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Applying for a New License
Enter your Zip Code below to get a Free Quote. We suggest getting quotes from both companies to ensure you get the best rate. There is no obligation to purchase.Top1) Choose Your License
Hawaii offers licenses for drivers with these vehicles:
- Class 1: Motor scooters with five horsepower or less.
- Class 2: Motorcycles over five horsepower, and motor scooters.
- Class 3: Any single vehicle weighing 15,000 pounds or less, and vehicles designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver.
- Class 4: Any single vehicle weighing between 15,001 - 26,000 pounds (commercial drivers).
Most drivers need the Class 3 license.
If you're younger than 18 years old, you must complete a driver's ed and driver's training course, and get a permit before applying for your license.
Top2) Take a Driver's Education Course
Younger than 18―Those in this category must complete an approved driver's ed course, even if you have a valid out-of-state driver's license.
18 and Older―While those in this group aren't required to take a driver's ed course, doing so is a smart idea. These classes offer valuable information could make you a safer driver.
Top3) Prepare for the Test
The best way to get ready for the written test you'll need to pass to obtain your license is by thoroughly studying the Hawaii Driver's Manual. It's a good idea to take a few practice tests, too.
Top4) Locate a Driver's License Office
You'll take your written test at a driver's license office; depending on where you live, appointments may be available.
Top5) Make Test-Day Preparations
On the day of the test be ready to:
- Present proof of name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Pass a vision exam.
- Pass a road sign identification exam.
- Pass a written exam.
- Have your parent or legal guardian present, if you're under 18.
- Complete the permit application.
Top6) Take the Written Test
Remember, before taking the written test, you should study the state's driver manual, take a few practice tests, and have your paperwork ready.
Top7) Get a Car
You must provide a car that's safe to operate and has a current safety inspection certificate in order to take the road exam. If you need to find such a car and are considering buying a used vehicle, it's smart to obtain a vehicle history report prior to purchasing the vehicle.
Top8) Get Car Insurance
Liability insurance is required to drive a vehicle. If you're looking for an insurance carrier, check out our Insurance Center for the best rates.
Top9) Take the Driving Test
Unless you're older than 18 years old and possess a valid, out-of-state license, you'll need to pass a road test to gain your license. Most office locations across the islands administer the driving exam. Appointments are available, depending on where you live.
If You Pass
After you've successfully completed the test, you'll be issued a provisional license (if you're under 18) or a full license.
If You Fail
If you don't pass the test, you may have to wait a week before retaking the test. Contact your driver's license office for details.
Top Fees
The fees to apply for an instruction permit, take the written and road tests, and receive a driver's license vary from county to county, so check with your local licensing office to find out how much you can expect to pay for each process.
Top 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.
Non-citizens should carry their license, passport, and IDP with them whenever driving.
Related Questions from DMV Answers
Where can I get an application for a temporary license plate?
Probably because of the amount of paperwork that’s required (copies of title/registration documents, proof of identification, proof of residency, proof of vehicle identification number, fees, etc.), most states require owners to apply for temporary license plates (or temporary permits or temporary registrations, as some states call them) in person at the DMV or other state motor vehicle licensing agency. If this is the case for you, sweep through your state’s Web site and look to see if an temporary license plate application form is available online before heading out; it could save you some time.No matter what state you live in, when you purchase a new or used vehicle from a dealership your salesperson will start most of the registration-related paperwork for you and issue you a temporary license plate or equivalent; therefore, the grid doesn’t reflect the dealership option.Check your state in the grid below.
Read more >>If I have warrants, will my drivers license be suspended?
There are many different reasons a driver can have a drivers license suspended, such as failing to have adequate car insurance, leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence of alcohol, or getting too many points on his or her driving record. One reason that many people are unaware of having a suspended license, however, is having a warrant issued for your arrest. An arrest warrant or bench warrant may be issued for: Failure to obey a court order Failure to pay a legally required fine Failure to complete community service Failure to follow terms of a probation agreement, such as completing a specified alcohol treatment program Failure to appear in court when required by law Keep in mind that warrants may not necessarily have anything to do with your driving record or your behavior on the road. For example, California is one of several states that will suspend your driver’s license if you have a warrant for unpaid child support. In many states, the courts will...
Read more >>How long must I hold a learners permit before I can apply for my license?
The time requirements vary from state to state; check the grid below.Before you commit the grid to memory (or, at least your state’s part of it), keep these factors in mind: States employ graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs, and within these programs many states require more than one kind of learners permit. This grid deals mostly with each state’s first learners permit, but notes other kinds of drivers permits (like provisional licenses) when possible. The majority of states allow drivers 18 years old and older to apply for their drivers license the same day they pass their written exams – or, very soon after. This isn’t always the case, so be sure to get details from your examiner when you go in for the written test. This grid focuses on the amount of time you have to wait between obtaining your learners permit and obtaining your drivers license; it doesn’t focus on any other requirements, such as completing a drivers ed course. Be sure to che...
Read more >>How can I get a restricted license if I have a suspended license?
The grid below explains whether your state offers a restricted license (some states don’t) and how you need to begin the application process. The process varies from state to state. For some, it will be as simple as obtaining an application online, completing it and mailing it to the DMV, and awaiting further instructions. For others, it might require a court appearance, completion of a special class, and passing a written exam.Within some states the process varies depending on the reason your drivers license is suspended. For example, if your license is suspended due to driving under the influence, you might have to complete a drug and alcohol awareness course before you can get a restricted license. Or, you might have to forgo a restricted license altogether and apply for an ignition interlock device.Of course, some states base restricted license eligibility on the reason the original license was suspended. For example, your state might be one that doesn’t offer ...
Read more >>Do all DMV locations offer the road test?
While all DMV locations offer a basic menu of services, not all offices in all states will provide the road test. Some of the DMV locations that may not offer a road test include: Locations only open on a part-time basis Select offices located in shopping malls or other non-government locations Offices in very rural areas If you need to take a driving test to get your driver's license, the best course of action is to call the office you wish to visit to see if they offer the test and if you will need an appointment. If the road test is offered with no appointment necessary, the DMV representative may be able to recommend the best time to visit in order to reduce your wait. Drivers who live in states with adverse weather conditions should also ask about the DMV policy regarding testing during poor weather. You may need to take a road test if you meet any of the following criteria: You're applying for your first license You let your license expire You're trying to get your license ...
Read more >>
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