Hawaii permit test cheat sheet

Hawaii-specific rules from our question bank, condensed to one line each with the handbook page. Read it the night before; don’t use it instead of practicing.

Study sheet for before your test. Notes aren’t allowed in the DMV test room. See the study sheets to print.

Test format
30 questions
Passing score
24 of 30 correct (80%)
Permit and test fees
Varies / not published
Minimum age for a permit
15 years, 6 months
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)
Hold your permit
6 months minimum

Permits & licensing

  • Hawaii issues an instruction permit at 15 1/2 at the earliest. p. 13
  • A permit holder may drive only with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. p. 13
  • Between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., a permit holder must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. p. 13
  • You must hold a valid instruction permit for 180 days before applying for a provisional license. p. 13
  • Hawaii requires a State certified driver's education course, and you must have both the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates. p. 13
  • The minimum age for a provisional license is 16. p. 13
  • A provisional license lets you carry only one person under 18 who is not a household member. p. 13
  • From 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., a provisional driver needs a licensed parent or guardian in the car unless driving to or from work or a school-authorized activity. p. 14
  • You must hold the provisional license for six months before applying for a full driver's license. p. 14

Laws, points & insurance

  • Since January 1, 2026, Hawaii motor vehicle policies must carry at least $40,000 per person and $80,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $20,000 for property damage. source
  • Hawaii raised the property damage minimum to $20,000 per accident from January 1, 2026. source
  • Each insurance violation is a separate offense with a fine of up to $5,000 or 30 days in jail, license suspension, loss of registration, or a combination. p. 54
  • After certain convictions you must file evidence of insurance (Form SR-22) and keep proof of financial responsibility for three years from the conviction date. p. 53
  • When the registered owner's address changes, the owner must notify the county agency within thirty days. p. 21
  • Hawaii requires a Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection at least once a year. p. 18
  • Hawaii will not license you for two years after a conviction for drunk driving while unlicensed. p. 10