What is the minimum age for an instruction permit in Hawaii?

15 and a half. Hawaii issues instruction permits starting at 15 and a half.

In Hawaii, if you are under 21, driving is illegal starting at what BAC?

0.02%. Under Hawaii's zero tolerance law, drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.02 percent or more.

You are 17 and driving in Hawaii. When may you use a hands-free phone?

Only to call 911. Drivers under 18 may not use even hands-free devices, except to make a 911 emergency call.

If you fail the written test in Hawaii, what is the minimum wait before you can retest?

One week. Hawaii rules require a waiting period of at least one week, and no more than 30 days, before retesting.

With a Hawaii provisional license, during what hours must a parent or guardian ride with you, unless going to or from work or a school activity?

11 pm to 5 am. From 11 pm to 5 am a licensed parent or guardian must be with you, except to and from work or a school-authorized activity.

Under Hawaii's law that began in 2026, how close to a crosswalk or intersection may you not park?

20 feet. Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection is banned even with no signs or curb markings.

In Hawaii, if you do not provide a Social Security number, what license can you get?

A limited purpose license. Hawaii issues a limited purpose license that is valid for driving only, not as federal ID such as for boarding a plane.

You are on a divided highway in Hawaii, and a school bus on the other side is stopped with red lights. What do you do?

Keep going; no need to stop. Vehicles going the opposite direction on a divided highway are not required to stop for a school bus.

In Hawaii, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?

20 feet. Since 2026, do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection.

In Hawaii, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

100 feet. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn, change lanes or stop.

State guides · Hawaii

Hawaii DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in Hawaii, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

Agency	Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT); driver licenses are issued by the counties: City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui County and Kauai County
Official handbook	Official Hawaii Driver's Manual ↗
Questions	Not published
To pass	80% correct
Test in Spanish?	Yes

State rules require at least 25 questions on rules of the road, traffic laws, safe driving and signs, and 80% correct to pass (HAR 19-122-10). The online learner's permit test from HDOT has 25 questions and a one-hour limit, for ages 15 and a half and up, in all four counties; the test is also given in person at county driver licensing offices. If you fail, you must wait at least one week, and no more than 30 days, to retest (HAR 19-122-6).

Hawaii rules you need to know

Alcohol, 21 and over: In Hawaii the legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% BAC. Official source ↗
Alcohol, under 21: Under 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.02% or more. Official source ↗
Following distance: Keep at least a 2 second gap behind the vehicle ahead, never less. Official source ↗
Turn signal: Signal at least 100 feet before you turn, change lanes or stop. Official source ↗
Crosswalk: Since 2026, do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection. Official source ↗
School bus: Drivers going the opposite way on a divided highway need not stop for a school bus. Official source ↗
Right on red: Right on red is allowed after stopping unless a sign prohibits it. Official source ↗
Left on red: Left on red is allowed from a one-way street into another one-way street. Official source ↗
Cell phone: No driver may hold a phone while driving; drivers under 18 may not use hands-free either. Official source ↗
Move Over law: Slow down for stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks and leave an empty lane if you safely can. Official source ↗
Permit age: You can get an instruction permit at 15 and a half. Official source ↗

Hawaii test FAQ

How many questions are on the Hawaii written test?

Hawaii doesn't publish the number of questions; you need 80% correct to pass.

Can I take the Hawaii driver's test in Spanish?

Yes. Hawaii offers the written test in Spanish.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Hawaii?

You can get an instruction permit at 15 and a half.

What documents do I need for a permit in Hawaii?

It depends on your situation (identity, residency and Social Security number or an alternative). Check the official list from Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT); driver licenses are issued by the counties: City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui County and Kauai County before you go.

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

10 Hawaii practice questions

1. What is the minimum age for an instruction permit in Hawaii?
1. 15 and a half
2. 14
3. 15
4. 16
Show answer
Answer: 15 and a half
Hawaii issues instruction permits starting at 15 and a half.
Official source ↗
2. In Hawaii, if you are under 21, driving is illegal starting at what BAC?
1. 0.08%
2. 0.05%
3. 0.10%
4. 0.02%
Show answer
Answer: 0.02%
Under Hawaii's zero tolerance law, drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.02 percent or more.
Official source ↗
3. You are 17 and driving in Hawaii. When may you use a hands-free phone?
1. Only to call 911
2. Only to use GPS
3. At any time
4. Only at a red light
Show answer
Answer: Only to call 911
Drivers under 18 may not use even hands-free devices, except to make a 911 emergency call.
Official source ↗
4. If you fail the written test in Hawaii, what is the minimum wait before you can retest?
1. One week
2. Six months
3. One year
4. Same day
Show answer
Answer: One week
Hawaii rules require a waiting period of at least one week, and no more than 30 days, before retesting.
Official source ↗
5. With a Hawaii provisional license, during what hours must a parent or guardian ride with you, unless going to or from work or a school activity?
1. 12 am to 5 am
2. 9 pm to 5 am
3. 10 pm to 6 am
4. 11 pm to 5 am
Show answer
Answer: 11 pm to 5 am
From 11 pm to 5 am a licensed parent or guardian must be with you, except to and from work or a school-authorized activity.
Official source ↗
6. Under Hawaii's law that began in 2026, how close to a crosswalk or intersection may you not park?
1. 30 feet
2. 10 feet
3. 50 feet
4. 20 feet
Show answer
Answer: 20 feet
Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection is banned even with no signs or curb markings.
Official source ↗
7. In Hawaii, if you do not provide a Social Security number, what license can you get?
1. No license at all
2. A Real ID license
3. A limited purpose license
4. Only a one-month permit
Show answer
Answer: A limited purpose license
Hawaii issues a limited purpose license that is valid for driving only, not as federal ID such as for boarding a plane.
Official source ↗
8. You are on a divided highway in Hawaii, and a school bus on the other side is stopped with red lights. What do you do?
1. Change lanes
2. Stop only if you see children
3. Stop 20 feet away
4. Keep going; no need to stop
Show answer
Answer: Keep going; no need to stop
Vehicles going the opposite direction on a divided highway are not required to stop for a school bus.
Official source ↗
9. In Hawaii, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?
1. 15 feet
2. 30 feet
3. 20 feet
4. 10 feet
Show answer
Answer: 20 feet
Since 2026, do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk or intersection.
Official source ↗
10. In Hawaii, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?
1. 25 feet
2. 500 feet
3. 200 feet
4. 100 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal at least 100 feet before you turn, change lanes or stop.
Official source ↗

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Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.