How to get a Hawaii Drivers License

Get your HI Driver's Permit

If this is your first driver's license or your out-of-state driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you will need to apply for a Hawaii learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.

Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision test to receive a HI provisional driver's license.

Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for at least 180 days and complete a State certified driver's education course and possess the classroom and behind the wheel certificates before applying for a driver's license.

Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test

The Hawaii DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.

All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Hawaii practice permit test now and test your driving knowledge.

New Hawaii Residents

Any person 18 years of age or older holding a valid driver's license issued in any other state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, a province of the Dominion of Canada, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is exempt from obtaining a Hawaii driver's license. Persons under the age of 18 years must satisfy instruction permit requirements for minors.

An applicant holding a valid out-of-state driver's license and desiring to obtain a Hawaii driver's license must complete all of the requirements for a learners permit; however, a road test may be waived at the discretion of the examiner of drivers for persons eighteen years of age and older.

International Drivers

Hawaii honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit for a period of one year. Once your foreign license expires, you must apply for a Hawaii learners permit and pass all of the required tests including the written exam, vision screening and road skills test.

Required Paperwork

Before you head to the Hawaii DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:

• Birth Certificate
• US Passport
• Social Security Card
• Proof of Residence
• Immigration documents

On the Road

Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:

• Restricted Driver's License (16 years to 18 years of age) must be converted to a full driver's license before reaching age 19.
• Full Driver's License (18 years of age and older) valid for up to 8 years.

Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.

Hawaii Driver's License Resources

• Hawaii Driver's License Guide
• FREE DMV Practice Test
• Hawaii DMV Practice Permit Test
• Hawaii Driver's Handbook