11Jun 2015

Hawaii License Requirements

For Hawaii teens who wish to get a driver’s permit, there are a number of milestones that they will need to complete before they can hit the road. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has initiated a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program, under this program teens get the experience they need prior to getting an unrestricted driver’s license.

Hawaii has four different counties and therefore certain rules and regulations may vary. Each county also has different names for the department that regulates and issues driver’s licenses, we will therefore refer to them as DOT just to keep things simple. Remember that you should follow your local county-specific rules if they differ from the state-specific rules.

Hawaii Learner’s Permit

You must be at least 15 ½ years old to get a Hawaii instructional permit. Under the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program, taking a Driver’s Ed course is not necessary unless you have had an instructional permit for more than 180 days and you are ready to get your provisional license. Here is what you will need:

  • A completed State of Hawaii Driver’s License Application Form. Your parents or legal guardians must sign your application or be present.
  • Proof of identity (e.g. immigration documents, valid U.S. passport or birth certificate).
  • Proof of Social Security number
  • Proof of legal presence
  • Payment for the appropriate permit fee:
    • City & County of Honolulu: $5.
    • County of Hawaii: $10.
    • County of Kauai: $10.
    • County of Maui: $10.

All the documents must be certified copies or valid original.

With your Hawaii learner’s permit you can only drive when accompanied with an adult who is above 21 years old and has a valid driver license.  The supervising driver must be seated next to you when you drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and in case you have passengers who are below 4 years they must be restrained in a child safety seat.

Hawaii Provisional Driver’s License

You can only apply for a Provisional Driver’s License if you are at least 16 years, have had your learner’s permit for a period of 180 days and have completed driver’s education. Apart from the requirements needed in the Learner’s Permit you will need to provide the following:

  • A vehicle in good condition
  • A valid Hawaii learner’s permit

After six months of obtaining your Provisional Driver’s License you can apply for an unrestricted driver’s license.

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