Free · 23 short lessons · Quoted from the manual
Hawaii Driver Handbook, Chapter by Chapter
Start with lesson 1Every chapter of the Hawaii Driver's Manual that matters for the written test, cut down to the rules and exact numbers you need. Each point links to the manual text it comes from, with the page, and ends with questions from our free Hawaii practice test.
23 lessons in handbook order
Read one lesson, answer its 3 check questions, then drill that topic in the practice test. Most lessons take about 5 minutes.
- Lesson 1Chapter I: Licensing of DriversLaws and paperwork
The instruction permit
Hawaii's graduated licensing program starts with an instruction permit at 15 and a half. A permit holder may drive only with a licensed driver at least 21, with extra limits late at night.
8 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 11 to 13
- Lesson 2Chapter I: Licensing of DriversLaws and paperwork
The provisional license
At 16, after a state certified driver education course, a Hawaii teen can get a provisional license. It limits passengers under 18 and driving between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and must be held for 6 months before a full license.
7 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 12 to 14
- Lesson 3Chapter I: Licensing of DriversLaws and paperwork
Documents, tests and renewal
A REAL ID license needs two proofs of Hawaii residence, and the road test needs a licensed driver and a safe vehicle with current papers. Every Hawaii license is void after it expires, but you can still renew within a year.
8 key points · 3 numbers · Handbook pp. 11 to 15
- Lesson 4Chapter II: Vehicle Equipment and InspectionLaws and paperwork
Vehicle equipment, inspection and registration
Hawaii vehicles need a safety inspection at least once a year, and a bell, siren or front red light is illegal except on emergency vehicles. Check tire tread and steering play, and report an address change within 30 days.
8 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 18 to 23
- Lesson 5Chapter VII: Crash ProceduresLaws and paperwork
Crashes, reports and insurance
After a crash you must stop, help the injured, and report any injury, death or $3,000 or more in damage to the police. Every car owner needs insurance, and certain convictions require an SR-22 for 3 years.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 52 to 54
- Lesson 6Chapter IV: The DriverSafe driving
Attitude, age and distraction
Let someone else drive if you are upset or ill, and keep your attention on the road: no phone calls, no earphones in both ears and no pets in your lap. Hawaii's crash data show drivers under 20 have about twice the expected number of crashes.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 24 to 59
- Lesson 7Chapter V: Traffic Laws and RegulationsSafe driving
Driving on the right and passing laws
Hawaii law keeps you on the right half of the road and limits when you may pass. Know the distances that make passing or using the left half illegal near hills, curves, intersections and railroad crossings.
8 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 26 to 31
- Lesson 8Chapter V: Traffic Laws and RegulationsSignals and markings
Turn signals and railroad crossings
Hawaii requires a signal every time you turn, change lanes or stop, given at least 100 feet ahead. At railroad crossings you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when a train is coming.
8 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 27 to 73
- Lesson 9Chapter V: Traffic Laws and RegulationsSpeed limits
Speed rules
Excessive speed for conditions causes most crashes. Hawaii speed limits come from posted signs, with reduced limits near schools and in residential and business areas.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 28 to 44
- Lesson 10Chapter X: Safe Driving TechniquesSafe driving
Backing, entering traffic, lanes and parking
Before backing, turn and look behind you, and always stop before crossing the sidewalk when leaving a driveway. Hawaii also sets clear rules for choosing a lane, parking on hills and parallel parking.
9 key points · 4 numbers · Handbook pp. 29 to 73
- Lesson 11Chapter V: Traffic Laws and RegulationsRight of way
Right of way and roundabouts
Hawaii's right of way rules tell you who must wait at intersections, driveways and roundabouts. Funeral processions and convoys also have the right of way at intersections.
8 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 29 to 65
- Lesson 12Chapter XII: Pedestrian SafetyRight of way
Pedestrian safety
Pedestrians are 20% of Hawaii's traffic deaths, and almost half of those killed are under 15 or over 65. Drivers must stop for blind pedestrians and for pedestrians in crosswalks, and never pass a car stopped for someone crossing.
7 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 36 to 96
- Lesson 13Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and MarkingsSignals and markings
Pavement markings
Yellow lines separate traffic going opposite ways, and white lines separate lanes going the same way. The type of line tells you whether you may cross it.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 33 to 36
- Lesson 14Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and MarkingsSignals and markings
Traffic signals and lane control signals
Hawaii's signals and arrows tell you when to stop, go or turn from each lane. Flashing signals and lane control signals have their own meanings.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 39 to 42
- Lesson 15Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and MarkingsRoad signs
Sign colors, shapes and regulatory signs
In Hawaii, the color and shape of a sign help tell you its meaning. Regulatory signs like stop and yield signs tell you what the law requires.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 43 to 44
- Lesson 16Chapter VI: Traffic Signs, Signals and MarkingsRoad signs
Traffic device types, warning, guide and work zone signs
Hawaii groups traffic control devices into regulatory, warning and guide signs. Warning signs are usually yellow diamonds, work zone devices are orange, and a pennant marks a no passing zone.
9 key points · 2 numbers · Handbook pp. 30 to 49
- Lesson 17Chapter IX: Alcohol and Other DrugsAlcohol and DUI
Alcohol, drugs and the law
Alcohol is a factor in about 40 percent of U.S. fatal crashes, and coffee, food or a cold shower will not sober you up. Hawaii takes your license at .08 or more, sets a zero tolerance .02 limit under 21, and can revoke a license for 1, 2 or 4 years for refusing a test.
9 key points · 7 numbers · Handbook pp. 55 to 56
- Lesson 18Chapter V: Traffic Laws and RegulationsEmergencies
Emergency vehicles
When an emergency vehicle signals, you must clear a path and stop without panicking. If it is right behind you in heavy traffic keep moving slowly, and slow down when you approach a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
7 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 8 to 29
- Lesson 19Chapter X: Safe Driving TechniquesEmergencies
Blowouts, brake failure, skids and fires
Hawaii's manual gives set steps for vehicle emergencies, and several start with not using the brakes. Know the responses for blowouts, brake failure, wheels off the pavement, a stuck accelerator, skids, fires and breakdowns.
9 key points · 0 numbers · Handbook pp. 81 to 84
- Lesson 20Chapter X: Safe Driving TechniquesSafe driving
Rain, fog and night driving
When rain first starts, slow down and allow at least twice the normal following distance. Hydroplaning may start at 35 miles per hour, never drive through swift water over 1 foot deep, and at night drive slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see.
9 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 75 to 77
- Lesson 21Chapter X: Safe Driving TechniquesSafe driving
Following distance, turns and freeways
Never follow closer than 2 seconds, and move as far right as possible if you cannot keep up with traffic. Slow before curves and turns, and on freeways keep the right lane open for entering and leaving traffic and never back up after a missed exit.
8 key points · 1 numbers · Handbook pp. 67 to 80
- Lesson 22Chapter X: Safe Driving TechniquesSafe driving
Seat belts and children
Safety belts must be worn at all times: unbuckled, you can be killed at just 12 miles per hour, but with lap and shoulder belts you can survive a crash at up to 60. Hawaii law also requires a child restraint under age 4 and bans leaving a child under 9 alone in a car for 5 minutes or longer.
8 key points · 6 numbers · Handbook pp. 20 to 64
- Lesson 23Chapter XI: Trucks, Trailers, Buses and MotorcyclesSafe driving
Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and school buses
A heavy trailer needs brakes, and about 10% to 15% of its weight should rest on the hitch. Give motorcycles at least 2 seconds and a full lane, give bicyclists at least 3 feet, and stop for a school bus with red lamps flashing: failing to stop can cost $1,000.
9 key points · 5 numbers · Handbook pp. 87 to 98
Read, check, then practice
- Read a lesson. Open any point's source to see the exact manual wording and page.
- Answer the 3 check questions at the end without looking back.
- Drill that topic in the free Hawaii practice test, then take a full test when every lesson feels easy.
- Keep the Hawaii cheat sheet for a last look before test day.
Source: the Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023). Lessons are plain English summaries, not the law itself; where they differ, the manual and the statute govern. Every quote on these pages is checked against our saved copy of the manual. Last checked 2026-09-27.