Hawaii permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 49 Hawaii numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 36 number questions in our Hawaii bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

36 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards

Every Hawaii number, by topic

Official test facts and Hawaii laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversdata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
With .08 or more grams of alcohol per one hundred milliliters or cubic centimeters of blood.
0.02%BAC limit for underage driversdata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
"Measurable amount of alcohol" means a test result equal to or greater than .02 but less than .08 grams of alcohol per one hundred milliliters or cubic centimeters of blood
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehicledata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
Driving a commercial motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration of the driver's blood is 0.04 or more grams of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath or 0.04 or more grams of alcohol per one hundred milliliters or cubic centimeters of blood;
one yearDrunk driving (DUI)Administratively, a first revocation is one yeardata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
With .08 or more grams of alcohol per one hundred milliliters or cubic centimeters of blood.
4 or 8 yearsDrunk driving (DUI)Refusing a test after an OUI arrest brings an administrative revocation of 2, 4 or 8 years, double the normal perioddata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
the revocation imposed under subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) shall be for a period of two years, four years, or eight years, respectively.
30-dayYour test shows a BAC of .08, or you refuse to be tested. Under Hawaii's administrative revocation law, what happens right away?Answer: Your license is taken and you get a 30-day temporary permitOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 55
Quote
Your license will be taken away and you will be given a 30-day temporary driving permit
four or eight yearsWhat can happen if you refuse a police officer's request to take an alcohol test in Hawaii?Answer: Revocation for two, four or eight yearsHawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website
Quote
the revocation imposed under subsection (b)(1), (2), or (3) shall be for a period of two years, four years, or eight years, respectively.
.08 percentIn Hawaii, a driver aged 21 or older is considered under the influence of alcohol at what blood alcohol content?Answer: .08 percent or moreOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 56
Quote
Under the influence of alcohol if the blood alcohol content is .08 percent or more.

Fines, points & penalties

7 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$300Phone useA traffic infraction with a $300 finedata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
Every person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of $300 that shall be deposited into the state highway fund; provided that if a person violates this section while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone or construction area, as defined in section 291C-104, the fine shall be $400
$500, $1,000School busesFine up to $500, or up to $1,000 on a state highwaydata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
Any person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $500 or sentenced to perform community service, or both; provided that any person who violates subsection (a) on a state highway shall be fined not more than $1,000
$40,000Under the Hawaii insurance law in force since January 1, 2026, what is the minimum bodily-injury liability coverage for one person?Answer: $40,000 per personHawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website
Quote
Liability coverage of not less than $40,000 per person, with an aggregate limit of $80,000 per accident, for all damages arising out of accidental harm sustained as a result of any one accident
$20,000Under the Hawaii insurance law in force since January 1, 2026, what is the minimum property damage liability coverage for one accident?Answer: $20,000Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website
Quote
Liability coverage of not less than $20,000 for all damages arising out of damage to or destruction of property including motor vehicles and including the loss of use thereof
$5,000What is the maximum fine for each violation of Hawaii's motor vehicle insurance law?Answer: $5,000Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 54
Quote
shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $5,000 or thirty (30) days imprisonment
$1,000You fail to stop on a Hawaii state highway for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing. What is the maximum fine?Answer: $1,000Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website
Quote
Any person who violates this section shall be fined not more than $500 or sentenced to perform community service, or both; provided that any person who violates subsection (a) on a state highway shall be fined not more than $1,000
$3,000In Hawaii, a crash with no injuries must be reported to police right away if property damage is at least:Answer: $3,000Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 52
Quote
Traffic crashes resulting in personal injury to any extent, or death, or property damage of $3,000 or more must be reported to the police immediately

Speed limits

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mph, 80 mphSpeed limitsDriving 30 mph or more over the limit, or 80 mph or more anywhere, is the crime of excessive speedingdata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
The applicable state or county speed limit by thirty miles per hour or more; or (2) Eighty miles per hour or more irrespective of the applicable state or county speed limit.
25 mphA reflective 18-inch triangular emblem on the back of a vehicle means it is designed to travel at:Answer: 25 mph or lessOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 30
Quote
required to be displayed on the rear of vehicles designed to operate at speeds of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less.
10 mphOutside business districts, what speed limit applies to a bicyclist riding on a sidewalk in Hawaii?Answer: 10 mph or lessOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 98
Quote
bicyclists may ride on the sidewalks provided they stay at 10 MPH or less
35 mphIn rain, at what speed may partial hydroplaning begin?Answer: 35 mphOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 75
Quote
Partial hydroplaning may start at 35 miles per hour (56 km/h).
30 mph, 80 mphUnder Hawaii law, which of these counts as the crime of excessive speeding?Answer: Driving 30 mph over the limit, or 80 mph or more on any roadHawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website
Quote
The applicable state or county speed limit by thirty miles per hour or more; or (2) Eighty miles per hour or more irrespective of the applicable state or county speed limit.

Distances & following gaps

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 feetSchool busesDrivers in the lane occupied by the bus and all adjacent lanes, regardless of direction, must stop not less than 20 feet from the bus and wait until it resumes motion and the signals are offdata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
in the lane occupied by the school bus and all lanes adjacent to the lane occupied by the school bus, regardless of the direction of traffic in those lanes, shall stop the driver's vehicle not less than twenty feet from the school bus
100 feetIn Hawaii, how far before a turn or lane change must you signal?Answer: At least 100 feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 27
Quote
Signals must be given for at least 100 feet (30.5m) before you change lanes, turn or stop. This is about five car lengths.
100 feetOn a two-lane road, you may NOT drive on the left side of the road within how many feet of an intersection or railroad crossing?Answer: 100 feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 26
Quote
Approaching within 100 feet (30.5m) of or passing through an intersection or railroad crossing.
700 to 1,000 feetYou want to pass on a two-lane road as you approach a hill or curve. How much clear distance ahead does the Hawaii manual say you need?Answer: 700 to 1,000 feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 30
Quote
On approaching a hill or curve where there is not 700 to 1000 feet (213m to 305m) clear distance ahead.
Two secondsWhat is the minimum following interval the Hawaii manual says you should keep behind another vehicle?Answer: Two secondsOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 67
Quote
If you get to the word two before your vehicle reaches the marker, you have at least a two second interval. You should never have less.
3 feetHow much space should you leave when passing a bicyclist in Hawaii?Answer: At least 3 feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 97
Quote
Motorists should maintain at least 3 feet of space between the bicyclist and their vehicle until they have safely passed.
15 feetA railroad crossing signal is flashing. How far from the nearest rail must you stop?Answer: At least 15 feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 27
Quote
You must stop your vehicle not less than 15 feet (4.6m) from the nearest rail when:
1,500 feetA railroad crossing has no signals or gates, but an approaching train sounds its horn. Hawaii law requires you to stop if the train is within what distance?Answer: 1,500 feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 27
Quote
A train approaching within 1,500 feet (460m) gives audible warning of its approach; or
One footYou come to a flooded road where the water is moving swiftly. The Hawaii manual says never to drive through it if the water is deeper than:Answer: One footOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 76
Quote
Never drive through a flooded area where water over one foot deep (30 cm) is moving swiftly.

Parking

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
12 inchesWhen parallel parking in Hawaii, your curbside wheels must be within how many inches of the curb?Answer: 12 inchesOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 73
Quote
the vehicle’s curbside wheels shall be within 12 inches of the curb (30cm), or completely within the marked parking stall.
10 feetParking is prohibited where less than how much of the street width remains free for traffic?Answer: 10 feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 28
Quote
At any place where less than 10 feet (3m) of the width of the street remains for
two feetWhen parked in a line of cars, how close should your bumpers be to the other vehicles?Answer: No closer than two feetOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 72
Quote
Front and rear bumpers should not be closer than two feet from the other vehicles when in parked position

Ages, permits & the test

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30Questions on the testhonolulu.gov
Quote
You have 60 minutes (one hour) to complete the 30 question test. ... The 30 question test is currently offered in English and Spanish ... The test fee is $12 ($2 city and county fee, $10 combined transaction and credit card fee)
60 minutesTime limithonolulu.gov
Quote
You have 60 minutes (one hour) to complete the 30 question test. ... The 30 question test is currently offered in English and Spanish ... The test fee is $12 ($2 city and county fee, $10 combined transaction and credit card fee)
under 18Phone useDrivers under 18 may not use a hands-free mobile electronic device eitherdata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
No person under eighteen years of age shall operate a motor vehicle while utilizing a hands-free mobile electronic device, except for the sole purpose of making a "911" emergency communication.
15 1/2 yearsWhat is the youngest age at which you can get a Hawaii instruction permit?Answer: 15 1/2 years oldOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 13
Quote
The minimum age to acquire an instruction permit is 15 1/2 years.
at least 21With a Hawaii instruction permit, who must be with you when you drive a car?Answer: A licensed driver who is at least 21Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 13
Quote
only when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age
180 daysHow long must a Hawaii driver under 18 hold an instruction permit before applying for a provisional license?Answer: 180 daysOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 13
Quote
You must hold a valid instruction permit for a period of 180 days before applying for a provisional license.
16 yearsWhat is the minimum age for a Hawaii provisional license?Answer: 16 yearsOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 13
Quote
The minimum age to obtain a provisional license is 16 years.
Six monthsHow long must you hold a Hawaii provisional license before you can apply for a full driver's license?Answer: Six monthsOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 14
Quote
You must hold a provisional license for six months before applying for a driver’s license.
9 yearsHawaii law prohibits leaving a child unattended in a vehicle for five minutes or longer. This applies to children under what age?Answer: Under 9 years oldOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 64
Quote
leaving a child, under nine years of age, unattended in a motor vehicle for five minutes or longer
under eighteenA 17-year-old Hawaii driver has a phone in a dashboard mount with Bluetooth and never touches it. May the driver talk on a call while driving?Answer: No, drivers under eighteen may not use a hands-free device except to call 911Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website
Quote
No person under eighteen years of age shall operate a motor vehicle while utilizing a hands-free mobile electronic device, except for the sole purpose of making a "911" emergency communication.

Time limits & deadlines

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$3,000CrashesReport immediately, by the quickest means, to the nearest police officer when a collision causes injury, death, or total apparent property damage of $3,000 or moredata.capitol.hawaii.gov
Quote
a collision resulting in injury or death of any person or total damage to all property to an apparent extent of $3,000 or more shall immediately by the quickest means of communication give notice of the
Three yearsAfter a conviction for certain vehicle offenses in Hawaii, how long must you keep proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) on file?Answer: Three yearsOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 53
Quote
File and maintain proof of financial responsibility for a period of three (3) years from conviction date;
30 daysYou move to a new address in Hawaii. How soon must you notify the county about the change for your vehicle registration?Answer: Within 30 daysOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 21
Quote
must, within thirty (30) days after the change, notify the appropriate county agency,
24 hoursWhat is the longest you may leave a vehicle parked continuously on a Hawaii public street?Answer: 24 hoursOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 29
Quote
for a continuous period of more than 24 hours.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
Under age 10Under Hawaii law, children under what age must ride in a child restraint system or booster seat, unless an exception applies?Answer: Under age 10Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website
Quote
If the child is four years of age or older but less than ten years of age, the person operating the motor vehicle shall ensure that the child is properly restrained in a child passenger restraint system with harness or booster seat
Two inchesYour car has power steering. With the engine running, what is the most free play the steering wheel should have?Answer: Two inchesOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 20
Quote
no more than two inches of free play in the steering wheel, if you have power steering
16 inchWhen should you replace a tire, according to the Hawaii manual?Answer: When tread is less than 1/16 inch deepOfficial Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), page 20
Quote
Replace tires that have less than 1/16 inch of tire tread.

Memory tips

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the Hawaii permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 49 of them for Hawaii, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023 edition, r3 digital), Hawaii statutes or DOT pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

Keep going