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To be able to drive in Hawaii, you do need to have a driver license. All drivers need to complete Driver’s Ed as a part of the HI graduated licensing program. It applies to first-time drivers under 18 years old.
Testing and Preparing to Drive in Hawaii
For drivers under 18 years old, there is a requirement to enroll in a Driver’s Ed course in Hawaii. You will need to wait until you are 15 1/2 years old before you can get your Hawaii learner’s permit. By completing this step, you can prepare for the DMV road test. Student drivers are able to test for their official license at 17.
Importantly, remember that Hawaii doesn’t allow online driver’s education, even if other states do. To find a local driver’s education course, contact the Hawaii Department of Transportation Driver Education program by calling (808) 587-5687.
Regardless of where you get your learner’s permit, you will need to complete a Hawaii Driver’s License Application. You’ll need to visit your local Hawaii DMV office to turn in this application, so that you can get your HI learner’s permit.
If you are under 15 1/2 years old, you will need to go with a parent or guardian to apply for this permit. Both parents or guardians (if there are two) must sign the application and have it notarized. The exact paperwork varies by county, so ask your Hawaii DMV office upon arrival.
Make sure you are ready to provide your:
- Name.
- Date of birth.
- Social Security number.
- Proof of Hawaii residency.
- Proof of legal presence in Hawaii.
You must also pass a vision test and Hawaii DMV written examination. To better prepare, you may take an online DMV Practice Test.
Provisional HI Driver’s License and Driver’s License
After completing driver’s education in Hawaii, you can get a provisional driver’s license. This license is available after you:
- Hold your learner’s permit for 180 days or more.
- Wait until you’re at least 16 years old to take the DMV road test.
- Practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.
When you’re ready to get your Hawaii provisional license, make sure you take these items with you to your local HI DMV office:
- Proof of identity.
- Social Security Number.
- Proof of Hawaii residency.
- Proof of legal presence.
If you are older than 18 years old when applying for your HI driver’s license, you may be able to avoid the graduated driver licensing program. However, if you live in Kauai, you must prove you held a Hawaii instruction permit or had a driver license in another state before the county will allow you to apply for a new driver license.
The driver license fee will vary by county. Be sure to contact your local DMV office for the most recent and updated fees.
Defensive Driving Courses in HI
In Hawaii, you may be able to complete a HI defensive driving course or traffic school to have a ticket dismissed. Eligibility requirements for this will vary, so you will need to speak with the traffic court in the country where your ticket was issued. They’ll help you determine if you can have your ticket dismissed by completing a Hawaii driver reeducation program.
You may be able to get a safe driver discount on your car insurance by completing a defensive driving course. We also suggest you contact your insurance company to determine eligibility.