The first step for anyone wanting to drive on the roads of Hawaii is to apply for a driver's permit. This permit means different things to different people depending on age.

However, if you do not have a license and seek one, the permit will be the first document in hand regardless of age or driving experience. Of course, if you are above 18 years of age you can skip the instructional graduated process, make a driving appointment, and then take the written test a few days prior.

You will not own the permit long, but you will still have it prior to the real thing: an official Hawaii driver's license.

How to Apply for a Driver's Permit

• You must be at least 15 1/2 years old.

• You must provide acceptable identification.

• You must pass a vision test.

• You must pass a "Rules of the Road" multiple-choice test. A passing grade is 80%.

• You must pass a test showing that you can identify road signs.

If you are under the age of 18, this is the first step in the three-phase graduated licensing process. You must hold your learner's permmit for at least 180 days before you can take the road test. Those 18 and over who meet all the qualifications and pass the tests are now ready to attempt the actual driving test. Pass the driving test and you will own a driver's license.

Acceptable 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 (SSN)

• 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

Permit Fees

Fees vary with each county but are generally around $10.

Permit Renewal

A driver's instructional permit is valid for one year. If for some reason you are still not ready to attempt the road test after that time period, you can renew the permit one time.

You can renew the permit anytime 30 days prior to and 90 days after the expiration date. If you let the 90 days elapse, you need to begin the process from the beginning (i.e., take all the tests again).

Office Locations

• Oahu

• Hawaii (Big Island)

• Maui

• Kauai

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