new hawaii drivers license - HI

Every person who drives any type of motorized vehicle is required to be tested and licensed.

Beginning November 3, 2008, Hawaii driver's licenses issued to applicants 25 through 71 years of age shall expire on the first birthday eight years from the date of issuance. Licensees under the age of 25 shall be issued a four year license, except for provisional licenses which shall expire on applicant's 19th birthday.

Regulations and Types of Driver Licenses 

Instruction Permit Age 15 1/2

An instruction permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when supervised by another driver who is at least 21 years of age and who is licensed to drive that type of vehicle. This permit is valid for 90 days . In all vehicles expect motorcycles, the licensed driver must sit in the right front seat. You must be at least 15 1/2 years to be eligible for an instruction permit. If you are under age 18, please read below for our section about Minors.

Provisional license Age 18 and Under

If you are under the age of 18, you must operate on a provisional license for at least 6 months before being eligible for a class 3 driver's license. Please read below for our section about Minors.

Driver's License (class 3) Age 17 

To get a class 3 license, you must be at least 17 years old. If under the age of 18, you must complete a graduated licensing program (See Below) that will allow you to develop your driving skills over time as you gain experience and maturity. Please read below for our section about Minors.

The Graduated Licensing Program Age Under 18 and Over 15½

The Provisional License Phase

A person may be granted 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 an instructional 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 instructional permit;
• satisfactorily completes a State certified driver’s education course and possesses the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates; and
• successfully passes a road examination test.

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. Passenger Restrictions: The provisional licensee driver SHALL NOT TRANSPORT more than one person below the age of eighteen (18), without being accompanied by a licensed driver that is the provisional licensee’s parent or guardian, unless that person is a household member.
4. Night-Time Driving Restriction: The provisional licensee driver SHALL NOT DRIVE between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by either a parent or guardian that is licensed to drive the same type of motor vehicle and is seated in the passenger seat beside the licensee.

    

   The person granted a provisional driver’s license may drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without a licensed parent or guardian in the motor vehicle only under the following conditions:

   1. Traveling to or from the licensee’s place of employment, where the operation of a motor vehicle is necessary for that purpose. The provisional licensee shall keep in his or her possession a signed statement from the employer containing the employer’s:
      • Name,
      • Address,
      • Telephone number, and
      • Verification of employment and work hours.
   2. Traveling to or from a school-authorized activity, where the operation of a motor vehicle is necessary for that purpose, and the provisional licensee shall keep in his or her possession a signed statement from a parent or guardian containing the parent’s or guardian’s:
      • Name,
      • Address,
      • Telephone number, and
      • Verification that the operation of the motor vehicle by the licensee is necessary to travel to or from the school-authorized activity;
      provided that under A. and B. above, the provisional licensee shall not transport more than one person under the age of eighteen (18) between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without being accompanied by the licensed parent or guardian of the provisional licensee.
5. The provisional license shall expire on the provisional licensee’s nineteenth (19th) birthday.

Full Driver’s License

A provisional licensee may be issued a full driver’s 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.

Penalties

For 1st violation of items listed in the Provisional License Phase section, the provisional license shall be suspended for a 3-month period.

For 2nd or subsequent violations of items listed in the Provisional License Phase section, the provisional license shall be revoked for a 6-month period.

If a provisional licensee is convicted of an offense relating to the operation of a motor vehicle:

• For a 1st conviction, the provisional license shall be suspended or revoked for 6 months.
• For a 2nd or subsequent convictions, the provisional license shall be revoked for one year.

Attention All Minor Applicants

Effective January 9, 2006, pursuant to Act 72 of the Hawaii State Legislature, the State of Hawaii will initiate a Graduated Provisional Licensing Program. This means:

• The minimum age to acquire a permit is 15½ years old.
• All license examinations and driver’s education requirements will remain in place.
• Applicants between the ages of 15½ through 17, must hold a valid Hawaii instructional permit for a period of 180 days, instead of 90 days.
• You must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years or older, instead of 18 during the instructional permit phase. The licensed driver must be a parent or guardian between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m during the instructional permit and provisional phases.
• To receive either a provisional license or full driver’s license you cannot have any pending violations that may result in the suspension or revocation of either your instructional permit or provisional driver’s license.
• To obtain a full driver’s license, you must hold your provisional driver’s license for at least 6 months and be at least 17 years old.
• You have until your 19th birthday to convert your provisional driver’s license to a full driver’s license. Your provisional driver’s license expires on your 19th birthday.
• If you fail to convert your provisional driver’s license by your 19th birthday, you must reapply as a new applicant.
• If your provisional driver’s license expiration date is on a weekend or holiday for the City/County, then YOU MUST CONVERT YOUR PROVISIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSE to a full driver’s license by the last working day prior to the expiration date.

Tests Required

Eye examination

must be successfully completed.  Failure or visual deficiency requires an independent eye examination, report, and/or correction. Minimum acceptable acuity is 20/40 corrected with 70 field of vision in one eye and the ability to judge distance and standard traffic colors.

Knowledge test

Skill tests REQUIREMENTS

• A current and valid Hawaii instructional permit is one of the required documents that must be presented on the date of the appointment.
• Applicants must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older, and will be required to be present when the applicant is called by the examiner for the road test and until the completion of the road test.
• Current vehicle Certificate of Registration (temporary dealer registrations are not acceptable).
• Current Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card in accordance with Section 431:10C-107, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  NOTE: The name(s) and vehicle identification number on the insurance card must be the same as shown on the Certificate of Registration.
• The vehicle must meet all safety inspection standards by having the current Vehicle Inspection Certificate and inspection decals present on the vehicle.
• Rental vehicles must have the original Certificate of Registration and Hawaii motor vehicle inurance identification card.  The applicant's name must be listed on the contract.
• New vehicles must have the 1) sales contract; 2) current temporary license plate attached to the vehicle; 3) Certificate of Vehicle Inspection Certificate/decals; and 4) Hawaii motor vehicle insurance identification card.
• Use of company vehicle for road test:  A letter (on company letterhead) authorizing the named applicant the use of a company vehicle for the road test, signed by an officer or authorized person of the company.  The letter shall include the applicant's name, vehicle description (license plate number, make and Vehicle Identification Number) and date used for the road test.
• Applicants under the age of 18 must also present the original State of Hawaii Driver Education Certificates of Completion for BOTH classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
• Holders of valid foreign driver licenses of a participating country of the "1943 and 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic," respectively, must present a valid international driving permit or a valid passport, i.e., stamped by the I.N.S. with an entry date of less than one year into the United States of America at the time of the road test.
• Photocopies and facsimile copies are not acceptable for the aforementioned documents.

Fee 

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Documents Needed

1. Acceptable Signature Filing for Minors

   1. Both parents (married, separated or divorced with joint custody).
   
   2. Divorced parent with custody papers.
   
   3. One parent, spouse deceased.
   
   4. Legal guardian(s) with Court Documents.
   
   5. Foster parents with Court Documents.
   
   6. Responsible person(s), if parents deceased.
   
   7. Employer, if parents deceased and no responsible person(s). 
   
   Note: For minor applicants between the ages of 15.5 through 17, a certified copy of the minor's birth certificate is required to establish proof of age and to determine who may sign the parental consent.

2. Acceptable Documents for Change of Name, Sex, Birthdate

   1. Naturalization Certificate.
   
   2. Decree by Lt. Governor's Office (Hawaii Only).
   
   3. Divorce Decree with name change listed.
   
   4. Hawaii Marriage Certificate (Dept. of Health Document Only).
   
   5. Out-of-State Marriage Certificates (State issued with Seal).
   
   6. Certified statement by physician stating sex change is valid.

3. Acceptable Documents for Proof of Name and Birth Date: Including 18 years old

   1. U.S. Territorial Driver's License (expired/valid with photo).
   
   2. U.S. Passport only.
   
   3. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Document/Card.
   
   4. Alien Registration/Refugee ID Card.
   
   5. State of Hawaii ID Card w/photo.
   
   6. Military Documents: Consular Report of Birth and U.S. Military issued Certificate of Birth (SF-240/SF-545).
   
   7. State Certified Birth Certificate with both parents listed or State Certified Birth ID Card.

4. Acceptable Documents for Proof of Social Security Number

   1. Original Social Security Card (no copies or metal plates).
   
   2. Driver's License w/Social Security Number and photo.
   
   3. State of Hawaii ID Card w/photo.
   
   4. Military Documents: ID Card or DD-214.
   
   5. Medicaid ID Card (Suffix A only).
   
   6. Income Tax Return Form W-2.

   Note: Name and social security number must match your present and legal name. Other documents may be required as needed by the Examiner of Drivers. ID w/photo required when applying for services.

5. Acceptable Documents for Proof of Military Exemption

   1. Military documents: Copy of military deployment orders showing the date of return to the U.S., duration, and place of deployment.
       
   2. Other military documents acceptable to the examiner of drivers.

    

   ALL COPIED DOCUMENTS MUST BE CERTIFIED

Important Matters to Remember

• The vehicle you intend to drive must have current license plates and registration card.
• The vehicle you intend to drive must have a current safety check.
• Your Hawaii motor vehicle insurance card must be current and valid. The name of the insured must be the same as the registered owner of the vehicle.
• You must have all personal data proof documents available when reporting for a driver's license. ID with photo required when applying for services.
• You should review traffic laws and rules of the road. You should study the Hawaii Driver's Manual prior to tests.  Manuals are available at local bookstores and State libraries, orhttp://hawaii.gov/dot/highways/hwy-v/ .
• If you are under treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, you are required to have a medical clearance to obtain a driver's license.
• If you have a medical condition which may affect your fitness to drive safely, you are required to submit a Medical Report for review by the Medical Advisory Board.  The Medical Report form is available at all Driver License locations, Satellite City Halls and at  http://hawaii.gov/dot/highways/hwy-v
• If you are unable to read and/or write and understand the English language, provisions may be made for an oral examination (restrictions may apply).
• You must have an Instruction Permit before you can apply for a Road Test.
• If you are required to perform a road test, you may request a Road Test at the time of issuance of the Instruction Permit, or in person at any location for an appointment.
• If you are 15 ½ through 17 years of age and issued an Instruction Permit, you must hold the permit for a period of no fewer than 180 days. Also, you must be 16 through 17 years of age before being eligible to take the Road Test.
• For Class 4 non-CDL applicants, a medical examination long form (DOT 4-766) may be required if the Division of Motor Vehicles does not have a valid form on file at the time of renewal or replacement.