To get a Hawaii motorcycle license, you must pass a knowledge exam and motorcycle riding test, complete the necessary forms, present your ID and required documents, and have a clear driving record on the National Driver Registry.

Hawaii is a great place to ride a motorcycle. The weather is perfect, and the scenery is second to none. However, you first need to get your motorcycle license to legally operate a bike.

Hawaii’s process to obtain a motorcycle license includes passing a written and road test and being of a certain age. Let’s dive into the details.

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Do you need a license to operate a motorcycle in Hawaii?

Yes, you need a special license tooperate a motorcycle in Hawaii. That said, you can operate a moped with a regular driver’s license.

There are a lot of different types of motorcycles. Hawaii classifies motorcycles as Touring, Power Cruiser, Sportbike, Custom, Dual Purpose, Motocross, Dual-Sport, and Off-Road Trail Motorcycles. If you’re unsure what type of bike you have, you can

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Do you need to add a motorcycle endorsement to your Hawaii driver’s license?

No, you do not need a motorcycle endorsement to operate a motorcycle in Hawaii.

An endorsement is an addition to your driver’s license. Hawaii does not require an endorsement to ride a motorcycle.

How to get a motorcycle-only license in Hawaii

To get a Hawaii motorcycle license, you first need a Motorcycle Instruction Permit. Here arethe required steps:

Complete the application for a motorcycle instruction (Class 2) permit

Present these documents: proof of name, date of birth, Social Security number

Present original or certified proof of legal presence

Present two proof of address documents

Pass a vision screening

Have a clear driving record on the National Driver Registry

Pass the motorcycle written test

If you do not have a Class 3 license, you must pass the rules of road written test

You also need to be aware of the motorcycle/moped permit restrictions:

No operating a motorcycle/moped at night

You cannot carry any passengers

DOT-inspected helmet and goggles must be worn

You cannot renew your instruction permit unless you have attempted the motorcycle skills test

After your motorcycle/moped instruction permit expires, you are required to wait 90 days to reapply as a new applicant

To obtain a motorcycle designation:

If you’re out of state and already have a valid motorcycle designation from another state or country, you can transfer it to your new Hawaii driver’s license.

If you live in Hawaii, you can get a motorcycle instruction (Class 2) permit by following these steps:

Submit the required documents

Pass a vision screening

Have a clear driving record

Pass the motorcycle written knowledge test

If you don’t have a Class 3 license, you must pass the rules of road written test

Motorcycle safety courses in Hawaii are available, in most instances, at Leeward Community College (LCC) in Oahu or Hawaii Community College (HCC) on Hawaii Island. It’s best to contact each to learn more about their programs and when they run.

There are some fees associated with a Hawaii motorcycle license. You will have to pay a $1 application fee or a $4 out-of-state application fee, $1 for the written test (pass or fail), $10 for the instruction permit, $10 for the road test, and a $10 fee for the oral test.

Once you have completed each of these steps successfully, you should be legally able to ride a motorcycle in Hawaii!

MORE:

Hawaii car insurance laws—all you need to know

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FAQs

Is there a motorcycle license test in Hawaii?

Yes, you will have to pass a general driver knowledge exam, a vision test, and a motorcycle riding test. These tests gauge your knowledge of driving rules, road signs, safety precautions, and the special skills necessary to ride a motorcycle.

What happens if you drive a motorcycle without a license in Hawaii?

If you operate a motorcycle without a license, you could face a fine and vehicle impoundment at your expense. In some cases, mainly depending on the reason(s) behind not having a license, you could serve jail time.

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