Free Hawaii DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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Most-missed Hawaii DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real Hawaii knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free Hawaii DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

The manual does not print fixed numeric limits; it states reduced speeds are required on streets in residential or business areas and near schools.
The manual describes the legal rule (don't exceed posted max, don't go below posted min) but leaves specific mph figures to be set by signage per road.
The manual states the rule cuts both ways: you must not exceed the posted maximum nor drive below the posted minimum.
The manual explicitly lists playgrounds alongside schools as locations requiring reduced speed limits.
The manual requires reduced speeds in residential/business areas, reflecting increased foot traffic and intersections in those zones.
The research confirms the manual states the legal principle but does not publish a numeric table; signage sets the actual mph.

Right of way

The manual states drivers entering a public street from a driveway, alley, or farmyard must stop and yield to all traffic on that street.
Per the manual, pedestrians always have the right-of-way at crosswalks.
The manual explains that roundabouts are yield-controlled, requiring entering traffic to yield to vehicles already circulating.
The manual calls out that funeral processions and convoys are explicitly granted right-of-way at intersections, distinct from the general right-of-way diagrams.
The manual specifically requires both stopping and yielding when facing a stop sign at a protected through street.
The manual's general rule for vehicles reaching an intersection simultaneously is to yield to the car on the right.
The manual requires drivers to yield to pedestrians caught in the intersection, which takes priority over simply having a green light.
A driver turning left must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic that is close enough to present a hazard before completing the turn.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

The manual states a BAC of .08 percent or more (or refusing a test) triggers a 30-day temporary permit and DUI consequences, per HRS 291E-61.
The manual states a driver testing at .08 or above (or refusing) is given a 30-day temporary driving permit while the case proceeds.
The manual treats refusal the same as testing .08 or above for purposes of the 30-day temporary permit.
The manual's alcohol-related BAC rules cite Hawaii Revised Statutes section 291E-61.
For drivers under 21, any BAC of .02 or more is prohibited under Hawaii's Zero Tolerance law, well below the adult threshold.
0.03% falls below the 'impaired' tier threshold of more than .05%, so it does not meet either statutory BAC tier for an adult.

Signals and markings

A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red; drivers should stop safely if possible or proceed with caution if too close to stop.
A steady yellow signal warns that the light is about to turn red, so drivers should stop if they can do so safely.
A yellow light signals that the light is about to change to red, and drivers should stop if they can do so safely rather than accelerate through it.
A flashing yellow arrow permits the indicated turn but the driver must first yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicates no passing is permitted from your side of the road.
The manual requires dimming high beams for oncoming traffic to avoid blinding other drivers.
A steady yellow light warns that the right of way is ending and the signal is about to turn red.
A steady red light always requires a complete stop before the intersection unless a sign specifically permits turning after stopping.
A flashing yellow signal is a caution indicator meaning drivers may proceed but should do so carefully.
A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive signal allowing a left turn, but only after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians/cyclists in the crosswalk.
The handbook notes posted limits are for ideal conditions, so hazards like hills and curves require a driver to slow below the sign's number.
Hand signals remain a legally valid backup to electric signals; a straight, extended left arm signals a left turn.
A flashing red signal requires a full stop, after which the driver may proceed when it's safe, just as at a stop sign.
A solid yellow line facing your direction of travel indicates passing is not allowed from your side of the roadway.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, rather than requiring a full stop.
A bike box lets cyclists position ahead of traffic; drivers must stop behind the box rather than within it.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to stop completely and then proceed only when it is safe.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicates that passing is prohibited from that side of the road.
Broken white lines between same-direction lanes indicate that changing lanes is allowed when it can be done safely.
A green arrow grants a protected right of way to complete that turn without yielding to opposing traffic.
A steady red signal requires a full stop; any right turn on red is only allowed after stopping and when safe and not prohibited by signage.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

Hawaii does not require helmets for adult cyclists, so they are not required for all riders. Hawaii law does, however, mandate helmets for bicyclists under 16, so minors must wear one.
Right-of-way rules define who is legally required to yield, but safe driving always means confirming other traffic is actually yielding before proceeding.
Since entering roundabout traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating, slowing down and watching for a safe gap is the correct approach.
HDOT's Child Passenger Safety page says children 4 years old but under 10 must be in a child passenger safety seat or booster seat unless the child is over 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Advisory speed plates on curve warning signs indicate a safe reduced speed that drivers should slow to before entering the curve.
The manual advises reducing speed for wet roads, reducing it further for packed snow, and slowing to a crawl on ice, since traction decreases as conditions worsen.
Drivers in both directions on an undivided road must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights until it is safe to proceed.
General safe-driving principles call for maintaining an adequate following distance that increases with speed and worsening conditions to allow safe stopping.
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, protecting children crossing.
An owner cited by a stop-arm camera faces monetary penalties instead of points: $250 for a first violation, rising to $300 for a third within 18 months.
Scanning further ahead gives drivers earlier warning of hazards, slowing traffic, or obstacles, allowing more time to react safely.
Rural highways through unfenced farm and ranch land require extra alertness for livestock and wildlife crossing the road.
The manual explains posted limits are for ideal conditions, and driving that speed in bad conditions can still be cited as too fast for conditions.
A minimum 3-second following distance gives drivers enough time to react to sudden braking by the vehicle ahead.
Posted speed limits are for ideal conditions; drivers should reduce speed further and increase following distance in poor weather like heavy rain or fog.
Because posted speed limits assume ideal conditions, the handbook advises reducing speed in rain and other hazardous conditions.
Sudden braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while steering straight is safer.
A driver overtaking a bicyclist may not turn right unless it can be completed at a safe distance from the cyclist and at a reasonable, proper speed.
Children under 7 must use a child restraint system meeting 49 CFR 571.213 standards unless they are 57 inches or taller.
General right-of-way practice, reflected in the manual, is that the first vehicle to arrive and stop proceeds first; simultaneous arrivals yield to the right.
The manual teaches drivers not to swerve for animals, since swerving often causes worse crashes than a controlled collision or straight-line braking.
General safe-driving principles hold that adverse weather reduces traction and visibility, requiring lower speeds than posted limits allow in good conditions.
A minimum three-second following gap gives most drivers enough time to react and stop safely under normal conditions.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

The manual specifies reduced speed limits apply at locations marked with a School Crossing sign when children are present.
The manual specifically calls out School Crossing signs with children present as requiring reduced speed.
STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
A stop sign always requires a complete stop and yielding to cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding, consistent with the manual's yield principle.
The downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign shape, meaning drivers must slow and give the right of way if needed rather than always stopping.
A yield sign requires slowing and yielding to conflicting traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a hazard.
The eight-sided shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs so drivers can recognize it even if the sign face is obscured.
Speed limit signs are standard rectangular white regulatory signs, distinct from the diamond-shaped yellow warning signs.
Drivers must stop at the marked line or crosswalk, or at the edge of the intersection if there is no marking, before proceeding.
The five-sided pentagon shape is used nationally to indicate school zones and school crossing warnings.
The octagonal red stop sign universally requires a full stop before the driver may proceed when safe.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards ahead, such as curves, merges, or intersections.
The eight-sided octagon shape is reserved exclusively for Stop signs so it can be recognized even from behind or in poor visibility.
Yellow warning signage in this context provides an advisory safe speed recommendation for hazards like curves, distinct from a legally binding limit.
Yellow diamond signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards or changing road conditions ahead.
The circular yellow sign shape is specifically reserved in the national sign system for advance railroad crossing warnings.
A circular sign with a diagonal slash through it is used nationally to show that a prior restriction (like a speed limit) no longer applies.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

Hawaii's driver testing is run separately by each county rather than one central DMV, so hours and scheduling can differ by island.
The manual is published in fourteen languages total, reflecting Hawaii's diverse Pacific Islander and immigrant population.
The manual notes motorcycle, scooter, and moped applicants must pass a distinct written exam and skills test under the separate Motorcycle Operator Manual.
The manual references a separate Motorcycle Operator Manual governing the additional exam and skills test for motorcycle/scooter/moped categories.
The manual does not publish a uniform passing score; this is administered independently at the county level.
The manual is an official publication of the Hawaii DOT's Highways Division and Motor Vehicle Safety Office.
Since Honolulu, Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui counties each run their own licensing offices, hours and processes differ from island to island.
The official Hawaii GDL brochure says a minor must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to acquire an instructional permit.
Hawaii's GDL brochure says the permit holder must be in immediate possession of the instructional permit while driving.
The Hawaii GDL brochure requires the permit holder to sit next to a driver at least 21 who is licensed to operate the same type of motor vehicle.
Hawaii's GDL brochure says that from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., the supervising parent or guardian must be seated next to the minor driver.
The Hawaii GDL brochure states that the instructional permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
The Hawaii GDL brochure allows renewal no sooner than 30 days before the permit expires and no later than 90 days after expiration.
The Hawaii GDL brochure says failure to renew within 30 days after expiration results in a 180-day wait before road-test eligibility.
The Hawaii GDL brochure says a provisional license may be granted to a person who is at least 16 years old but under 18.
Hawaii's GDL brochure requires an instructional permit held for at least 180 days before the provisional license phase.
The Hawaii GDL brochure requires satisfactory completion of a state-certified driver education course and possession of classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates.
Hawaii's GDL brochure says a provisional licensee shall not transport more than one person below age 18 without a licensed parent or guardian present, unless that person is a household member.
The official Hawaii GDL brochure prohibits provisional licensees from driving from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian seated beside them.
The GDL brochure says the employment exception requires a signed employer statement listing the employer's name, address, telephone number, and verification of employment and work hours.
Hawaii's GDL brochure requires a signed parent or guardian statement with contact information verifying that the teen's driving is necessary for travel to or from the school-authorized activity.
Hawaii's GDL brochure states that a provisional license expires on the provisional licensee's 19th birthday.
The Hawaii GDL brochure says a provisional licensee may be issued a full license after satisfactorily holding the provisional license for at least 6 months, with other requirements met.
The brochure says a provisional licensee must be at least 17 years old, have held the provisional license at least 6 months, and have no pending disqualifying violation to receive a full license.
The Hawaii GDL brochure lists a 3-month suspension for a first violation of items in the provisional-license phase section.
Hawaii's GDL brochure lists a 6-month revocation for a second or subsequent violation of items in the provisional-license phase section.
The official GDL brochure says that for a first motor-vehicle-operation conviction, the provisional license shall be suspended or revoked for 6 months.
The Hawaii GDL brochure says that for second or subsequent convictions related to motor-vehicle operation, the provisional license is revoked for one year.

Emergencies

Drivers must yield right-of-way, pull as far right as possible, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
23 V.S.A. § 1050(b) requires moving over a full lane if safe, or slowing to a reasonable speed if the driver must remain in the adjacent lane.
Authorized emergency vehicles may exceed posted limits during emergency duty with signals operating, as long as they do not endanger others.
The manual instructs drivers to pull to the right edge and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the right edge of the roadway, staying clear of intersections, until it passes.
Steering gently in the direction you want to go while easing off the accelerator helps regain control during a skid.
Drivers are required to stop at the scene of a crash involving injury or significant damage, provide information, and call for assistance if needed.
Drivers should move to the right and yield the roadway to approaching emergency vehicles with active lights and sirens, stopping if necessary to let them pass safely.
Hazardous materials carriers must stop at every railroad crossing regardless of visible train activity, so drivers behind them should expect and safely wait through this stop.
On typical two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a loading school bus; the opposite-direction exception applies only on wider divided highways.
Rapid brake lights or hazard signals ahead indicate a potential emergency or obstruction, so drivers should slow down and prepare to react safely.
Standard emergency procedure is to move fully onto the shoulder, activate hazard lights, and, if safe, move away from the travel lanes rather than stopping in traffic or continuing to drive on damaged equipment.
The lane-change requirement applies on interstates and any multi-lane highway with four or more lanes that has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction.
Since moose eyes don't glow like deer eyes under headlights, drivers must scan for a large silhouette instead.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Hawaii DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Hawaii DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

Hawaii DMV cheat sheet