Getting a Hawaii instruction permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Customer Services – Driver Licensing (Hawaii licenses are issued by the four counties) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Take the 30-question written test online, or book an in-person test through AlohaQ.
Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Fill out the Hawaii Driver's License Application Form.
Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Gather your certified birth certificate, Social Security number and two proofs of Hawaii address.
Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026If you're under 18, bring the parental consent form signed by both parents in person, or notarized.
Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026At your appointment, pass the eye test and pay the $2 test and $5 permit fees.
Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Drive on the temporary permit until the plastic one arrives in six to eight weeks.
Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Minimum age for an instruction permit
- 15 years and 6 months.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit and test fees (Oahu)
- $5 instruction permit plus a $2 written-test fee at a Driver Licensing Center. The online test costs $12 on Oahu instead.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Parental consent (under 18)
- A parental consent affidavit, signed by both custodial parents (or the custodial parent or guardian), either notarized or signed in person in front of licensing staff. Signers share liability.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- How long the permit is valid
- One year. It can be renewed from 30 days before to 90 days after it expires. After that, you retake the written test.Source: vrl.hawaiicounty.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Renewing a permit
- Renew for another year no sooner than 30 days before expiration. Minors who renew 31-90 days late must wait 180 days from the renewal for a road test.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit holding period (under 18)
- At least 180 days before a provisional license.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Instruction permit restrictions
- A licensed driver 21 or older (licensed for the same vehicle type) must sit beside you. From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., minors need a parent or guardian beside them. Everyone must be belted.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Permit, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Minors driving in these hours must have a supervising parent or guardian in the seat beside them.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Written test questions
- 30 multiple-choice questions based on the Hawaii Driver's Manual.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Passing score
- No more than 6 errors, so at least 24 of 30 correct (per Maui County).Source: mauicounty.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- If you fail the written test
- Wait 7 days and pay the test fee again.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Online test attempts
- Unlimited, but no more than twice a day.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Online permit test
- Take the Class 3 test online (computer with webcam, no phones or tablets), then book a licensing center visit within 60 days. Under-18s need an adult over 21 at registration.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Test languages
- The online test is in English and Spanish, with a one-hour limit. An oral test is available at the Kapalama Driver Licensing Center for $10.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Documents for a permit
- A completed application, a certified birth certificate, your Social Security number and two proofs of Hawaii address. Under-18s may use a parent's address documents.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Originals only
- All documents must be originals or certified copies.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointment needed (Oahu)
- Yes. Every in-office license or ID visit on Oahu is booked through AlohaQ. In-person written tests run only on certain days at each center.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Road test booking (Oahu)
- By appointment only, no walk-in standby. There is a non-refundable $8 fee, paid online.Source: honolulu.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Hawaii guide
Official Hawaii links
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Studying for the Hawaii knowledge test?
Two free Hawaii practice tests and a 10-question readiness check. No sign-up.
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