Knowledge Test for Hawaii Driver’s License
You must pass a written knowledge test before Hawaii DMV issues your first Hawaii Learner’s (Instructional) Permit or full driver’s license.
This test checks your knowledge of Hawaii traffic laws, safe driving, standard rules of the road, and road signs and signals.
The Hawaii driver’s license test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must correctly answer at least 24 of the 30 questions. That’s a passing score of 80%.
Should you fail your driver’s license test, you must wait seven days before retaking it.
The Hawaii Driver’s License Test in Summary
Number of Questions: 30
Correct answers: 24
Passing score: 80%
Test time: 30 minutes
Days before you can retake: 7 days
Available languages: 9
Failure rate: Not recorded
Who Must Take the Driver’s License Test?
Anyone applying for a first Hawaii instruction permit or full driver’s license must pass the written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test.
It also applies to most drivers with a valid out-of-country license.
If you are 18 years or older and have a valid out-of-state license, you may apply for a transfer of your state driver’s license. You should visit a driver licensing center and complete an application for a transfer. Submit your valid U.S. or Territory driver’s license and original documents that provide proof of identity, legal presence and social security number, date of birth, and two forms of proof of your principal residence address in Hawaii.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you must pass all original tests, including the knowledge test.
Tests are not required when you wish to renew a valid Hawaii driver’s license. If you showed proof of legal name, date of birth, legal presence, social security number, and proof of principal residence in Hawaii before May 1, 2014, the examiner will ask for them again.
Should you let your Hawaii Driver’s License expire for more than one year, you must apply for a new license and take all tests again.

How to Study for the Hawaii Knowledge Test
Get the Driver’s Manual. Always ensure you have the latest Official Hawaii Driver’s Manual version. You can download it online or get a copy from a driver licensing center, state library, or local bookstore.
Give it Time. Don’t try to digest all the information in the manual too quickly. Experts agree it is best to split the information into smaller chunks and study it for a few weeks.
Use practice tests. Taking practice tests will help speed up learning and verify your progress. Work on the questions you miss. You can find every answer to exam questions in the Hawaii Driver’s Manual.
We offer several practice tests on this website. Additional test questions are available at driverspep.com.
You should note that this website is not affiliated with any State or Government Entity. Tests are made available as study guidance only.
Understand Hawaii Graduated Licensing System
Like all states, Hawaii has a graduated licensing program (GDL). The purpose is to allow young drivers to gain experience in a controlled manner.
The program has three phases, from a restricted Learner’s Permit to a full unrestricted Hawaii Driver’s License.
All applicants under 18 years are subject to the GDL program.
Phase One: Hawaii Learner’s Permit
During the first phase, DMV issues a Learner’s Permit, also called an Instructional Permit. You must be at least 15-and-a-half years old and pass the written test to obtain this permit.
When you apply, you must show:
- Proof of Legal Name
- Proof of Legal Presence
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate)
- An Affidavit form signed by parent/parents or custodial guardian/guardians
- Two (2) documents for Proof of Principal Residence
You must pass:
- The required vision test
- The written knowledge exam
You must also pay all appropriate fees.
Important Restrictions on Your Learner’s Permit
Carry the Permit with you. When you have a Learner’s Permit, you must always carry the permit when driving a motor vehicle.
Don’t drive alone You cannot drive alone. A person at least 21 and licensed to operate the same type of motor vehicle must sit beside you when you drive during the day. At night (between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.), you must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
Make sure everyone is buckled up. All occupants must wear seat belts, and children under four must be properly restrained in a safety seat.
Don’t use your cell phone. You cannot use a mobile electronic communication device, even if it is hands-free.
The permit is valid for one year. You cannot let it expire before you move on to the Provisional License.
Phase Two: Provisional License
You may apply for the provisional license if you are 16 years old (but under 18 years). The provisional license will allow you to drive alone but has several restrictions.
Before DMV issues the provisional license, they will ensure that your learner’s permit is still valid and that you have held it for at least 180 days. You must not have any pending violations that can result in a suspension or revocation of your learner’s permit.
You must show proof of a completed state-certified driver’s education course with the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates.
You must also pay new fees and pass the road test at a Driver Licensing Center.
Important Provisional License Restrictions
Carry the License with you. When you have a Provisional Driver’s License, you must always carry the license when driving a motor vehicle.
Don’t drive with more than one passenger under 18 years. You must not drive with more than one passenger under 18 years unless a licensed parent or guardian accompanies you or if your passengers are household members.
Don’t drive at night. You must not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian seated beside you. There are a few exceptions to this restriction.
Make sure everyone is buckled up. Whenever you drive, all occupants must wear seat belts, and children under four must be properly restrained in a safety seat.
Don’t use your cell phone. As long as you are under 18, you cannot use a mobile electronic communication device, even hands-free.
Phase Three: Unrestricted Hawaii Driver’s License
DMV can issue a full unrestricted driver’s license if you:
- Have held the Provisional License for at least six (6) months.
- Have no pending violations that might result in a suspension or revocation.
- Is at least 17 years old.
Note:If you don’t convert your Provisional License to a full license by your 19th birthday, you must reapply as an adult applicant.
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