DMV Driver Handbook in Hawaii
Before applying for your driver's license in Hawaii, read through the relevant driving manual or DMV handbook. Driver's manuals are available online and include the HI driver's handbook, commercial driver's manual, and the motorcycle operator manual. If you're interested in the state's traffic and vehicle laws, you can have a look at the Hawaii Vehicle Code.
Hawaii driving manuals help you learn the rules of the road and help you study for your driver's license tests. These DMV handbooks cover a range of information, including traffic laws, safe driving tips, and driver's license application information.
Continue reading this page for access to Hawaii's driver's manuals .
How to Get a Hawaii Driver's Handbook
You'll need to study the Hawaii Driver's Handbook (HPC 04/15) to learn about traffic and safety laws before applying for your HI driver's license. This driving manual is aimed at new drivers or new Hawaii residents who need to learn the state's driving laws and/or basic driving techniques.
The driver's manual is a guide to Hawaii's road rules and regulations, covering topics such as:
- Basic traffic laws.
- Road signs, signals, and markings.
- DUI laws and penalties.
In addition to learning basic driving techniques from the DMV handbook, you'll read about topics including:
- The driver's license process, including applications, renewals, and replacements.
- HI vehicle registration.
- What to do in the event of an accident.
- Auto insurance requirements.
The DMV handbook is the basis of the written knowledge test you'll take when you apply for a learner's permit or driver's license in Hawaii.
To prepare for the written exam, you can:
- Read and study the driving manual.
- Answer the sample questions in the manual.
A perfect complement to studying the HI driver's handbook is to prepare for the written exam with an online practice test. These industry-leading study guides will help you pass the test on your first try. Our approved partner offers practice tests for most types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.
If you're planning to apply for a special license, such as a commercial license or motorcycle endorsement, specific DMV manuals are available that focus on the relevant rules for those vehicles. Keep reading for more information.
Motorcycle Operator Manual in HI
Read and study the Hawaii Motorcycle Operator's Manual (Form DOT-H2 053) before applying for a motorcycle license in Hawaii.
By reading the DMV manual, you'll learn how to safely operate a motorcycle, including:
- Braking, turning, and shifting gears safely.
- Riding with passengers or groups.
- How to avoid collisions.
The motorcycle driver's manual also addresses safety concerns such as:
- Wearing the right gear.
- Mechanical issues.
The information in the DMV handbook is the basis for the motorcycle license written test, so you should learn and study the material in the driving manual to prepare. You'll also find information about the riding skills test.
Take an online motorcycle practice test for additional preparation for your DMV written exam. Online practice tests help you learn the material from the driver's handbook and determine if you're ready for the test.
NOTE: If you're new to Hawaii or getting your driver's license for the first time, you may also want to read and study the Hawaii driver's handbook. This DMV manual covers basic road rules, signs, and driving practices.
Commercial Driver's Manual
Applying for a Hawaii commercial driver's license (CDL) involves a great deal of study. The best place to start is by reading through the Hawaii Commercial Driver License Manual (DOTH2044), the DMV handbook for operating commercial motor vehicles.
The commercial driver's handbook explains best practices when operating a commercial vehicle. Topics include:
- Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safely.
- Transporting cargo and passengers safely.
- Using air brakes.
- Transporting hazardous materials.
- Driving school buses.
The driving manual is also full of important information about getting your CDL in Hawaii, such as:
- Getting a commercial driver license (CDL).
- Studying for the written and road skills tests.
- CDL endorsements.
The written test for a CDL has questions based on the information found in the DMV handbook.
In the commercial driver's manual, you'll find sample questions to help you prepare for the written test. To enhance your study of the driving manual, you can take an online HI CDL practice test.
When you're ready to apply for a CDL, you can find instructions on our Applying for a New CDL in Hawaii page.
Hawaii Vehicle Code
The HI Motor Vehicle Code contains specific details about the rules and regulations concerning vehicles, driver's licenses, and traffic laws in Hawaii. The vehicle code offers more detail than Hawaii driving manuals.
While DMV handbooks are designed to teach you legal and safe driving practices, the Vehicle Code is the actual set of laws that govern vehicle operation. You may find that the Vehicle Code is a little more difficult to understand than a Hawaii drivers handbook since it is written in formal legal language.
This information may come in handy if you disagree with a traffic ticket you received and plan on fighting the ticket in court.