Hawaii DMV written test
Hawaii DMV Cheat Sheet
The Hawaii knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Hawaii county driver licensing office sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Hawaii DMV test numbers to memorize
The Hawaii knowledge test has 30 questions and you need 24 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 6. The test is given by the Hawaii county driver licensing office.
30
Questions on the test
24
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
6
Questions you can miss
15½ for learner's permit
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $12. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at county licensing office or online statewide
- Online test
- Available. Hawaii offers online learner's permit testing statewide for applicants age 15½ and older. Fee varies by county ($11 - $25). Must still visit a licensing office for documents and vision screening.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointments recommended at all county offices. Online testing available statewide.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Hawaii
The Hawaii county driver licensing office asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 4 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- 2 proofs of Hawaii residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Hawaii retake rules
Licensing is run by Hawaii's four counties, so rules and fees vary. If you fail the Class 3 knowledge test you must wait 7 days to retake it, and you pay the exam fee again each time: $12 for Honolulu's online permit test, other counties set their own. No county publishes an attempt limit (Honolulu's twice-in-one-day rule is a same-day sitting cap), or a road-test or CDL retake wait.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: $12 per attempt.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Hawaii
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15½. Parental consent required. Must hold permit for 180 days. Must complete 50 hours supervised driving (10 at night). No passengers under 18 for first 90 days.
- Permit versus license
- An instructional permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for 180 days before taking the road test. Provisional license issued at age 16 with restrictions until 17.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at county driver licensing offices (Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui, Kauai) or online from home.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Hawaii: English, Hawaiian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Vietnamese, Tagalog, Ilocano, Samoan, Tongan, Marshallese, and Chuukese. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with HDOT before you rely on it.
The study source is the Hawaii State Driver's Manual (2025 edition). The agency also publishes a Spanish version of the driver manual.
From learner data
Most missed Hawaii practice questions
These free Hawaii questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A front tire blows out at highway speed. Your first action should be:
Ease off the accelerator and steer straight
About 50% get it right
- 3
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 4
What is the speed limit in a Hawaii school zone during posted hours?
15 mph
About 50% get it right
- 5
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 6
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
Your plan
Free Hawaii study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Hawaii questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1