Thinking about getting your driver's license at the Hawaii DMV? Here's exactly what you need to know to get your permit, pass your road test, and get your Hawaii driver license.

Here's How to Get Your Hawaii Driver's License:

Here's what you'll need to get your Hawaii license:

• Provisional license and proof of your legal presence in the US.
• If you have a name change, you must also submit the original document that verifies your name change (e.g., marriage certificate).

Check the full list of required documents and fees to avoid another DMV visit.

Here's what you'll need to do to get your Hawaii license:

Phase One: Learner's (Instructional) Permit

To apply for an Instructional Permit, you must be at least 15-and-a-half years old.  All applicants must present original or certified copies of the following documents:

1. Proof of Legal Name - If your current name is different from the name shown on any document (examples: due to marriage, divorce, adoption, name change, or naturalization certificate), you are required to provide "connecting documents" to establish the link between the names
2. Proof of Legal Presence
3. Proof of Social Security Number
4. Proof of Date of Birth
5. Birth Certificate for applicants under 18
6. An Affidavit form, which  must be notarized and witnessed by the Driver Licensing Center staff as follows:
7. If both the father and mother of the applicant have custody, both the father and mother must sign the affidavit
8. If only one parent has custody of the applicant, that custodial parent must sign
9. If neither parent has custody of the applicant and the applicant has a custodial guardian, the custodial guardian must sign
10. If neither parent has custody of the applicant and the applicant has no custodial guardian, a responsible person who is willing to assume the obligation may sign.

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to accompany their learner's permit applicant to the Driver Licensing Center, however, it is not required as long as the applicant has all the proper documents and a notarized parental consent affidavit signed by the appropriate parent(s)/guardian(s).

To get an Instructional Permit, you'll need to:

1. Present two (2) documents for Proof of Principal Residence (the address affidavit form can be used for this purpose)
2. Pass the required vision test
3. Pass a 30 question multiple-choice written examination; please refer to the Hawaii Driver's Manual and take practice tests.
4. Pay the appropriate fees

To schedule an appointment for a learner's permit written examination, please click here.

Key Restrictions/Requirements

Drivers with a permit must:

• Keep the permit with them in the car
• Drive with someone who is at least 21 years of age and has a drivers' license. Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., the supervising parent or guardian must be with the minor driver
• Have all occupants wear their seat belts and children under 4 years of age be properly restrained within a safety seat.

Instructional Permit Renewal

The permit may be renewed for another one-year period no sooner than 30 days before the expiration date of the permit and no later than 90 days after the expiration date of the permit.

Failure to renew the instructional permit within 30 days after the expiration date will result in waiting 180 days before being eligible for a road test. To schedule an appointment for renewing an instructional permit, please click here or schedule with Skip.

Phase Two: Provisional License

An individual may apply for a provisional license to operate a motor vehicle if that person:

• Is at least sixteen (16) years old, but under the age of eighteen (18)
• Holds a learner's permit and has held that permit for at least 180 days and there is no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation of that person’s learner's permit
• Satisfactorily completes a State certified driver’s education course and possesses the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates
• Successfully passes a road examination test at a Driver Licensing Center
• Payment of the appropriate fees

To schedule an appointment for a road-test exam, please click here or schedule with Skip. Before your road test, visit the ultimate Hawaii DMV road test guide to find out more information about the Hawaii driving test.

Restrictions/Requirements
Once issued, the provisional license will expire on the applicant's 19th birthday.  The person granted a provisional license shall as a requirement:

1. Have in their immediate possession their provisional driver’s license
2. Have all occupants wear their seat belts and children under 4 years of age be properly restrained within a child safety seat in compliance with Hawaii State law;
3. Adhere to Passenger Restrictions.

Phase Three: Full Driver License

A provisional licensee may be issued a full driver license if the provisional licensee:

• Has satisfactorily held the provisional license for at least six (6) months
• Has no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation
• Is at least seventeen (17) years old; and has satisfactorily complied with all the requirements of Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
• Has completed an application and passed the eye test.
• Payment of the appropriate fees

If a provisional license is not converted to a full license by the provisional licensee’s 19th birthday, the provisional licensee must reapply for a driver’s license as an adult applicant.  If the provisional license expiration date falls on a weekend or holiday, then applicants must convert the provisional driver's license to a full driver license by the last working day prior to the expiration date.

Need more Hawaii DMV or Hawaii driver's license help?

Search the Skip blog or download the free Skip app on the App Store or Google Play. On the app, you can find more help, book services, and even ask our team questions via chat.