If you’re looking to obtain your Hawaii driver’s permit, two tests must be passed: the vision screening and a written permit knowledge test. (If you’re at least 18 years old, you’re not required to obtain a permit unless your county requires it. You must still pass the vision and knowledge tests, however, in order to obtain a license.)
The 30 multiple-choice test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, road signage, driving under the influence, driver’s license sanctions, vehicle positioning, sharing the road, and turns and intersections, as outlined in the state’s Hawaii DMV 2025 Driver’s Manual. To pass, you must score at least 80% (24 out of 30 questions) in person at the DMV. Failing the knowledge test means waiting at least seven days and paying the retest fee.
Our free online Hawaii DMV Permit Practice Test mimics real test conditions, with questions and answers based on the state manual. The test is updated for February 2025 and provides instant feedback for incorrect responses, a proven method to increase your rate of learning. We also provide additional tests to further ensure your success.
For drivers under 18, Hawaii’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program includes steps to incrementally add driving privileges. At age 15½, you can apply for an instruction permit. With this, you must always drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years old seated in the front passenger seat. After holding your instruction permit for at least 180 days, turning 16, and passing a road test, you can obtain a provisional license. This license allows you to drive alone with certain restrictions, such as driving between 11 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian (some exceptions apply) and no more than one passenger under 18 unless a household member. After holding the provisional license for at least six months and reaching 17 years of age, you can apply for an unrestricted driver’s license.
Once prepared, go to the DMV with official consent from each living parent or guardian if under 18 (unless married or emancipated), proof of identification (passport, birth certificate), proof of legal presence, two proofs of residency (utility bill, bank statement), and your Social Security Number (Social Security card, W-2). Submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.