Question 1

How many questions are on Hawaii's permit knowledge test, and what's the passing score?

Accepted Answer

30 questions, with at least 24 correct (80%) to pass — Hawaii's permit knowledge test has 30 questions, and an applicant needs at least 24 correct (80%) to pass.

Question 2

Which agency issues Hawaii driver's licenses and permits?

Accepted Answer

Each of Hawaii's four counties, independently — there's no single statewide DMV — Hawaii has no single statewide DMV — each of its four counties (Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, and Maui) issues driver's licenses independently through its own licensing division.

Question 3

How long is a Hawaii instruction permit valid?

Accepted Answer

One year — A Hawaii instruction permit is valid for one year after being issued.

Question 4

What is the minimum age for a Hawaii instruction permit as part of the Graduated License program?

Accepted Answer

15 and a half — A Hawaii teen may apply for an instruction permit starting at 15 and a half years old as part of the Graduated License program.

Question 5

Who must supervise a Hawaii instruction permit holder in general?

Accepted Answer

A person at least 21 years old holding a valid Class 3 license — A Hawaii instruction permit holder must generally be supervised by a person at least 21 years old holding a valid Class 3 license.

Question 6

Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., who specifically must be in the vehicle with a Hawaii instruction permit holder?

Accepted Answer

The permit holder's parent or guardian specifically — Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., a Hawaii instruction permit holder must specifically be accompanied by their parent or guardian, not just any qualifying supervisor.

Question 7

How long must a Hawaii teen hold an instruction permit before applying for a provisional license?

Accepted Answer

At least 180 days, with no active suspensions or revocations — A Hawaii teen must hold the instruction permit for at least 180 days, with no active suspensions or revocations, before applying for a provisional license.

Question 8

What must a Hawaii applicant under 18 complete before a provisional license, beyond the permit hold?

Accepted Answer

A driver's ed course with both classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates — A Hawaii applicant under 18 must complete a driver's ed course with both a classroom certificate and a behind-the-wheel certificate before a provisional license.

Question 9

What is Hawaii's curfew for a provisional license holder?

Accepted Answer

11 p.m. to 5 a.m. — A Hawaii provisional license holder is subject to a curfew of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with exceptions for employment, a school-authorized activity, or a parent or guardian present.

Question 10

What passenger restriction applies to a Hawaii provisional license holder?

Accepted Answer

No more than one person under 18 outside the household, unless a parent or guardian rides along — A Hawaii provisional license holder can't transport more than one person under 18 who isn't a household member, unless a parent or guardian is present in the vehicle.

Question 11

Can a Hawaii driver under 18 use a hands-free cell phone while driving?

Accepted Answer

No — cell phone use is prohibited even hands-free, except to call 911 — Hawaii prohibits cell phone use for a driver under 18 even with a hands-free device, with the sole exception of dialing 911 in an emergency.

Question 12

At what age can a Hawaii teen move to a full, unrestricted license?

Accepted Answer

17, after holding the provisional license at least 6 months with no pending violations — A Hawaii teen can upgrade to a full, unrestricted license at 17, provided they've held the provisional license for at least 6 months with no pending violations.

Question 13

What BAC threshold triggers Hawaii's zero-tolerance law for a driver under 21?

Accepted Answer

0.02% or higher — Hawaii's zero-tolerance law treats a BAC of 0.02% or higher as per se evidence of a violation for a driver under 21.

Question 14

What does Hawaii officially call its impaired-driving offense, rather than "DUI"?

Accepted Answer

OVUII (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant) — Hawaii officially calls its impaired-driving offense OVUII — Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant — a term unique to Hawaii.

Question 15

What is Hawaii's official knowledge-test study resource called?

Accepted Answer

The Hawaii Driver's Manual — Hawaii's official study resource is the Hawaii Driver's Manual, published by the state's Department of Transportation.

Question 16

Without signs or signals, who has the right-of-way at a Hawaii intersection?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle approaching from the right — At an uncontrolled intersection, a Hawaii driver yields to the vehicle approaching from the right.

Question 17

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Slow down and proceed with caution; no full stop is required — A flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution, unlike a flashing red, which requires a full stop.

Question 18

What does a double solid yellow line mean for passing in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Passing is prohibited for traffic traveling in either direction — A double solid yellow line prohibits passing for vehicles traveling in either direction.

Question 19

What following distance should a Hawaii driver keep in good conditions?

Accepted Answer

At least a 3-second gap — A 3-second following gap in good conditions gives a Hawaii driver enough time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.

Question 20

What must Hawaii drivers do when approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights on an undivided road?

Accepted Answer

Stop in both directions until the lights stop flashing — Hawaii requires traffic in both directions on an undivided road to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, and to remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.

Question 21

What should a Hawaii driver do at a railroad crossing with no gates or lights?

Accepted Answer

Slow down, look both ways, and listen before crossing — Even without gates or warning lights, a driver should slow down, look both directions, and listen for an approaching train before crossing.

Question 22

What does Hawaii's basic speed law require regardless of the posted limit?

Accepted Answer

A safe speed for current conditions, even if that's below the posted limit — Hawaii's basic speed law requires a safe speed for current conditions, which can mean driving below the posted limit even when it's technically legal to go faster.

Question 23

What is generally true about headlight use in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Required a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise — Hawaii generally requires headlights starting a half hour after sunset through a half hour before sunrise, along with any time visibility is poor.

Question 24

What documentation must a Hawaii applicant younger than 18 provide when applying for a permit?

Accepted Answer

A birth certificate plus a parent or guardian signature — A Hawaii applicant younger than 18 must provide a birth certificate or equivalent document along with a parent or legal guardian's signature.

Hawaii Permit Test Sample Questions

Licensing Provisional Rules

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