What to bring to the Hawaii HDOT permit test
Bring the right documents and you can take the knowledge and vision tests on the same visit. The official requirements change from time to time, so check the HDOT's own page before you go.
For the learner's permit and knowledge test
- Original or certified documents proving legal name, date of birth and legal presence (e.g. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport)
- Social Security card (or a limited purpose permit if none)
- Two documents proving your principal residence address in Hawaii (e.g. utility bill, bank statement)
- Parental consent from each living parent or legal guardian if under 18
- If you tested online: proof of passing, within the time allowed (60 days in Honolulu)
Fees
- Instruction permit (Honolulu): $5
- Instruction permit renewal (Honolulu): $5
- Written test (Honolulu): $2
- Online permit test (Honolulu): $12
- Road test (Honolulu): $8
- Provisional license, ages 16-18 (Honolulu): $5 per year or fraction
The vision test
Categories 1-3: 20/40 (Snellen) or better in one eye, corrected or uncorrected, and a horizontal field of 70 degrees or more using one eye. Outside rear-view mirror restriction if the binocular field is 70-139 degrees or only one eye meets 20/40; corrective lens restriction if needed. Vision test required for permits, new licenses and renewals; may be waived with an eye exam certificate from the last six months.
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.
For the road test
- A licensed driver age 21 or older who stays through the test (Honolulu)
- Current Certificate of Registration (no temporary dealer registration)
- Current Hawaii safety inspection certificate with decal
- Current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card (electronic accepted in Honolulu)
- Under 18: original State driver education completion certificates (classroom and behind-the-wheel)
- Prepaid road test deposit/appointment (Honolulu: appointments required; no-shows wait 60 days)
After you pass: your permit
- Hold it for at least 180 days before a provisional license before the road test.
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 (licensed for that vehicle type) in the right front seat
- 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.: the supervising driver must be your parent or guardian
- All occupants must use safety belts or child restraints
- The permit is valid for one year. Renew it no sooner than 30 days before and no later than 90 days after it expires
- Under 18: you must complete a State certified driver education course (classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates) before the road test
Before you go
Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the HDOT says copies are accepted.
Questions
How old do I need to be to take the Hawaii permit test?
15½.
How much does the Hawaii permit test cost?
Set by each county. Honolulu: written test $2; online permit test $12 ($2 county fee + $10 transaction/card fee); oral test $10.
Can I take the Hawaii permit test online?
The car (Category 3) written test covers rules of the road and the meaning of traffic control devices. It is given with a vision screening at a county driver licensing center. On Kauai the test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you fail with more than 6 errors. You can also take the test online from a desktop or laptop with a webcam (no phones, tablets or touchscreens), with a 1-hour time limit. Honolulu says the online test has 30 questions and that you then have 60 days to finish the permit at a county office. Check with your county before you go.
Do I need an appointment?
Check the HDOT's website: requirements for appointments differ by office and change often. Bring every document on the list above so you don't have to come back.
Source: Hawaii Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Safety Office (licenses issued by the county driver licensing offices of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai), checked 2026-10-27.