Under implied consent laws, if you refuse a chemical (breath or blood) test after a lawful arrest:

Your license is usually suspended

You can drive home if you wait an hour

Before changing lanes, you should:

Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots

Hawaii HDOT Permit Practice Test

Practice free with questions based on the official Hawaii driver handbook, with every answer explained.

Updated on 2026-11-06 · Ver en español

DMVPermitUSA is an independent study tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by the Hawaii Department of Transportation or any other government agency. Requirements were checked against official Hawaii sources (listed below) and can change: always confirm with the HDOT before your test.

Start a free practice test · Take a full mock exam

Hawaii permit test at a glance

Agency	Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT)
Passing score	At least 80% of the questions answered correctly
Minimum permit age	15½ years old
Permit holding period	180 days
Provisional license from	age 16
Full license	at 17
Test languages	The online test is offered in English and Spanish. HDOT has also offered the written test in 14 languages, including Hawaiian, Japanese, Ilocano, Samoan and Tagalog.
Official handbook	Hawaii Driver's Manual

Try 5 Hawaii permit test questions

In Hawaii, what is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over? 0.02% / 0.05% / 0.08% / 0.10%. Answer: 0.08%. As in almost every state, the limit in Hawaii is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over; 0.04% for commercial drivers, and zero tolerance under 21.
Under implied consent laws, if you refuse a chemical (breath or blood) test after a lawful arrest: Nothing happens / Your license is usually suspended / You only get a warning / You can drive home if you wait an hour. Answer: Your license is usually suspended. By driving, you agree to chemical testing when lawfully asked. Refusing usually leads to an automatic license suspension, separate from any DUI charge.
Yellow diamond-shaped signs are: Regulatory signs / Warning signs / Guide signs / Construction signs only. Answer: Warning signs. Yellow diamonds warn of hazards ahead: curves, merges, intersections, slippery roads or animal crossings. Orange diamonds are used in work zones.
A flashing yellow traffic light means: Stop / Proceed with caution / Speed up before it turns red / Pedestrians only. Answer: Proceed with caution. Flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution; you do not have to stop.
Before changing lanes, you should: Only check your mirrors / Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots / Speed up first / Honk to warn other drivers. Answer: Signal, check mirrors and look over your shoulder for blind spots. Signal, check your mirrors, then turn your head to check your blind spot before moving over.

How the Hawaii HDOT permit test works

The Hawaii knowledge test is a multiple-choice exam based on the official HDOT handbook, the Hawaii Driver's Manual. To pass you need at least 80% of the questions answered correctly.

Official sources differ on the length: HDOT describes the online test as 25 questions, while Hawaii County lists 30. Licenses are issued by the counties, so check with your county's driver licensing office.

Since December 2024 the permit test can be taken online statewide through Know To Drive, on a desktop or laptop with a webcam (no phones or tablets), with a one-hour limit. You then book an appointment at a driver licensing center to get the permit.

Hawaii County requires a 7-day wait before retaking the online test after a failure.

The online test is offered in English and Spanish. HDOT has also offered the written test in 14 languages, including Hawaiian, Japanese, Ilocano, Samoan and Tagalog.

Hawaii learner's permit requirements

In Hawaii you can apply for a learner's permit at 15½. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

Drivers under 18 must complete a state-certified driver education course and show both the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates before getting a provisional license.

Before the road test, teen drivers must hold the permit for at least 180 days.

Proof of identity and date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport).
Your Social Security number, if you have one.
Proof of Hawaii residency.
A vision screening and the knowledge test.

The HDOT publishes the exact document list: check it before your appointment, especially if you want a REAL ID-compliant card.

Hawaii graduated driver licensing (GDL)

After the learner stage and the road test, teens can get a provisional (intermediate) license from age 16.

From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. a licensed parent or guardian must ride along, except when driving to or from work or a school activity with a signed statement. Without a parent or guardian, you may carry only one passenger under 18 who is not a household member.

Restrictions end and you hold a full, unrestricted license at 17, provided your record stays clean.

Hawaii rules worth knowing for the test

Signs and most rules are the same nationwide, but each state has its own laws — and the HDOT test asks about them.

Hawaii bans all drivers from holding a mobile device while driving, and drivers under 18 may not use one even hands-free, except to call 911.
Permit holders must drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21.
You can move from a provisional to a full license at 17 after holding the provisional license for at least six months with no pending suspension; a provisional license expires on your 19th birthday.

What the Hawaii knowledge test covers

Topics follow the chapters of the HDOT handbook. These are the ones asked most often:

Road signs by shape and color (federal MUTCD standard): see the road signs guide.
Right-of-way at 4-way stops, left turns, crosswalks and for emergency vehicles: right-of-way rules.
Speed limits in mph and the 3-second following rule: speed guide.
Alcohol and drugs: the 0.08% BAC limit, zero tolerance under 21 and implied consent.
Traffic signals and pavement markings, parking, passing, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycles and trucks.

How to study for the Hawaii permit test

Read the official HDOT handbook once cover to cover, then take practice tests by topic to find your weak spots. Once you consistently score above 90%, take a full timed mock exam.

Drill the numbers — ages, distances, speed and BAC limits — they are the most-missed questions. More tips in how to pass the permit test.

How to get your learner's permit in Hawaii

Check the minimum age In Hawaii, you can apply for a learner's permit at 15½.
Complete the required course Drivers under 18 must complete a state-certified driver education course and show both the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates before getting a provisional license.
Study the handbook and practice Read the official HDOT handbook and take practice tests until you pass comfortably.
Gather your documents Proof of identity, Social Security number and Hawaii residency; parental consent if under 18.
Pass the vision and knowledge tests To pass you need at least 80% of the questions answered correctly.
Drive supervised Hold the permit for at least 180 days.
Take the road test From age 16 you can get a provisional license.

Hawaii permit test FAQ

What score do you need to pass the Hawaii permit test?

You need at least 80% of the questions answered correctly.

How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Hawaii?

You can apply at 15½. Applicants under 18 usually need a parent or guardian's consent.

How long do you have to hold your permit in Hawaii?

At least 180 days for teen drivers.

Can I take the Hawaii permit test in Spanish?