maui, Honolulu, and Hawaii county residents, parental consent forms for Kauai residents are available only at a licensing office.

5Pass a vision test and pay the fee

The fees charged by the various counties are as follows:

 

Hawaii

Application Fee

$1.00

Written Exam

$1.00

Instructional Permit

$10.00

 

Honolulu

Application Fee

$1.00

Written Exam

$2.00

Instructional Permit

$5.00

 

Kauai

Application Fee

$1.00

Written Exam

$2.00

Instructional Permit

$10.00

 

Maui

Application Fee

$1.00

Written Exam

$5.00

Instructional Permit

$10.00

Pay by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are accepted as well in Honolulu and Maui counties.

6Pass a written test

Most offices conduct written exams on a walk-in basis, but a few offices conduct written exams only by appointment. Prepare online before you go. If you fail, you will have to wait 7 days before trying the test again.

7Have your picture taken and get fingerprinted

8Get your instruction permit

You will be issued a temporary instructional permit. The licensing office should mail you your plastic regular permit within two to four weeks. With your instructional permit, you may practice driving as you prepare to apply for a provisional (teen) driver's license.

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Provisional (Teen) License

The provisional (teen) driver's license is the second phase of Hawaii's Graduated Licensing Program. It allows you to drive unsupervised but with restrictions:

  • Between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., you must be supervised by a licensed parent or guardian. The only exception is driving to or from work or school, and only if you have a signed statement from that organization.
  • You may not carry more than one passenger younger than 18 years of age who is not a member of your immediate family.
  1. Hold instruction permit for at least 180 days

    Note that you shouldn't get any suspensions during this time.

  2. Complete driver's ed course

    You may take the course at a local public school or at a state-certified private driving school. Upon completion of the course, you will receive two Certificates of Completion: one for the classroom portion of the course and the other for the behind-the-wheel driving portion of the course. Present both to the Hawaii licensing office.

  3. Schedule a road test

    You will take the road test at a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office. Most offices require you to make an appointment. (An exception is the Hilo office in Hawaii County, which also conducts road tests on a first come, first served basis.) Each county has its own procedure for road test appointments:

    • Hawaii County: Email [email protected] for the Hilo, Waimea, Pahoa, or Na'alehu offices, or [email protected] for the Kailua-Kona office.
    • Honolulu: Phone (808) 768-9127 or (808) 768-9123 or make the appointment online.
    • Kauai: Phone (808) 241-4242.
    • Maui: Phone (808) 270-8080.

    Alternatively, you can just contact the licensing office at which you plan to take the road test and make the appointment directly.

  4. Bring the documentation required

    For the road test, bring the following:

    • your instruction permit
    • both Certificates of Completion from your driver's education course
    • proof of your legal presence in the US.

  5. Pass the road test

    Note, that you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age, and provide your own vehicle, complete with license plate, current vehicle inspection decals and certificate, registration, and proof of liability insurance.

  6. Pay the fees

    The fees charged by the various counties are as follows:

     

    Hawaii

    Honolulu

    Kauai

    Maui

    Application Fee

    $1.00

    $1.00

    $1.00

    $1.00

    Road Test Fee

    $10.00

    $8.00

    $10.00

    $20.00

    Provisional License (Per Year)

    $5.00

    $5.00

    $4.00

    $5.00

    Pay by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are accepted in Honolulu and Maui counties only.

  7. Get your provisional license

    You will be issued a temporary provisional driver's license. You will receive your plastic provisional license within two to four weeks.

    You must hold your provisional license for at least 6 months. If you wish, you may upgrade to a full license after your 17th birthday. However, you must upgrade your provisional license before it expires on your 19th birthday.

How to Upgrade to Your Full (Adult) Class 3 Driver’s License for 17-19 Year Olds

1Hold your provisional licence for at least 6 months

You mustn’t have any pending moving traffic violations during this time.

2Apply in person

Visit a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office and submit an application form. If you are out of state, Honolulu may allow you to apply by mail. Check the requirements here.

3Submit required documentation

Bring your provisional license and proof of your legal presence in the US. If you have a name change, you must also submit the original document that verifies your name change (e.g., marriage certificate).

4Pay the fees

 

Hawaii

Application Fee

$1.00

One-Year License

$5.00

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$20.00

 

Honolulu

Application Fee

$1.00

One-Year License

N/A

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$20.00

 

Kauai

Application Fee

$1.00

One-Year License

N/A

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$16.00

 

Maui

Application Fee

$1.00

One-Year License

N/A

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$20.00

Pay by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are accepted in Honolulu and Maui counties only.

5Get your temporary class 3 driver’s license

The licensing office should mail you your plastic full driver’s license within two to four weeks. According to the general statewide rule for driver's licenses, at your age, your license will most likely be valid for four years.

Note that you must upgrade to the full license before your 19th birthday.

Full (Adult) License

In Honolulu and Kauai Counties, everyone regardless of age must hold an instructional permit before applying for a driver license. Other counties do not ask you to purchase the permit, but all other procedures are the same.

1Apply in person

You will need to apply at a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office. Note that not all offices offer the same services. Contact the office you choose to find out if it issues driver's licenses.

2Complete the Applicaton form

3Submit required documentation

The documentation you bring should verify the following:

  • Your identity, including your legal name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your Social Security number or proof of ineligibility for a Social Security number
  • Your US citizenship (or your legal presence in the US if you are not a US citizen)
  • Your residential address in Hawaii

Use this interactive guide to choose documents if you live in Honolulu or Mauiu counties.

Check the lists of acceptable documents for Hawaii county and for Kauai county.

If you are not a US citizen, your legal presence in the US will be verified with the USCIS. You will be charged a small fee (typically $1.00) for this.

If you are applying for a Limited Purpose license or Limited Purpose instructional permit in any county, select documentation from this Limited Purpose FAQ.

4Pass a vision test and pay the fees

Pay the application and written exam fees. Honolulu and Kauai counties residents are also required to pay the instruction permit fee. Please refer to the table below. You can pay by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are accepted only in Honolulu and Maui counties.

5Pass a written test

Most offices conduct written exams on a walk-in basis, but a few offices conduct written exams only by appointment. Prepare online before you go. If you fail, you will have to wait 7 days before trying the test again.

6Have your picture taken and get fingerprinted

7Get your instruction permit (honolulu and kauai only)

It allows you to practice driving, supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age who is sitting in the front seat next to you. They don’t require you to hold it for any specified minimum length of time.

8Schedule a road test

You will take the road test at a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office. Most offices require you to make an appointment. (An exception is the Hilo office in Hawaii County, which also conducts road tests on a first come, first served basis.) Each county has its own procedure for road test appointments:

  • Hawaii County: Email [email protected] for the Hilo, Waimea, Pahoa, or Na'alehu offices, or [email protected] for the Kailua-Kona office.
  • Honolulu: Phone (808) 768-9127 or (808) 768-9123 or make the appointment online.
  • Kauai: Phone (808) 241-4242.
  • Maui: Phone (808) 270-8080.

Alternatively, you can just contact the licensing office at which you plan to take the road test and make the appointment directly.

9Pay the appropriate fees

You are required to pay the application, road test and license fees by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are accepted as well in Honolulu and Maui counties.

 

Hawaii

Written Exam

$1.00

Application Fee

$1.00

Instruction Permit

N/A

One-Year License

$5.00

Two-Year License (Ages 72 and Older)

$10.00

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$20.00

Eight-Year License (Ages 25–71)

$40.00

Road Test Fee

$10.00

 

Honolulu

Written Exam

$2.00

Application Fee

$1.00

Instruction Permit

$5.00

One-Year License

N/A

Two-Year License (Ages 72 and Older)

$10.00

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$20.00

Eight-Year License (Ages 25–71)

$40.00

Road Test Fee

$8.00

 

Kauai

Written Exam

$2.00

Application Fee

$1.00

Instruction Permit

$10.00

One-Year License

N/A

Two-Year License (Ages 72 and Older)

$8.00

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$16.00

Eight-Year License (Ages 25–71)

$32.00

Road Test Fee

$10.00

 

Maui

Written Exam

$5.00

Application Fee

$1.00

Instruction Permit

N/A

One-Year License

N/A

Two-Year License (Ages 72 and Older)

$10.00

Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

$20.00

Eight-Year License (Ages 25–71)

$40.00

Road Test Fee

$20.00

10Pass the road test

Note, that you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age, and provide the following:

  • proof of your legal presence in the US
  • instructional permit (if you have one)
  • your own vehicle, complete with license plate, current vehicle inspection decals and certificate, registration, and proof of liability insurance.

11Get your temporary license

The licensing office will issue you a temporary Class 3 or Limited Purpose full driver's license. Your plastic Class 3 or plastic Limited Purpose full driver license will arrive within two to four weeks.

Get Started

You will take the knowledge exam at a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office. Most offices conduct written exams on a walk-in basis, but a few offices conduct written exams only by appointment. Find an office near you.
Take a free practice test
What is included in the test?
There are 30 multiple-choice questions about the rules of the road and traffic control devices. All questions are based on Hawaii Driver's Manual. You are expected to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass the test.
How to prepare for the test?
Study the Hawaii Driver's Manual, then take free practice tests available here. The tests will help you determine if you have studied the driver's manual enough, and which areas you may need to study more. When you feel comfortable with your score, you are ready!
What common mistakes should I avoid?
The most common mistake comes from not knowing enough information out of the manual. This happens when people study solely with practice tests. Make sure you read the manual first. Another problem is rushing through questions. Take your time and remember what you have studied.
Can I use the driver's manual when I take the actual test at the licensing office?
Absolutely not! This is not an open book test. The purpose of the test is to make sure you understand and apply the rules of the road.
Can I take the test in any other language but English?
Yes. There are 12 other languages being offered at licensing centers. The languages include the following: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tongan, Samoan, Tagalog, Ilocano, Hawaiian, Spanish, Chuukese and Marshallese.
What happens if I fail the test?
You will have to study more and retake the test after at least 7 days. You will pay between $1 and $5 for each new attempt depending on your county.

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Road Test

Step-by-Step Guide
What to expect during HI road test
Road Test FAQ

Most DMV offices require you to make an appointment for the road test in advance. (An exception is the Hilo office in Hawaii County, which also conducts road tests on a first come, first served basis.) Each county has its own procedure for road test appointments:

  • Hawaii County: Email [email protected] for the Hilo, Waimea, Pahoa, or Na'alehu offices, or [email protected] for the Kailua-Kona office.
  • Honolulu: Phone (808) 768-9127 or (808) 768-9123 or make the appointment online.
  • Kauai: Phone (808) 241-4242.
  • Maui: Phone (808) 270-8080.

Alternatively, you can just contact the DMV office at which you plan to take the road test and make the appointment directly.

Before the test

Bring a vehicle. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older and present his or her valid driver's license to the examiner.

You must also bring:

  • your payment receipt
  • valid Hawaii Driver's Learner Permit (for all drivers in Honolulu and Kauai Counties and all candidates between 16 and 18 years of age in other counties)
  • Drivers Education and Behind the Wheel Completion Certificates (If you are under 18 years of age only)
  • documents to verify your Legal Presence
  • vehicle documents:
  • a current and valid safety inspection certificate
  • an original current Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration
  • an original valid Hawaii Insurance Identification Card

Your vehicle should have the following:

  • Turn signals in working order
  • Brake lamp lens are not cracked or broken
  • No stickers on any of the windows
  • Front and rear license plates are properly mounted
  • All brake lamps are in working condition
  • Working horn
  • All lug nuts in place and tire tread depths are at least 2/32 of an inch
  • No obnoxious odors and/or parasites
  • No warning indicators on
  • Driver and passenger seat belts are clean and in good working condition
  • Door handles, windows, and door locks are in good working condition
  • Windshield is not cracked or chipped
  • Tinted windows only approved by an official safety inspection
During the test

You will go on a short drive with the examiner and demonstrate your regular driving techniques. You will not be asked to violate any laws or tricked in any way. Just follow your examiner's instructions.

Remember to put on your seat belt and wait for the examiner to buckle up before you start moving.

Check if you complete the following maneuvers correctly as they may cost you a lot of points:

  • Stop completely at all the stop signs
  • Use signals appropriately
  • Watch for cyclists while merging into bike lanes
  • Don't start moving before pedestrians complete road crossing
  • Adjust your mirrors and use them
  • Do head checks
  • Obey all speed limits
  • Don't stop too close to the crosswalk
  • Know how to do parallel parking
After the test

    The examiner will let you know if you passed or failed. All your errors will be explained to you. If you fail, you must wait at least a week before retaking the test.

New Residents

Once you become a resident of Hawaii, you must apply for a Hawaii driver license within 30 days.
Out-of-state license Foreign license
Not sure if you are a resident of Hawaii?
Are you a Hawaii resident?
Hawaii defines a resident of the state as an individual who is either domiciled in the state or resides in the state. You are considered to reside in the state if you are in the state for more than 200 days per year, unless you maintain a permanent place of abode elsewhere.

I’ve Got a Valid Out-of-State License

Moving from another US state, territory or Canada? Welcome to Hawaii!
Moving from another state?

If you hold a valid driver's license from another US state, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or a province of the Dominion of Canada, Hawaii will not require you to transfer your driver's license.

However, if you wish to transfer it to Hawaii before it expires, or the jurisdiction that issued that license requires the transfer, you may do it in person at a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office.

Plan of Action
  1. Fill out and submit an application for a driver's license.
  2. Submit documentation to verify the following:

    • Your identity, including your legal name
    • Your date of birth
    • Your Social Security number or proof of ineligibility for a Social Security number
    • Your US citizenship (or your legal presence in the US if you are not a US citizen)
    • Your residential address in Hawaii

    Use this interactive guide to choose documents if you live in Honolulu or Mauiu counties.

    Check the lists of acceptable documents for Hawaii county and for Kauai county.

  3. Pass a vision test.
  4. Pass a written exam.

    Most offices conduct written exams on a walk-in basis, but a few offices conduct written exams only by appointment. Prepare online before you go. If you fail, you will have to wait 7 days before trying the test again.

  5. Surrender your out-of-state license. (If you are applying in Maui, sign a notification letter, stating that you have voluntarily surrendered your out-of-state driver's license.)
  6. Be fingerprinted and have your picture taken.
  7. Pay the fees.

     

    Hawaii

    Honolulu

    Kauai

    Maui

    Written Exam

    $1.00

    $2.00

    $2.00

    $5.00

    Out-of-State Application Fee

    $4.00

    $4.00

    $4.00

    $4.00

    One-Year License

    $5.00

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

    Two-Year License (Ages 72 and Older)

    $10.00

    $10.00

    $8.00

    $10.00

    Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

    $20.00

    $20.00

    $16.00

    $20.00

    Eight-Year License (Ages 25–71)

    $40.00

    $40.00

    $32.00

    $40.00

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take a road test as well.

driver's license in Hawaii

You will be issued a temporary Class 3 or temporary Limited Purpose driver's license. The DMV office should mail you your plastic Class 3 or plastic Limited Purpose driver's license within two to four weeks.

I've Got a Valid Foreign License

Moving from another country? Welcome to Hawaii!

If you hold a driver's license issued by a country other than Canada and you become a new resident of Hawaii, you must transfer your foreign license to a Hawaii driver's license within one year if you wish to keep driving in Hawaii. You won’t have to surrender your foreign license but will have to take a written test and a road test (no road tests for holders of Taiwanese or Korean licenses). If you hold a Canadian driver’s license, check here.

Plan of action
  1. Apply in person

    You will need to apply at a Hawaii Driver Licensing Office. Note that not all offices offer the same services. Contact the office you choose to find out if it issues driver's licenses.

  2. Complete the Applicaton form

  3. Submit required documentation

    The documentation you bring should verify the following:

    • Your identity, including your legal name
    • Your date of birth
    • Your Social Security number or proof of ineligibility for a Social Security number
    • Your US citizenship (or your legal presence in the US if you are not a US citizen)
    • Your residential address in Hawaii

    Use this interactive guide to choose documents if you live in Honolulu or Mauiu counties.

    Check the lists of acceptable documents for Hawaii county and for Kauai county.

    If you are not a US citizen, your legal presence in the US will be verified with the USCIS. You will be charged a small fee (typically $1.00) for this.

    If you are applying for a Limited Purpose license or Limited Purpose instructional permit in any county, select documentation from this Limited Purpose FAQ.

  4. Pass a vision test

  5. Pay the fees

     

    Hawaii

    Honolulu

    Kauai

    Maui

    Written Exam

    $1.00

    $2.00

    $2.00

    $5.00

    Out-of-State Application Fee

    $4.00

    $4.00

    $4.00

    $4.00

    One-Year License

    $5.00

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

    Two-Year License (Ages 72 and Older)

    $10.00

    $10.00

    $8.00

    $10.00

    Four-Year License (Ages 24 and Younger)

    $20.00

    $20.00

    $16.00

    $20.00

    Eight-Year License (Ages 25–71)

    $40.00

    $40.00

    $32.00

    $40.00

    Road Test Fee

    $10.00

    $8.00

    $10.00

    $20.00

    You can pay by cash, check or money order. Credit cards are accepted only in Honolulu and Maui counties.

  6. Pass a written test

    Most offices conduct written exams on a walk-in basis, but a few offices conduct written exams only by appointment. Prepare online before you go. If you fail, you will have to wait 7 days before trying the test again.

  7. Schedule and pass a road test

    Most offices require you to make an appointment. (An exception is the Hilo office in Hawaii County, which also conducts road tests on a first come, first served basis.) Read more about road tests here.

    Skip the road test if you have a valid license issued by Taiwan or Korea.

  8. Have your picture taken and get fingerprinted

    See top 7 tips for an excellent driver's license photo.

  9. Get your temporary license

The licensing office will issue you a temporary Class 3 or Limited Purpose full driver's license. Your plastic Class 3 or plastic Limited Purpose full driver license will arrive within two to four weeks.

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