Aloha! This article will discuss how to get your Hawaii driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Continue reading to learn about getting your license in Hawaii.
Types of Hawaii Driver’s Licenses
There are different types of Hawaii driver’s licenses. Here’s what you need to know about Hawaii’s different types of driver’s licenses.
- Instruction permit – allows individuals to operate a vehicle under certain restrictions
- Provisional driver’s license – required if you are younger than 18 years old
- Driver’s license (Class 3) – standard HI driver’s license that allows individuals to operate standard vehicles
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) – different classes depending on the type of vehicle you need to operate. Class A, B, and C.
Hawaii Driver’s License Requirements
You will be eligible for a standard Class 3 Hawaii driver’s license if you are 17 years old and have completed the graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program or are 18 years old.
Keep in mind that regardless of your age, the Kauai Treasury Division of Finance requires you to attain a Hawaii instruction permit or out-of-state driver’s license before you can apply for a driver’s license in the county.
Applying for Your Hawaii Driver’s License
To apply for a HI driver’s license, you must visit your local Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicle (HI DMV) office and present:
- A completed State of Hawaii Driver’s License Application (click here)
- Proof of your identity and legal U.S. presence, such as your:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. birth certificate (must be a certified copy)
- Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa
- Proof of your Hawaii residential address (2 documents), such as your:
- Recent bank statement
- W-2 form
- Mortgage agreement
- Proof of your Social Security Number (SSN), such as your:
- Social Security card
- W-2 form
- 1099 form from the previous year
- Proof of your name change (if applicable), such as your:
- Marriage certificate
- Court order
- Divorce decree
- Payment for all applicable fees
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) offers a complete list of acceptable and required documentation for a REAL ID-compliant license. If you are not able to provide these specific proofs, you will receive a non-compliant license instead.
You will also be asked to take a:
- Vision exam
- Written knowledge
- Road (driving in-car) test
Be advised, if you’re an out-of-state driver in Hawaii, completing the written knowledge exam is not a requirement as long as you surrender your out-of-state driver’s license.
Hawaii Driver’s License Tests
In addition to completing and passing the standard eye exam, you will most likely be required to pass the written knowledge exam and driving test to obtain your initial Hawaii driver’s license.
Hawaii Written Test
The Hawaii written test includes questions based on the information included in the Hawaii DMV Driving Manual found here. The HI written test includes questions regarding local traffic laws, safe driving techniques, and road signs. This written test is multiple choice and has a total of 30 questions. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass the test with a minimum passing score of 80%. The minimum age to apply to take the HI written test is 15 ½.
The HI DOT has an option where the written test can be read aloud to you. There is a fee for this service. The oral written exam is only offered at the Kapalama and Wahiawa offices.
Driving Test
To take your Hawaii driving test, you must provide the vehicle for which you will take the driving test. The vehicle must have a current safety inspection certificate, and a no-fault insurance card. This driving test is performed to make sure you can safely operate a motor vehicle, and follow road signs, and traffic rules. It’s a good idea to contact the HI DMV before taking your driving test to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
In Hawaii, you can complete your road test at any of the following Hawaii Department of Finance offices:
- Kona
- Pahoa
- Na’alehu
The Kona, Pahoa, and Na’alehu DMV branches require an appointment to take the driving test. You can make an appointment by calling the HI office you plan to visit or sending an email requesting to schedule an appointment to complete your driving test at [email protected].
Fees for Obtaining an HI Driver’s License
You are required to pay different fees to obtain your HI driver’s license. These fees may vary depending on which county in Hawaii you live in. You can contact your local HI DMV office directly to receive more information about accepted payment methods and other questions and concerns you may have. Some HI DMV branches do NOT accept credit or debit cards.
Hawaii County
- Application fee: $1
- Written test: $1
- Oral test: $10
- Skills test: $10
- Driver’s license:
- 18 to 24 years old: $20 (for 4 years)
- 25 to 71 years old: $40 (for 8 years)
- 72 years old or older: $10 (for 2 years)
- Valid for 1 year or less: $5
Honolulu
- Skills test: $8
- Written test: $2 (if you need the test read aloud to you, you must visit Kapalama or Wahiawa office and pay the $10 fee.)
- Driver’s license:
- Under 25 years old: $20 (for 4 years)
- 25 to 71 years old: $40 (for 8 years)
- 72 years old or older: $10 (for 2 years)
- Non0U.S. citizen verification (if applicable): $1
Maui County
- Written test: $5
- Oral test: $5
- Skills test: $20
- Driver’s license:
- 16 to 24 years old: $40 (for 4 years)
- 25 to 71 years old: $80 (for 8 years)
- 72 years old and older: $20 (for 2 years)
Acceptable Identification Documents in Hawaii
In Hawaii, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your HI driver’s license.
Acceptable Documentation for Legal Presence in the U.S., Legal Name, and Date of Birth
(Must be a valid, original, or certified copy, and unexpired. 1 document is required)
U.S. Citizen
- U.S. state or local government-issued Certificate of Birth or Record of Birth
- Hawaii does NOT accept any Puerto Rico birth certificate before July 1, 2010.
- U.S. passport or passport card
- U.S. state or local government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
Non-U.S. Citizen
- DOJ/ INS I-551 Resident Alien Card issued since 1977
- DHS/USCIS I-797 with expired PRC
- DHS/USCIS I-688 Temporary Resident Card
- DHS/USCIS I-766 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued since 2004
FAS Citizen
(The Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau)
- Unexpired FAS national passport and an approved I-94 form
Acceptable Documents for Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Social Security card (must be the original card. Plastic or metal cards are NOT accepted.)
- W-2 Form from the previous year
- SSA-1099 Form from the previous year
- Pay stub with your name
Acceptable Documents for Proof of Hawaii Residence
- Valid driver’s license
- Current vehicle title or registration
- Valid insurance statement or card (homeowner’s medical, auto, etc.)
- Current real property tax assessment form
- Utility bill (no older than 2 months)
- Payroll check or payroll check stub issued by an employer (no more than 6 months old)
Proof of a Legal Name Change
- Marriage certificate (U.S. government issued)
- Naturalization certificate
- Civil union certificate
- Certified decree of a name change from the state of Hawaii Lieutenant Governor’s Office
Click here to view the full list of acceptable documentation for Hawaii.
Getting a Hawaii Driver’s License Under the Age of 18 in Hawaii
Hawaii teens who are getting ready to start their journey toward independent driving are required to take different steps to obtain their standard, unrestricted HI driver’s license. Hawaii has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. The first step in the GDL program is obtaining your instructional permit.
County Permit Requirements
There are 4 different Hawaii counties. Each county may have different rules and regulations. You must always follow your local county-specific rules IF they are different from the state-specific rules. If you have county-specific questions, you can refer to these contact numbers:
- City and County of Honolulu: (808) 768-9100
- County of Hawaii: (808) 961-2223
- County of Kauai: (808) 241-4242
- County of Maui: (808) 270-7363
New Residents of Hawaii
If you’re new to Hawaii, you are required to meet Hawaii’s GDL requirements for obtaining an instructional permit. If you have a valid permit from your previous state, you will NOT be able to transfer it to Hawaii, which means you must provide the necessary documentation and complete and pass the written exam to receive your HI instructional permit.
Applying for Your Hawaii Learner’s Permit
To receive your HI instructional permit, you must be at least 15 ½ years old. When you are enrolled in the HI GDL program, completing a Driver’s Ed course is not required until you have attained an instructional permit for at least 180 days and you’re ready to apply for your HI provisional license.
You will need the following documentation to receive your HI learner’s permit from the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles (HI DMV):
- A completed State of Hawaii Driver’s License Application (click here). Depending on the county in Hawaii you reside, both parents must either be present or sign your application and the application must be notarized.
- Proof of:
- Identity (birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, immigration documents)
- Social security number (Medicare ID card, W-2 form, pay stub that shows your SSN)
- Legal U.S. presence (permanent residence identification card, temporary resident identification card, or Certificate of Citizenship)
- Hawaii residency (2 documents are required)
- Cash or check for the appropriate permit fee:
- City and County Honolulu: $5
- County of Hawaii: $10
- County of Kauai: see county fee chart (click here)
- County of Maui: $10
The above-mentioned documents must be valid, original, or certified copies. If you are unable to provide these specific proofs, you will receive a non-compliant permit instead. Once you provide the required documentation, you must complete and pass the HI written exam.
The Hawaii Written Permit Test
It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment to take your HI written test. The HI written test consists of 30 questions that pertain to the road signs and road rules. When you pass the exam, you must pass a vision screening. After you pass the vision screening and pay all applicable fees, you will earn your HI learner’s permit.
Learner’s Permit Driving Restrictions
There are driving restrictions that are associated with the HI learner’s permit. These restrictions are as follows:
- You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and licensed to operate the same type of vehicle.
- When you are operating a motor vehicle between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, the supervising driver must be seated in the front passenger seat.
- Children under 4 years old must be properly restrained in a child safety seat
Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements
During the Hawaii learner’s permit stage of the GDL, you must complete 40 hours of supervised practice driving. 10 of the 40 hours must be driven at night. The hours you drive must be logged on a Behind-the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate (Form HDOT DE-21), which is only available at your local HI DMV.
Your HI driver’s permit is valid for 1 year. If needed, you can renew your permit 30 days before it expires. Failure to renew your permit within 30 days after its expiration date will result in you having to wait 180 days before you are eligible to complete the road test.
Replacing Your Hawaii Learner’s Permit
If your HI learner’s permit is lost or stolen, you can receive a replacement. However, you must visit your local HI DMV office in person. You must bring the above-listed documentation when you visit the DMV.
Applying for a Teen Driver’s License in Hawaii
If you’re a teenager who is applying for a new HI driver’s license, you must satisfy the requirements of the Hawaii Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. The GDL program gives you driving instruction and the practice necessary to build safe and responsible driving habits.
Hawaii Graduated Licensing Program
If you are younger than 18 years old and applying for your first Hawaii driver’s license, you must meet the requirements of the HI Graduated Driver’s Licensing program. The Hawaii DMV GDL program is divided into the following phases:
- Instruction permit, which allows:
- Supervised driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old between the hours of 5 AM and 11 PM.
- Supervised driving with your parent or guardian at any time
- Provisional driver’s license, which allows:
- No more than 1 passenger who is younger than 18 years old, UNLESS he or she is a relative
- Unsupervised driving between the hours of 5 AM and 11 PM
- Driving between the hours of 11 AM and 5 PM with a parent or guardian, or when traveling to or from work/school with a signed statement
- Unrestricted driver’s license
- You are allowed to operate a motor vehicle without any restrictions
Age Requirements in Hawaii
The minimum ages to start each phase of the HI GDL program are as follows:
- Learner’s permit: 15 ½ years old
- Provisional driver’s license: 16 years old
- Full, unrestricted driver’s license: 17 years old
Hawaii Learner’s Permit
You can start the first steps of the HI GDL program when you are at least 15 ½ years old when you complete the Driver’s Ed course and obtain your HI learner’s permit.
To apply for your Hawaii learner’s permit, you must visit your local HI DMV office with your parent or guardian and:
- Complete a HI driver’s license application. Depending on which county in Hawaii you reside, both your parents may have to be present or sign your driver’s license application and have it notarized.
- Provide proof of your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Legal presence
- Hawaii residency (2 documents are required)
- Pass the vision exam
- Pass the DMV written test
- Pay the HI learner’s permit fee (fees may vary by county)
You must attain your learner’s permit for at least 180 days and complete the HI driver’s education course BEFORE you can proceed to the next steps of the HI GDL program.
Learner’s Permit Driving Restrictions
With your Hawaii learner’s permit, you can operate a motor vehicle with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old between the hours of 5 AM and 11 PM and operate a motor vehicle with your parent or legal guardian in the car at any time.
Hawaii Provisional Driver’s License
You will be eligible for a HI provisional driver’s license once you:
- Are at least 16 years old
- Have attained your HI learner’s permit for at least 180 days
- Have completed the HI driver’s education course
To receive your HI provisional driver’s license, you must schedule and pass the driving test at your local HI DMV office. To complete your Hawaii DMV road test and earn your provisional license, you must:
- Provide a vehicle in safe and proper working order (the vehicle’s registration must be current and have a safety inspection completed).
- Proof of a valid HI auto insurance policy
- Be accompanied by a licensed adult
- Provide your valid HI learner’s permit
- Pay all applicable fees (fees vary by county)
- Provide the required state-approved documents that prove your:
- Identity
- Name
- Legal presence
For more information or to address your questions or concerns, contact your local HI DMV office.
You are required to attain your HI provisional driver’s license for at least 6 months before you can proceed to obtain your HI unrestricted driver’s license.
Provisional License Driving Restrictions
Your Hawaii provisional driver’s license allows you to operate a motor vehicle:
- With no more than 1 passenger who is younger than 18 years old, UNLESS he or she is a relative
- Unsupervised between the hours of 5 AM and 11 PM
- Between the hours of 11 PM and 5 AM with a parent or guardian, or when you’re traveling to or from work or school. (You must have a statement signed by your parent, guardian, or employer.)
Full Unrestricted Hawaii Driver’s License
Once you are at least 17 years old and attained your HI provisional driver’s license for at least 6 months, you are eligible to upgrade to an HI unrestricted driver’s license. You must visit your local HI DMV office and provide your provisional license and pay the driver’s license fee. Driver’s license fees vary by county.
Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Hawaii
There are 4 different classes of non-commercial driver’s licenses in Hawaii.
Class 1
Class 1 non-commercial Hawaii driver’s licenses are for moped operation. Mopeds are defined in Hawaii as 2-3 wheeled vehicles that can carry one person. The moped doesn’t have more than 2 horsepower and has a maximum speed of 30 mpg on a straight-level surface.
Class 2
Class 2 non-commercial Hawaii driver’s licenses are for motorcycles. Unlike mopeds, motorcycles have a horsepower that is greater than 2. However, motorcycles, like mopeds, can be 2-3 wheeled.
Class 4
Class 4 non-commercial Hawaii driver’s licenses are for the operation of vehicles that have a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 pounds. These vehicles are usually RVs and trailers.
Contact your local HI DMV office to learn more about obtaining a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 4 driver’s license. The driving rules and restrictions may vary by county.
Other Hawaii Driver’s License Requirements
You are required to surrender all driver’s licenses in your possession to obtain a Hawaii driver’s license. No driver is allowed to attain multiple driver’s licenses at any time. If you transfer your HI driver’s license to a different state, your Hawaii driver’s license will be canceled.
Ineligibility
You will not be eligible to receive a driver’s license if:
- Your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked by a court of law
- You have failed to pass the required driver’s test
- You have not provided proof of financial responsibility (if you are required to do so under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act)
- There is reasonable cause to believe that you are afflicted with mental or physical infirmities or disabilities, which would make it unsafe for you to operate a motor vehicle
- You are younger than 16 years old
- You are 16 or 17 years old and do not have parental consent
- You are a minor with pending violations or court cases
- You have a traffic violation that is unsatisfied or pending a court hearing
- Your license is suspended or revoked in a different state or jurisdiction
Reinstatement Fees
If your current license is revoked or suspended, and your suspension or revocation period has ended, you are required to pay a reinstatement fee of $50. This fee clears your driver’s license status to allow you to reapply for a HI driver’s license.
If you are out of state and have a suspended or revoked license on your record, and you have complied with all the requirements, the $50 reinstatement fee must be paid by a cashier’s check or money order and made payable to the “County Director of Finance”. Make sure you include your name and driver’s license number.
Married, Divorced, or Name Change?
If you got married, divorced, or changed your name, you may be required to provide a name change document if you’re applying for a new HI driver’s license or ID card. If you’re getting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, it must be in your true full name. The documents you may be requested to present include:
- A marriage certificate
- Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
- A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
- A certificate, declaration, or registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
- A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action
Does the REAL ID Act Impact Residents of Hawaii?
Individuals in Hawaii may only attain one REAL ID-compliant credential. If you have an HI driver’s license and an HI state identification credential, you must choose the credential that will be your REAL ID-compliant credential.
If you choose your state ID as your REAL-ID-compliant credential, you will be issued a limited-purpose HI driver’s license, which gives you the authority to operate a motor vehicle. The limited-purpose driver’s license can’t be used for identification purposes and is not acceptable for official federal purposes.
If you have an out-of-state REAL ID-compliant state identification credential that has a star in the upper right corner, you are required to apply for a limited-purpose driver’s license or surrender your out-of-state REAL ID-compliant state identification credential.
The REAL ID-compliant credential features a white star in a gold circle. The Department of Homeland Security requires the mark of the white star in a gold circle to help federal agencies easily recognize REAL ID-compliant credentials. Having the star in the gold circle indicates the credential has been certified by the Department of Homeland Security as a REAL ID and meets the REAL ID standards.
Individuals who are traveling domestically on a commercial airline will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant credential or a different form of identification starting October 1, 2021.
Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Hawaii?
Obtaining a REAL ID is not mandatory in Hawaii. However, a REAL ID is excellent to have if you intend on boarding domestic flights, entering a military base, or a federal facility.
Be advised that if you attain a military ID, U.S. passport, passport card, or another type of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved identification, these documents will continue to be accepted when boarding an airplane.
You don’t have to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to do any of the following:
- Vote
- Drive
- Enter a federal facility that does NOT require ID (such as a post office)
- Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veteran’s Affairs, etc.)
- Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services
How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant credential, you must provide documentation that proves your:
- Legal name
- Date of birth
- Legal presence
- Social security number
- Proof of Hawaii address
These documents must be presented at your local HI DMV office. The documents you present must be originals or certified copies from the issuing entity. Faxes, photocopies, and laminated documents are NOT accepted. Click here for a list of acceptable documentation for a REAL ID in Hawaii.
The HI DMV does not accept documents that have been torn, taped, or have holes punched in them. The Hawaii DMV agents must be able to read essential information printed on the document. Additional documents will be required if your name has changed from the name that is printed on your birth certificate.
Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Hawaii
You may associate Hawaii with its tropical beauty and not trucking, but you can still obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the Aloha state. With a CDL, you can experience different scenery.
To receive your CDL, you must abide by all the national regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You must also follow the licensing procedures for your specific county in Hawaii:
- Hawaii County – Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division (VRLD)
- Honolulu County – Department of Customer Services (CSD)
- Kauai County – Department of Finance (DOF)
- Maui County – Department of Finance (DOF)
Each department is a larger part of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HIDOT). The HI Department of Transportation regulates the laws across all Hawaii counties.
Updated Federal Training Requirements
Per new federal entry-level driving training requirements that are effective February 7, 2022, the HI DOT now requires new CDL applicants to complete an entry-level driver training course through an authorized provider. You must complete this training BEFORE you can apply for your first CDL, upgrade your existing CDL class, or apply for a HAZMAT, school bus, or passenger endorsement.
CDL Eligibility Requirements in Hawaii
To qualify for a Hawaii commercial driver’s license, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old to operate ANY type of commercial vehicle
- Have a valid, non-commercial Hawaii driver’s license
- Provide a passport-size, color photo of your face
- Show proof of your:
- Age
- Identity
- Hawaii residency
- Social security number
- Legal presence in the U.S. (for HAZMAT applicants ONLY)
For more information regarding acceptable documentation that can be used in every county, click here.
Hawaii Commercial Learner’s Permit
Before you can obtain a commercial driver’s license, you must start with your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). It’s best if you enroll in a CDL education course to ensure you don’t have too many hassles. However, this training course is NOT required.
To obtain your CLP, you must schedule an appointment at your local HI CDL office and submit your:
- Identifying documents
- Medical paperwork
- A completed Application for Commercial Driver’s License (Form DOT 4-764)
- Driver’s license history from any state you attained a license within the last 10 years
Pass the:
- Vision screening
- Written knowledge exams for the CDL classification you’re applying for, plus any endorsements you want to add to your CDL
You must also pay all applicable fees.
Once the above-listed steps are completed, you will be issued your commercial learner’s permit. Congratulations! Your CLP is valid for 180 days, which means you have time to practice before taking your skills test.
Hawaii CLP Restrictions
Getting your CLP is the first step to obtaining your official CDL. You must follow additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations while using your CLP. With your commercial learner’s permit, you will be restricted to driving:
- On public roads ONLY
- While accompanied by a CDL holder who is licensed to operate the same class of vehicle
You will also have to wait for a specific amount of time before you will be allowed to complete the skills test to earn your full commercial driver’s license. The federal waiting period is 14 days. However, the wait time could be different for you. Check with your local HI licensing center about the specific waiting periods before taking your skills test.
Regardless of where you are in Hawaii, your CLP will be valid for 180 days.
Obtaining Your Hawaii CDL
There is one step left to obtain your CDL. You must complete the skills exam. Once 180 days have passed, and you’re confident with proceeding, you can schedule an appointment with your local HI CDL office.
You must arrange to complete the test in the same class of vehicle you wish to operate with your commercial driver’s license. At this time, you are still technically a CLP holder, so you must be accompanied to the test by a full CDL holder.
When you arrive at your appointment, you must bring your:
- Hawaii driver’s license
- Commercial learner’s permit
- Medical information
- Paperwork for your testing vehicle:
- Registration
- Inspection sticker
- Insurance card
- Payment for the appropriate fee(s)
If the vehicle you’re using is exempt from having an inspection sticker, you must present the exemption form. Once you have met the above-listed requirements, you can focus your attention on the skills exam, which consists of different parts, including the:
- Pre-trip inspection
- Basic vehicle control
- On-road driving test
After you complete each section, you will be issued your full Hawaii commercial driver’s license. You did it. Congratulations!
Be advised that HI county applicants do not need the fee at this time.
Hawaii County Skills Tests
The skills exam process is the same in Hawaii county, except for when and where you will receive your actual commercial driver’s license. Once you pass each part of the skills test, you need to return to the Driver’s License office with your:
- Hawaii driver’s license
- Commercial learner’s permit
- $50 skills exam fee
- An envelope holding your skills exam scores
Once you complete these steps, you will be issued your commercial driver’s license!
CDL Fees in Hawaii
Each county in Hawaii has control over the fees they charge for a commercial driver’s license. The current fees for CDLs and other related services are outlined below.
Hawaii County
- Knowledge test: $15
- Special knowledge test (for endorsements): $5 each
- Commercial learner’s permit: $30
- Skills test: $50
- Commercial driver’s license (determined by license length and your age):
- 4 years (21 to 24 years old): $20
- 8 years (25 to 71 years old): $40
- 2 years (72 years old or older): $10
Honolulu County
- Knowledge test: $15
- Special knowledge test (for endorsements): $5 each
- Commercial learner’s permit: $30
- Skills test: $50
- Commercial driver’s license: $5 per year fee
Kauai County
- Knowledge test: $15
- Commercial learner’s permit: $30
- Skills test: $50
- Commercial driver’s license (see fee chart here)
Maui County
- Knowledge test: $15
- Special knowledge test (for endorsements): $5 each
- Commercial learner’s permit: $30
- Skills exam:
- Vehicle inspection: $20
- Road test: $50
- Commercial driver’s license: $40
CDL Medical Requirements
Regardless of where you live in Hawaii, you must be deemed physically fit for the job BEFORE you apply for your commercial learner’s permit.
To be medically certified for your Hawaii CDL, you must complete:
- A CDL Driver’s Self-Certification form (click here for the form)
- A Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). Must be completed by an FMCSA-approved doctor
You need to complete your medical paperwork BEFORE scheduling your initial appointment with your local HI licensing office. For more information regarding the CDL medical requirements in Hawaii, click here to view the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s medical requirements FAQ.
Federal Self-Certification Requirements
You must self-certify your type of vehicle operating with the HI DMV, meaning you must self-certify one of the following driving categories:
- Non-excepted interstate
- Excepted interstate
- Non-excepted intrastate
- Excepted intrastate
Applying for a Hawaii Motorcycle License
New Residents of Hawaii
As a new resident of Hawaii who already has a motorcycle or endorsement from a different state, you can transfer your credentials.
To transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement to Hawaii, you need to visit your local HI driver’s licensing office and:
- Submit a State of Hawaii Driver’s License Application (click here to download the application)
- Present Proof of your:
- Identity
- Hawaii residency and legal U.S. presence
- Social security number (SSN)
- Pass the written knowledge exams for your
- Standard (Class 3) driver’s license
- Motorcycle (Class 2) license
- Pass the on-bike road exam IF your out-of-state license is expired
- Complete a vision test
For more information or if you have questions or concerns regarding transferring your out-of-state motorcycle license to a specific county in Hawaii, contact your local HI driver’s licensing office.
Hawaii Motorcycle License Eligibility Requirements
To receive your HI motorcycle license, you must meet the following eligibility requirements that are set by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HIDOT):
- Earn a motorcycle instruction permit
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider education course that is approved by the HIDOT
- This education course is mandatory for applicants who are between the ages of 16 and 18. For other riders, taking an MSF course will waive the motorcycle road skills exam.
- Pass a road skills exam if you didn’t complete a motorcycle education course
- Pay all applicable motorcycle licensing fees
Hawaii Motorcycle Instruction Permits
In Hawaii, all motorcycle license applicants are required to first obtain an instruction permit. To receive your HI motorcycle instruction permit, you need to visit your local HI driver’s licensing office and:
- Provide proof of your:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- U.S. citizenship
- Social security number
- Pass the written knowledge tests for:
- Standard driver’s license
- Motorcycle license
- Pay all applicable HI motorcycle permit fees
Once you receive your motorcycle instruction permit, you will be allowed to practice driving a motorcycle on the public roads and highways of Hawaii. If your motorcycle permit expires, you must wait 3 months before you can apply for an additional motorcycle permit.
If you’re between the ages of 16 and 18, you must attain your motorcycle instruction permit for at least 180 days before you apply for your HI motorcycle license. You must also enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course.
Everything you will be tested on in the written knowledge exams can be found in the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Driver Handbook (click here) and Motorcycle Manual (click here).
Permit Restrictions
Before you head out to experience the open road, make sure you keep the following restrictions in mind. While you’re practicing riding your motorcycle with an instruction permit, you are prohibited from transporting passengers and driving during hours when it’s dark and/or the lighting isn’t ideal.
Obtaining Your Hawaii Motorcycle License
To receive your Hawaii Motorcycle license, you must present the following at your county’s local driver’s licensing office:
- Proof of your:
- Date of birth
- Legal name
- Legal presence in the U.S.
- Social security number
- Either a Certificate of Course Completion for an HIDOT-approved MSF motorcycle education course or written proof that you passed the motorcycle road skills test
- Payment for the required Hawaii motorcycle license fee
Motorcycle Education in Hawaii
Motorcycle education is sometimes a mandatory resource that helps you understand the laws you must abide by when riding a motorcycle, the equipment you need to wear, and other motorcycle essentials. In Hawaii, if you complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course, you can waive the motorcycle road skills test. The motorcycle education course is mandatory for riders who are between the ages of 16 and 18.
The motorcycle rider education course will teach you about:
- Sharing the road and communicating with other drivers
- Making smooth turns
- Finding the safest riding paths
- Procedure in emergencies
The MSF education courses are approved by the Hawaii Department of Transportation and provided by community colleges and universities in each county in Hawaii.
Hawaii Motorcycle License Fees
The fees associated with obtaining your motorcycle license in the state of Hawaii vary depending on the county in which you’re applying. The fees per written knowledge exam in each Hawaii county are as follows:
- Hawaii: $1
- Maui: $5
- Honolulu: $2
- Kauai (view the county fee chart here)
To find out more information regarding the remaining motorcycle licensing items below, contact your county’s local licensing agency.
Hawaii DMV Locations
There are multiple DMV locations in Hawaii where you can obtain a Hawaii driver’s license and take care of motor vehicle-related transactions. Here are a few HI DMV office locations. You must visit these offices in person to handle your transactions.
Hilo Driver License Office
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-2222
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Kona Driver License Office
West Hawaii Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: (808) 323-4800
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Waimea Vehicle Registration & Licensing
Waimea Center
65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy Ste1-A
Kamuela, HI 96743
Phone: (808) 881-3488
Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM