To get your driver’s license in Hawaii, you must be at least 16 years old. You’ll also need to provide valid identification and proof of address. In order to receive a license you’ll need to complete a driver education course, as well as pass a vision test, knowledge exam, and final road test.

Getting a driver’s license is an exciting milestone no matter where you live! However, the process is a little different for each state, and there may be some circumstances that could complicate the process.

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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Hawaii?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver’s license in Hawaii. Before you head to your county’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you’ll need to gather the following documents:

Primary identification: a US birth certificate, US passport, US state or local government-issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship

Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2 form, paycheck including your complete full name and complete SSN, or 1099 form

Proof of residential address: a mortgage statement, lease agreement, real property tax assessment form, utility bill, financial statement, paycheck, W-2 or 1099 form, individual income tax return or HW-2 form, or a verification letter from a homeless service provider

Check the Hawaii Department of Transportation website for a

complete list

of documents you can use in your license application based on immigration and citizen status.

Finally, you are required to undergo a medical examination that proves you meet the physical and mental standards to be licensed in Hawaii.

MORE:

Hawaii car insurance laws—all you need to know

What are the requirements for young drivers?

If you are under the age of 18 and want to apply for your driver’s license, you’ll need parental consent. In addition, to get a license before the age of 18, you’ll need to:

Have held a learner’s permit for at least 180 days with no pending violations.

Pass the required vision test

Complete a state-certified driver’s education course

Pass a road test at a Driver Licensing Center

MORE:

Comparative negligence in Hawaii

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers?

If you hold a valid driver’s license from another state, you’ll need to visit the Hawaii DMV to transfer your out-of-state license. The process involves filling out an application, submitting your valid out-of-state driver’s license as well as proof of identity, age, residency, and Social Security Number or legal presence. You will also be required to pass a vision test. If your out-of-state license is expired, you may be required to pass both the written test and the road test before you can receive a new Hawaii driver’s license.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about Hawaii’s texting and driving laws

How to get a driver’s license in Hawaii

For new drivers: take the TLSAE course

If you’ve never had a driver’s license or permit, Hawaii requires you to take a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (TLSAE). These courses are offered both online and in a classroom setting. They cover basic traffic laws, especially in regard to road safety and alcohol use.

Vision test

To drive safely, you have to be able to see the road, so all states require some sort of vision test before you can get a license.

To meet Hawaii’s requirements, you must have 20/40 or better vision in each eye and 130-degree field of vision, or you’ll be referred to a specialist. However, if you’ve seen an eye doctor and gotten corrective lenses, it’s possible to pass with 20/70 vision.

Written exam

Once you’ve passed your TLSAE course and vision test, you’re ready to take the Hawaii DMV written exam. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions on Hawaii’s traffic laws, road safety practices, and road signs. You can prepare by studying the

Hawaii Driver's Manual

or by taking an

online practice test

To pass your Hawaii DMV written exam, you must get 24 out of 30 questions correct, or 80%.

Road test

There’s only one thing left standing between you and your Hawaii driver’s license—the road test, which you can schedule online at

honoluluroadtest.com

. Before you take your driving test, your vehicle must pass an assessment to ensure that it’s safe and can be legally operated on public roads. Your vehicle must have:

A working horn, brakes, tires, steering wheels, turn signals, instrument panel gauges, rear-view mirrors, and brake lights

Functional windshield wipers, door handles, headlights, and seatbelts

Front and rear license plates that are securely mounted

At least a quarter tank of gas

Good visibility through all windows

A clean and obstruction-free passenger compartment, seat, and floor space

When you arrive at your road test, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older and have your required documents with you at the time of your exam. Your exam can vary depending on your instructor, but you should be prepared to perform maneuvers like:

A three-point turn

Approaching an intersection

Observing the right of way

Parking in standard conditions and on a hill

Parallel parking

A quick stop

Moving in reverse

Signaling, turning, and passing

Staying in your lane

Your instructor will carefully observe whether you correctly follow all traffic signals, including stop signs. They’ll also note how closely you follow other vehicles and whether you sit with correct posture.

If you pass your driving test, you’ll be asked to present your documents. You’ll also have to pay a $20 fee for a four-year license if you are between the ages of 17 and 24, or a $40 fee for an eight-year license if you are 25 or older. The Hawaii DMV will issue you a temporary paper license on the day of your test, but you’ll receive your actual license in the mail within a few weeks.

MORE:

Title transfer in Hawaii

How to save money on car insurance in Hawaii

That’s all there is to it! Once you’ve passed all your tests and you’re ready to hit the road, it’s time to shop for

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FAQs

What do I need for a Hawaii driver’s license?

To get your driver’s license in Hawaii, you’ll need valid ID and proof of residence, and you must pass a written exam, vision test, and road test.

How much does it cost to get a Hawaii driver’s license?

The fee for a non-commercial Hawaii driver’s license is $20 for a four-year license if you are between the ages of 17 and 24, or a $40 for an eight-year license if you are age 25 or older.

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