Updated for 2026

Hawaii HDOT (Hawaii Department of Transportation) / County DMVs

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$2 - $25 (Varies significantly by County & Online vs. In-Person)

Testing System

touchscreen computer / 'Wiki-Wiki' Online Testing (KnowToDrive)

Critical Failure Factors

The most common reason for failure in Hawaii is 'Lack of Observation'—specifically failing to perform exaggerated 'head checks' for blind spots before every lane change or turn. Another frequent issue is 'impeding traffic' by driving too slowly on single-lane highways.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Hawaii's traffic laws are enforced by county police departments but are consistent across the islands under the Hawaii Revised Statutes. A crucial component for new drivers is the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. The first stage is the Instruction Permit, available at age 15½. Permit holders must always be accompanied by a licensed driver over 21. Crucially, they must log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night. Upon reaching age 16 and holding the permit for 180 days, teens can obtain a Provisional License. The restrictions here are heavily tested: provisional drivers are prohibited from driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Exceptions exist for work or school events, but these must be verified with signed documentation. Passenger restrictions are also strict: provisional drivers may transport only one person under the age of 18 who is not a household member. Hawaii also enforces a strict 'Mobile Electronic Device' law (Section 291C-137). It is illegal to hold a mobile device while driving for any reason—even at a red light or stop sign. The fine starts at roughly $297 and increases in school or construction zones. One of the most emotionally significant laws is Hawaii's 'Move Over Law'. Enacted after the tragic deaths of HPD officers Garrett Davis and Eric Fontes, this law mandates that drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance, tow truck, or ocean safety vehicle) with flashing lights must move over to an adjacent lane. If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, the driver must slow down to a 'reasonable and prudent' speed safe for the conditions. Failure to do so can result in fines up to $1,000. Furthermore, Hawaii has a specific 'Pedestrian Right of Way' law. Drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians not just when they are in the driver's half of the crosswalk, but also when they are approaching closely from the opposite half. Finally, seat belt use is mandatory for ALL occupants in the vehicle, regardless of age or seating position (front or back).

Statistical Realities

Driving in Hawaii is unlike driving anywhere else in the United States due to its unique island geography and 'Aloha Spirit' driving culture. A critical fact for the test and real life is that Hawaii has the lowest maximum speed limits in the country; most freeways top out at 55 or 60 mph, and speeding is taken very seriously. Drivers should be aware that honking the horn is socially considered rude and aggressive in Hawaii; it is rarely used except in immediate emergencies to prevent a collision. Environmentally, drivers must be prepared for 'Flash Floods'. Heavy tropical rains can turn dry streambeds into raging rivers in minutes. The manual advises never to cross a flooded roadway—'Turn Around, Don't Drown'. Another unique hazard is the 'Tsunami Evacuation Zone'. Drivers must recognize the blue and white signs indicating evacuation routes and know that in the event of a siren warning, they should proceed inland to higher ground immediately, abandoning their vehicle if traffic is gridlocked. The testing fee structure in Hawaii is also unique because it varies by county. For example, taking the test in Honolulu (Oahu) might cost around $12 ($2 fee + $10 administrative), while Maui or Kauai might have different fee schedules ranging up to $25. Hawaii was also an early adopter of online testing; the 'Wiki-Wiki' or 'KnowToDrive' program allows applicants to take the learner's permit test online from home, provided they have a computer with a camera to monitor them. The test consists of 30 questions, and you must get 24 correct (80%) to pass. While this seems standard, the questions often focus heavily on specific distances (e.g., signaling 100 feet before a turn) and the legal alcohol limit (0.08% BAC). Additionally, Hawaii has a 'Click It or Ticket' policy that is aggressively enforced; police will stop vehicles solely for a seat belt violation. Finally, be aware of the 'Zipper Merge'. While 'cutting in' is rude in line at a store, on Hawaii's merging highways, drivers are encouraged to use both lanes until the merge point and then take turns (one-for-one) to reduce congestion.