Hawaii Driver's License

Instruction Permits

Hawaii provides instruction permits to help new drivers gain supervised driving experience before obtaining a full license.

Class 2 Instructional Permit (Motorcycles and Mopeds)

In Hawaii, a Class 2 instructional permit allows individuals to practice riding motorcycles and mopeds under specific conditions. Applicants must be at least 15 1/2 years old for mopeds or 16 for motorcycles, and they must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test.

Class 3 Instructional Permit (Non-Commercial Vehicles)

New drivers start with this permit so they can legally practice riding under the supervision of a licensed adult. This permit serves as an initial step toward obtaining a full license.

Class 4 Instructional Permit (Commercial Vehicles)

Class 4 instructional permit allows individuals to practice driving commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses under specific conditions. Applicants must pass a written knowledge test and meet age and medical requirements to qualify.

Provisional License

Young drivers under 18 can obtain a provisional license after holding a learner's permit for a set period and meeting certain conditions. This license grants more driving independence but includes some restrictions.

Standard Driver's License (Class 3)

A Class 3 license is the standard license for operating regular, non-commercial vehicles such as cars, trucks, and vans. It is the most commonly held license in Hawaii.

Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs)

A CDL is required for those who drive large, heavy, or hazardous material-carrying vehicles. This license certifies that drivers have the skills and knowledge necessary for the safe operation of commercial vehicles.

CDLs in Hawaii are classified according to the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of vehicles. The classes are as follows:

Class A

A Class A CDL authorizes drivers to operate combination vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, including trailers with a GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class B

A Class B CDL permits drivers to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and to tow vehicles with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class C

A Class C CDL applies to vehicles with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds or those towing vehicles with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 pounds. It includes vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or to carry hazardous materials requiring placarding.

Motorcycle License (Class 2)

A Class 2 license permits the holder to operate a motorcycle. Obtaining this license involves passing additional tests and meeting specific requirements.

Kupuna License

The Kupuna License in Hawaii allows residents aged 72 to 79, without medical conditions that impair their driving ability, to renew their driver's license for four years.

Drivers aged 72 and above who may experience impairments affecting their driving ability are eligible for a two-year driver's license renewal and must submit a DOT-H2058 Medical Report Form. Residents aged 80 and older are eligible for a two-year renewal period.

Driver's License Exemptions

The following are not required to procure a license under the state of Hawaii:

• Federal government employees driving non-commercial vehicles with a valid federal government-issued driver's license
• Operators aged 13 or older using road machines, farm tractors, or husbandry implements temporarily on highways
• Individuals aged 18 or older with a valid driver's license equivalent to Hawaii Class 1, 2, or 3 from any U.S. state and territories
• Non-residents aged at least 21 with a valid CDL from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico

Individuals Ineligible for a Driver's License

Individuals are ineligible to obtain a driver's license in Hawaii under the following circumstances:

• When their license is currently suspended or revoked by a court
• For a two-year period following a conviction for driving under the influence without a valid license
• Without successfully passing the mandatory driver's examination
• When they fail to meet Hawaii's financial responsibility laws
• If there is reasonable suspicion by the examiner that they cannot safely operate a vehicle on public highways
• Without consent from the legal guardian, if between the ages of 16 and 18
• If under the age of 16
• If legally disqualified due to physical or mental conditions
• With outstanding traffic citations

Required Documents

Applicants must provide the following documents to obtain a driver's license in Hawaii:

• Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, passport, or state ID
• Social Security Number (SSN): Social Security Card or W-2 form, pay stub with full SSN
• Proof of Hawaii Residency: Bank statement, utility bill, or lease agreement
• Proof of Legal Presence: Passport, permanent resident card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Completed Application Form
• Parental Consent: Underage drivers in Honolulu need to have their parents fill out the Parental Consent Form (CS-L (DL) 239)

The comprehensive list of documents accepted for REAL ID compliance also applies to driver's licenses issued in Hawaii.

Testing Requirements

The testing requirements for obtaining a driver's license in Hawaii typically include:

Vision Test

Applicants must undergo a vision test to assess their visual acuity and peripheral vision. To qualify, individuals need at least 20/40 vision in one eye, whether corrected or uncorrected, and a peripheral vision of 70 degrees or more using one eye. Alternatively, drivers can secure a certificate from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist issued within the past six months.

Drivers who rely on corrective lenses will have a requirement noted on their license stating that "corrective lenses must be worn" while driving.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test evaluates applicants' comprehension of Hawaii's specific traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices through a multiple-choice format. It covers critical topics such as right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and the effects of substances like alcohol and drugs on driving ability.

Administered at DMV offices or designated testing centers statewide, the examination is offered in multiple languages to accommodate non-English-speaking applicants. Passing this test is a prerequisite for advancing to the road skills evaluation.

To prepare effectively, applicants are encouraged to thoroughly study the Hawaii Driver's Manual, which provides detailed explanations and visual aids to help them understand the state's driving regulations and practices.

Road Test

During the road test, an examiner evaluates applicants' practical driving skills, their adherence to traffic laws, and their ability to handle various traffic scenarios. Road tests are scheduled in advance.

Applicants must bring a properly registered and insured vehicle that meets Hawaii's safety standards. Some of the standards are the following:

• Power windows, locks, and door handles must be in working order.
• Brake lights and turn signals must be functional without cracks or broken lenses.
• Both front and rear license plates must be clean, securely affixed using factory mounts, and without covers.
• The speedometer, horn, and seat belts must be operational.
• The windshield should be free of cracks and unobstructed by stickers.
• The vehicle must be clean and free from debris, odors, pet hair, or parasites.
• Windows must comply with legal tinting regulations.
• The rearview mirror should be clear of any obstructions.
• No warning lights or indicators should be illuminated.
• All lug nuts must be securely in place, and tires should have acceptable tread depth.
• For convertible or Jeep-type vehicles, the canopy top must be engaged in the closed and locked position.

Throughout the road test, the examiner observes the applicant's execution of driving maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, parking, and their ability to follow traffic signals and signs. The examiner assesses how well the applicant manages the vehicle under different driving conditions and evaluates their safety handling and use of defensive driving techniques.

Fees

In Hawaii, driver's license fees vary by county. Applicants can review the specific fee schedules for each type of license they are applying for:

• City and County of Honolulu Fee Table
• County of Hawaii License Fees
• County of Maui License Fees
• County of Kauai Fee Chart

Generally, fees can be paid with cash, check, money order, or credit card from major issuers.

License Renewal

To renew a driver's license in Hawaii, individuals should follow these general steps:

• Schedule an appointment online or through the local DMV.
• Complete the driver's license renewal application form.
• Present the required documentation. Applicants can check which ones apply to them through the Interactive Documents Guide.
• Undergo an eye test and fingerprinting during the appointment. Applicants can also submit a certificate from a physician.
• Pay the applicable fees and have a photograph taken for the updated license.

Drivers must renew their licenses before it expires. Renewal can be initiated up to six months before the expiration date. All licenses expire at midnight on their expiration date, with a 90-day extension allowed for members of the U.S. Armed Forces returning from active federal service abroad.

For drivers in Maui with an expired license, specific guidelines are provided to facilitate the renewal process.

Meanwhile, drivers in the county of Hawaii must also secure a clear driving status on the National Driver Registry.

License Replacement

Applying for a replacement driver's license in Hawaii is necessary in cases where the license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond usability. It is also necessary should there be any changes in personal information such as name or address.

To obtain a duplicate or replacement license, drivers must visit a local DMV office and provide acceptable identification. If the license is lost or stolen, it should be reported to the local police immediately.

Changes in name or address require documentation linking the old information to the new information. The original license expiration date will remain unchanged. Eligible individuals are advised to apply for a license renewal rather than a duplicate license.

Out-of-State Applicants

Out-of-state applicants seeking a duplicate license from Hawaii can contact the DMV for assistance. They may apply for a duplicate license by mail or email, providing their complete legal name, birth date, license number, and out-of-state address where the license should be mailed.