In Hawaii, driver licensing is run by the counties (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai), under state rules. To get an instruction permit you pass a written test and a vision test.
The test
- At a county office: a 30-question multiple-choice written exam. Maui County says more than 6 errors is a fail, which means 24 correct (80%).
- Online: from 15 years and 6 months, the state's online learner's permit test has 25 questions and a one-hour limit.
- After a fail, Maui County requires a seven-day wait before you try again.
- The free Hawaii mock tests on PassDriveTest use 30 questions with 24 needed.
A study plan that works
- Read the Hawaii Driver's Manual (free on hidot.hawaii.gov).
- Learn the signs on the Hawaii road signs tab.
- Take full mock tests and review every wrong answer.
- Aim for 27 or more out of 30 on several different mock tests.
Instruction permit rules
- From 15 years and 6 months. The permit is valid for one year.
- Drive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older.
- Under 18, take lessons in a driver education program certified by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
- Hold the permit at least 180 days and be at least 16 before a provisional license.
Take a free Hawaii mock test to see where you stand.
Checked against official sources on 17 October 2026.