Driver's Training in Hawaii

Hawaii Driver's Training

If you're a teenager, you'll need to complete an in-car driver's training component of a Driver's Ed program before you can obtain your first driver's license in Hawaii. This is a requirement of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program.

The behind-the-wheel training portion of your driver's education program will help you develop your driving skills and prepare you for the responsibilities of a new driver. If you take your supervised driving practice seriously and spend enough time developing you skills behind the wheel, you'll likely have an easy time acing your DMV driving test and getting your unrestricted driver's license.

On this page you'll find information about your driver's training requirements and the next steps towards your first driver's license.

Hawaii Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need to satisfy the requirements of the Hawaii graduated driver license (GDL) program, which include:

  • Supervised driving practice.
  • Behind-the-wheel driver's training during driver's education.

You can begin your GDL requirements when you are at least 15 1/2 years old by applying for your learner's permit and enrolling in a driver's education program.

For more information, please visit our pages on those topics:

Hawaii Driver's Training Course

While you have your learner's permit, you'll need to complete a driver's education course.

Your driver's education program will include both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.

Generally, you'll begin the in-car portion of the course after you've passed the classroom section.

Once you complete both components of your driver's training course, you'll receive a Driver's Ed completion certificate, which you'll need to present when you apply for your provisional license.

For more information about Hawaii Driver’s Ed, contact the HIDOT driver's education department at (808) 587-5687.

Supervised Driving Practice in HI

In addition to driver's training, you can also practice supervised driving before obtaining your driver's license.

While you have your learner's permit, you'll be allowed to practice driving ONLY when accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

NOTE: Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., you must be accompanied by your parent/legal guardian.

While the Hawaii DMV does not require a minimum amount of supervised driving, it is a good idea to practice as much as you can. It will not only prepare you for your DMV driving test, but it will also help you to become a more skillful and responsible driver when you start driving alone.

Next Steps - Getting Your Provisional License

You'll be eligible to advance from your learner's permit to your provisional driver's license once you:

  • Are at least 16 years old.
  • Have held your instructional permit for at least 180 days.
    • You must not have had any major traffic violations.
  • Have gained enough behind-the-wheel driving experience.

Contact your local Hawaii DMV to schedule a road test.

For more information about additional requirements you'll need to submit to the Hawaii DMV, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Hawaii page.

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