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  • 15½Youngest age for the instruction permitp. 13
  • 24 of 30Correct answers to pass the written testDMV website
  • 180 daysOn the permit before a provisional licensep. 13
  • 16Youngest age for a provisional licensep. 13

Step by step

  1. Gather your documents

    Bring original or certified documents to a county driver licensing office. Under 18, also bring a parent or guardian's written consent.

    • Proof of legal name, date of birth and legal presence (for example a birth certificate or U.S. passport)
    • Your Social Security card
    • Two documents with your name and Hawaii home address, such as a utility, phone or bank statement
    • Written consent from a parent or legal guardian if you are under 18

    (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 11, 13)

  2. Pass the vision and knowledge tests

    Take a vision screening and a knowledge test on the rules of the road and traffic control devices from the Hawaii Driver's Manual, at the office or online first. (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 12–13)

  3. Practice for 180 days

    Drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 beside you for at least 180 days, and complete a state-certified driver's education course with classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates. (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 11, 13)

  4. Pass the road test

    At 16 or older, take the road test in a safe, inspected and insured car to get your provisional license. (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 13, 15)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website before you go.

Rules while you have an instruction permit

  • Drive only with a licensed driver at least 21 years old, licensed for that type of vehicle, in the right front seat. (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 11, 13)
  • Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., your parent or guardian must be the one riding with you. (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 13)
  • Everyone in the car wears a safety belt or rides in a child restraint. (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 13)

If you don't pass

If you get more than six of the 30 questions wrong, wait seven days before taking the written test again. (County of Kauai: Instructional Permits)

What comes next

A provisional license at 16 lets you drive alone, with at most one passenger under 18 from outside your household and no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. without a licensed parent or guardian (work and school trips excepted). After six months, you can apply for a full license at 17. (Hawaii Driver's Manual, p. 13–14)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Hawaii practice exam: 30 questions, 24 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Hawaii Driver's Manual (HPC 10/18), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Hawaii Department of Transportation before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page.