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How to Get Your Hawaii Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with County DMV directly.

Under 18 (Graduated License Program)

  1. Apply for an instruction permit at your county office at 15 and a half

    Apply at your county's licensing division (Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, or Maui) with parent or guardian consent. Pass the 30-question knowledge test (80%, 24 correct) and a vision test.

    • Birth certificate or equivalent
    • Proof of Social Security number and residency
    • Parent or guardian signature

  2. Drive only with a qualifying supervisor

    A supervisor must be at least 21 years old with a valid Class 3 license. Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., it must specifically be your parent or guardian.

  3. Complete driver's ed

    Complete a driver's ed course with both a classroom certificate and a behind-the-wheel certificate.

    • Driver's ed classroom certificate
    • Driver's ed behind-the-wheel certificate

  4. Hold the permit at least 180 days

    Hold the instruction permit for at least 180 days with no active suspensions or revocations before applying for a provisional license.

  5. Apply for a provisional license

    Once eligible, apply for a provisional license at your county office.

  6. Follow provisional license restrictions

    No driving 11 p.m.-5 a.m. except for employment, a school-authorized activity, or with a parent/guardian present. No more than one passenger under 18 who isn't a household member, unless a parent or guardian is present. No cell phone use, even hands-free, except to call 911.

  7. Move to a full license at 17

    After holding the provisional license for at least 6 months with no pending violations, upgrade to a full, unrestricted license at 17.

18 and Older

  1. Apply for an instruction permit

    Apply at your county's licensing division; the graduated stages and their restrictions apply only to an applicant who starts before turning 18.

  2. Pass the knowledge test

    Pass the same 30-question knowledge test (80%, 24 correct) and a vision test.

    • Proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency

  3. Practice and pass the road test

    Practice driving under the terms of your instruction permit, then pass the road test to receive your license.

  4. Receive your full license

    Adult first-time applicants receive a standard, unrestricted license upon passing.

Notes

  • Hawaii has no single statewide DMV — each of its four counties (Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, Maui) issues licenses independently.
  • Hawaii officially calls its impaired-driving offense OVUII (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant), not "DUI."
  • Exact fees and current procedures change over time and can vary slightly by county — confirm the current process with your own county's licensing division before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-24