Applying for a New License

Hawaii has some rather interesting quirks when it comes to its driver license. First, it is the only state that does not require new residents to trade in their old license. There is no changeover law on the books. If you prefer to hold onto your current license as long as it remains valid, it is an acceptable legal document in the state of Hawaii.

The second oddity is that you can obtain a Hawaii license without establishing residency in the state. Nor do you need to even need to be a citizen of the United States. Of course, you can't possess multiple documents. So, when you do decide to get the Aloha State's version, you will need to surrender your other license or ID card.

Other than these two differences, the rest of the process is essentially standard operating procedure. If you have ever gone through the steps in another state, you will find yourself in a familiar situation.

The entire program is coordinated at the state level, and the information in the Hawaii Driver's Manual is uniform across the islands. But the counties do manage the testing process, and each has its own system of doing things.

Requirements for a Hawaii Driver's License

Age

• To apply for an unrestricted license, you need to be at least 18 years of age. If you are younger than that, you must enter the graduated licensing program (see Driver Education), which is a three-step process for minors to attain full driving privileges.

Identification

• A first-time applicant will need to present two forms of identifying documents. One must show evidence of your legal age and name. The other must confirm that you have a Social Security number.

• Acceptable evidence of name and date of birth:

• Hawaii state ID card

• United States passport

• Certified birth certificate

• Military ID card

• Alien registration card

• United States immigration or naturalization papers

• Out-of-state driver's license with photo (even if expired)

• Acceptable evidence of Social Security number:

• Social Security card (the real thing, not a copy)

• Driver's license with your SSN posted on it

• Military ID card or DD-214

• Medical ID card

• W-2 tax form

Testing

Vision

If you intend to get behind the wheel of a vehicle in the state of Hawaii, you must be able to see the road. Thus, you will undergo an eye exam. The minimum sight levels acceptable are 20/40, with a total field of vision of 70. If you fail to meet these standards, you will not be able to proceed in the licensing process. Instead, you will first have to head to an eye doctor for corrective lenses.

Road Sign Identification

After you prove your vision is OK, you will be shown a series of everyday road signs and asked to name them. The signs in question are all discussed in the Hawaii Driver's Manual, so it is a good idea to put your rote memorization skills to work.

Written Exam

The state's exam that tests your knowledge of the rules of the road is multiple choice. All of the material used to devise the questions is gleaned directly from the Hawaii Driver's Manual. There is even a complete practice test in the book, so when you see the actual exam, nothing should come as a surprise.

You must achieve a passing score of 80% or more to obtain an instruction permit and move to the final hurdle in the testing phase.

Driving Ability

The last step in the licensing process is generally the most stressful. It entails taking to the streets with a clipboard-wielding examiner strapped into the passenger seat, nonchalantly doling out instructions. Your first on-road driving test can be stressful to think about, but it's really not that bad.

Basically you need to show the state via the license examiner that you are capable of driving a car or truck. This involves maneuvering a vehicle through a traffic-clogged business district, parallel parking, starting and parking on a slight hill, and showing off your fundamental knowledge of the rules of the road. Essentially, you'll be tested on all of the things you will need to know when driving the streets carved into the islands.

You will need to provide the vehicle for the test. It must have a current safety inspection certificate and proof of no-fault insurance. Plus, it needs to be in working order at the time the examiner rolls out and gives it a quick visual once-over. If anything is out of sorts, you will need to reschedule the test―and that could take another month or two. So make sure the vehicle you bring is in tip-top condition (all lights work, seatbelts are not frayed, tires are in good condition, etc.).

Most office locations across the islands administer the driving exam. Some of the more rural stations you will need to call first and set up a specific appointment. You should probably call ahead anyway, just to make sure you secure a date.

The City and County of Honolulu has online appointment scheduling. You will quickly see as you are looking for a time and date that the offices on Oahu book up fast, so it is a good idea to set an appointment before you even begin the written testing process. At times you may have to wait up to three months.

Fees for a license depend on the county and also the length of validity. Usually the costs range from $5-$18. A standard Class 3 license for those between the ages of 21 and 71 lasts for six years. Those 72 and older must renew every two years. Those under 21 are issued a license that is valid for four years.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

Visitors from other countries may drive in Hawaii for up to one year as long as they have a valid license from their home country, and an International Driver Permit (IDP). The permit, which basically translates the license to make it understandable to U.S. officials, is issued in the visitor's home country.

Noncitizens should carry their license, passport, and IDP with them whenever driving.

Office Locations

• Oahu

• Hawaii (Big Island)

• Kauai

• Maui