Hawaii learner’s permit requirements

Everything here comes from Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Hawaii doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.

Last checked October 7, 2026.

At a glance

Minimum age
15 years, 6 months
To pass the knowledge test
24 of 30 correct (80%)
Fees
Varies / not published
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)
Where you take the test
Online or in person

The knowledge test and your permit

Test format
30 questionsSources 123
Passing score
24 of 30 correct (80%)Sources 123
Time limit
60 minutesSources 123
Permit and test fees
Varies / not publishedFees are set by each county, so there is no single amount. Honolulu: $2 written test plus $5 instruction permit ($7). County written-test fees elsewhere: Hawaii County $1, Kauai $10, Maui $15; the online test adds a $10 transaction fee.Sources 123
Minimum age for a permit
15 years, 6 monthsMinimum age for an instruction permit is 15 1/2; parental consent required under 18.Sources 784
Supervised driving
50 hours (10 at night)Sources 784
Hold your permit
6 months minimumSources 784
Test languages
2 languagesEnglish, SpanishSources 123
Take it online
YesSources 123
If you fail
Honolulu: may retake as many times as needed but only twice in one dayapplicants who fail due to knowledge must wait seven (7) days before retaking. Kauai: wait seven days before eligible to retake; failure is not grounds for a refund.Sources 123
Vision standard
20/40 (Snellen) or better vision in one eye, corrected or uncorrected, and a field of vision of 70 degrees…or more using one eye (HAR section 19-122-356, categories 1, 2 and 3; instruction permits included)Sources 784

From permit to full license

Three-stage GDL for drivers under 18: instruction permit at 15 1/2 (drive only with a licensed driver 21+; between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. only with a parent/guardian); hold the permit 180 days, complete a state-certified driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates; the behind-the-wheel certificate is issued only after the instructor receives a notarized parent/guardian statement of 40 hours of daytime and 10 hours of nighttime driving supervised by a licensed driver over 18) and pass the road test for a provisional license at 16 (only one passenger under 18 who is not a household member; 11 p.m.-5 a.m. driving only with a licensed parent/guardian unless to/from work or school-authorized activity); hold the provisional license 6 months for a full Class 3 license at 17.

Before you go

Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official Hawaii Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Motor Vehicle Safety Office website: hidot.hawaii.gov.

Sources

  1. hidot.hawaii.gov: online learners permit test
  2. honolulu.gov: online permit test
  3. kauai.gov: Instructional Permits
  4. honolulu.gov: drivers license procedures
  5. vrl.hawaiicounty.gov: remote online written test
  6. mauicounty.gov: Drivers License Fees rev 100124
  7. hidot.hawaii.gov
  8. hidot.hawaii.gov: GDL Brochure
  9. law.cornell.edu: Haw Code R SS 19 122 356
  10. hidot.hawaii.gov: HAR 19 139 Driver Education Program Requirements remediated

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