Hawaii has a Graduated Driver License program, or GDL, that will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, from no license to full license.
You can start the Hawaii GDL process by getting your instructional permit at 15 and 6 months. Hold it for 6 months and complete a driver education course and you can get your provisional license at 16. Drive with it for at least 6 months, and you’re eligible for your full license when you turn 17.
The steps below have the details you’ll need to know to get your full, unrestricted Hawaii driver’s license.
You can start the process to get your Hawaii driver’s license at 15 years and 6 months old. To get ready for driving, you can download the Hawaii Driver’s Manual and start reading through it. At your local Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) location, you’ll need to fill out an application, bring in proof of identity, and pay a fee of $10 by cash or check.
You will be given an official paper which is your Hawaii instructional permit. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel.
You must have your permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for a regular license. During that time, you’ll need to have 50 hours driving practice with 10 hours of those being at night. There are also limits to your permit and they are
This is the point also where you’ll need to get driving instruction. The options for this include parent or guardian, or responsible adult 21 years or older as well as a Hawaii DOT approved driver education course which includes 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and which cannot be completed in less than 6 weeks.
When you’re ready to start your driving journey, find a driving school near you to get started.
Once you’ve completed the required amount of instruction, you can apply for your driver’s license.
Receiving your HI provisional license requires that you’ve completed certain requirements. Those are reaching the age of 16 and completing a Hawaii DOT approved driver education course.
Driving Skills Test: You will be required to pass a driving test with a HDOT evaluator who will make sure you can perform basic driving tasks safely.
Before you take it, you should check out the Top 10 Automatic Fails on Driver Tests, so you’ll know what not to do on test day.
Vision Test: You will need to take a vision test. If you need glasses be sure you’re wearing them.
The application fee for your license is $15. This includes the Drivers test fee $10 and the license fee of $5.
Your license will be mailed to you and will have your photograph on it. They take your picture the day you pass your driving skills test. This license will come with the following restrictions:
Passenger Restrictions
As you continue to learn how to operate a motor vehicle in different conditions, there are certain hours when you won’t be able to drive. Those are:
At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you reach age 17 and have had your restricted license for at least 6 months, you can get your full license.
This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted license in the mail.
Whether you’ve just finished your Hawaii graduated licensing process, or are just starting out, you might also want to consider a telematic companion application to better understand your driving habits, and how to improve them.
The best option is the DriverZ Virtual Coach. Download it today to sharpen your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ to build the driving skills that will keep you safe for a lifetime, track your supervised driving hours, and access bespoke driver training based on your specific needs.
Here are some other details which are good to know as you start out on your HI graduated licensing journey.
Can I drive in Hawaii with an out-of-state learner’s permit?
The state of Hawaii does not allow driving with out-of-state learner’s permits. If you’re new to Hawaii, and within the graduated licensing age range, you will have to apply for a Hawaii learner’s permit
My HI provisional license expires on a weekend or holiday, can I convert it to a license after it’s expired?
If your Hawaii provisional license expires on a weekend or a holiday, you will have to complete the conversion process by getting your full, unrestricted Hawaii driver’s license before your provisional license expires.
For comprehensive information on everything related to the Hawaii graduated licensing program, visit the Hawaii Department of Transportation You can also call 1-808-692-7670
Prepare for your license journey by reviewing the Hawaii Driver’s Manual, and taking a few practice tests.