DMV Hawaii · Fees, age, and practice test
Hawaii Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Hawaii DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Hawaii permit test cost?
Written/knowledge test fee is $2; separate instruction permit issuance fee is $5
- Learner permit / application fee: $5 Instruction Permit (City and County of Honolulu fee table; renewal also $5)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: Written/knowledge test fee is $2; separate instruction permit issuance fee is $5
- Initial driver license fee: $20 for 4 years (ages 17 through 24); $40 for 8 years (ages 25 through 71); provisional license (ages 16 through 18) is $5 per year (City and County of Honolulu)
Source: Honolulu Dept. of Customer Services, Driver Licensing Division · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Hawaii practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years and 6 months old
Knowledge test fee
Written/knowledge test fee is $2; separate instruction permit issuance fee is $5
Permit fee
$5 Instruction Permit (City and County of Honolulu fee table; renewal also $5)
Initial license fee
$20 for 4 years (ages 17 through 24); $40 for 8 years (ages 25 through 71); provisional license (ages 16 through 18) is $5 per year (City and County of Honolulu)
Questions on the knowledge test
30 question test with a one hour time limit (City and County of Honolulu online permit test)
Passing score
No more than 6 errors on the 30-question written examination, i.e. 24 of 30 correct (published by Maui County; Honolulu does not publish a passing score)
Retake fee
$12 full test fee to retake the Honolulu online permit test (in-person written test fee is $2 per test)
Retake wait after failing
Must wait 7 days before retaking the knowledge test after failing
Documents to bring
Documents proving legal presence, legal name, date of birth, and Hawaii residency (SSN documentation optional as of 2021)
Find an office / appointment
Honolulu lists driver licensing offices and uses the AlohaQ booking system; appointments recommended but not always required. Other counties run their own offices.
REAL ID status
REAL ID requires in-person application with proof of identity, DOB, SSN, legal presence, and Hawaii residence address; matching names across documents. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
Riders under 18 must hold the permit 180 days and complete certified driver education
Commercial license (CDL)
21 minimum for both intrastate and interstate; Hawaii does not issue CDLs to 18-20 year olds
Official source: Honolulu Dept. of Customer Services, Driver Licensing Division
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Hawaii County DMVs (decentralized, Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai counties) site.
How much is the Hawaii permit test?
Hawaii knowledge test fee: Written/knowledge test fee is $2; separate instruction permit issuance fee is $5 (official source). Permit fee: $5 Instruction Permit (City and County of Honolulu fee table; renewal also $5) (official source).
How many questions are on the Hawaii permit test?
The official Hawaii knowledge test: 30 question test with a one hour time limit (City and County of Honolulu online permit test) (official source). Passing score: No more than 6 errors on the 30-question written examination, i.e. 24 of 30 correct (published by Maui County; Honolulu does not publish a passing score) (official source).
Hawaii DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | Written/knowledge test fee is $2; separate instruction permit issuance fee is $5 | source |
| Permit fee | $5 Instruction Permit (City and County of Honolulu fee table; renewal also $5) | source |
| Initial license fee | $20 for 4 years (ages 17 through 24); $40 for 8 years (ages 25 through 71); provisional license (ages 16 through 18) is $5 per year (City and County of Honolulu) | source |
| Retake fee | $12 full test fee to retake the Honolulu online permit test (in-person written test fee is $2 per test) | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Hawaii DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Hawaii driver license covers
Initial license fee: $20 for 4 years (ages 17 through 24); $40 for 8 years (ages 25 through 71); provisional license (ages 16 through 18) is $5 per year (City and County of Honolulu) (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID requires in-person application with proof of identity, DOB, SSN, legal presence, and Hawaii residence address; matching names across documents. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Hawaii DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Hawaii
Getting your first permit
In Hawaii, the minimum permit age is 15 years and 6 months old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: documents proving legal presence, legal name, date of birth, and Hawaii residency (SSN documentation optional as of 2021). Honolulu lists driver licensing offices and uses the AlohaQ booking system; appointments recommended but not always required. Other counties run their own offices.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
Written/knowledge test fee is $2; separate instruction permit issuance fee is $5. If you fail the knowledge test: must wait 7 days before retaking the knowledge test after failing.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID requires in-person application with proof of identity, DOB, SSN, legal presence, and Hawaii residence address; matching names across documents. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: riders under 18 must hold the permit 180 days and complete certified driver education. For a commercial license (CDL): 21 minimum for both intrastate and interstate; Hawaii does not issue CDLs to 18-20 year olds.
The Hawaii bank has 180 questions across 8 topics
QualitySpace is expanding to Hawaii
We are a California-based independent insurance brokerage working on licensing in more states. We cannot help with Hawaii insurance yet. Leave your email and we will let you know when we can.