HI Permit Practice Test

How to use this HI practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Hawaii Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

HI practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable HI practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the HI bank

Every question below comes from the Hawaii question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. At what age may a person first obtain a Hawaii instruction permit?

   1. 15 1/2 years
   2. 14 years
   3. 18 years
   4. 19 years
   Show answer

   15 1/2 years. Hawaii sets the starting point for an instruction permit at 15 1/2 years. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. At a marked crosswalk, what right of way does Hawaii give a pedestrian who is crossing?

   1. The pedestrian has the right of way
   2. The pedestrian must yield to every vehicle
   3. The vehicle that arrives first has priority
   4. Priority belongs to the faster traveler
   Show answer

   The pedestrian has the right of way. Hawaii gives the pedestrian priority at a crosswalk. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. How many documents are required to prove principal residence in Hawaii for a REAL ID application?

   1. Two documents
   2. One document
   3. Three documents
   4. No residence document
   Show answer

   Two documents. A REAL ID application requires two forms of proof for the principal residence address in Hawaii. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. How does Hawaii treat a driver's refusal to submit to a requested BAC test in the administrative process?

   1. It is treated like a test result of .08 percent or more
   2. It carries no administrative consequence
   3. It automatically restores full driving privileges
   4. It is treated like a result below .02 percent
   Show answer

   It is treated like a test result of .08 percent or more. The manual places refusal in the same administrative category as a BAC result of .08 percent or more. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. What does Hawaii prohibit when a person drives a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicants?

   1. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence
   2. Driving only on rural roads after dark
   3. Renewing a license without an appointment
   4. Operating a moped with a class 1 license
   Show answer

   Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence. Hawaii prohibits driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. Where does Hawaii require reduced speed limits under its traffic rules?

   1. On streets in residential or business areas
   2. Only on open rural highways
   3. Only when a vehicle carries passengers
   4. Only at intersections with a green signal
   Show answer

   On streets in residential or business areas. Hawaii lists streets in residential or business areas among the places where reduced speed limits are required. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. Which Hawaii agency is identified with the State Driver's Manual and Motor Vehicle Safety Office?

   1. The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation
   2. The Honolulu Police Department
   3. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
   4. The Hawaii Department of Education
   Show answer

   The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation. The publication identifies the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation and its Motor Vehicle Safety Office as the responsible state age Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. When does Hawaii's manual say to replace tires?

   1. When tread is under 1/2 inch
   2. Every two years regardless
   3. When tread is less than 1/16 inch
   4. Only after a blowout
   Show answer

   When tread is less than 1/16 inch. Replace tires that have less than 1/16 inch of tread, and check that the vehicle does not pull to either side under braking; a simple brake Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What vehicles does a Hawaii Category 3 license cover?

   1. Any vehicle up to 26,000 pounds
   2. Motorcycles only
   3. Trucks over 18,001 pounds
   4. Cars and light trucks of 18,000 pounds GVWR or less and buses carrying 15 or fewer occupants
   Show answer

   Cars and light trucks of 18,000 pounds GVWR or less and buses carrying 15 or fewer occupants. The Category 3 driver's license covers cars and lightweight trucks of 18,000 pounds GVWR or less and buses designed to carry 15 or fewer occ Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What must a Hawaii permit holder complete before applying for a provisional license?

    1. Hold a valid instruction permit for 180 days
    2. Hold the permit for 30 days
    3. Hold the permit until the applicant turns 18
    4. Hold the permit for one calendar year
    Show answer

    Hold a valid instruction permit for 180 days. Hawaii requires a valid instruction permit to be held for 180 days before the provisional-license application. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. How many passengers under age 18 may a Hawaii provisional licensee transport when the passenger is not a household member?

    1. Only one
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. As many as fit with seat belts
    Show answer

    Only one. A Hawaii provisional license allows transport of only one person under age 18 who is not a household member. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. How long must a Hawaii driver hold a provisional license before applying for a driver’s license?

    1. Six months
    2. Thirty days
    3. Ninety days
    4. Two years
    Show answer

    Six months. The program requires six months of provisional-license holding time before an applicant may apply for a driver’s license. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. What must a Hawaii instruction-permit applicant pass among the preliminary examinations?

    1. A vision screening test and a rules of the road test
    2. Only a road test
    3. A written test on vehicle repairs and a parking-lot inspection
    4. A medical test and a passenger-limit test
    Show answer

    A vision screening test and a rules of the road test. For an instruction permit, the graduated licensing list calls for a vision screening test and a rules of the road test. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. Since when may a Hawaii license carry a veteran notation at the applicant's request?

    1. Beginning October 1, 2014
    2. Since 1990
    3. Only since 2023
    4. Never
    Show answer

    Beginning October 1, 2014. Beginning October 1, 2014, if desired by the license applicant, a notation of veteran may be displayed on the license with proof of service, Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What action is prohibited by the red-circle sign shown here?

    1. Entering the restricted roadway or movement
    2. Parking only during daylight hours
    3. Driving through a school zone at low speed
    4. Turning toward a marked public parking area
    Show answer

    Entering the restricted roadway or movement. Hawaii classifies red-circle exclusion signs as signs that restrict or prohibit vehicles, vehicle movements, or another activity. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What does the color red indicate on a Hawaii traffic sign?

    1. An action is prohibited
    2. A route or service is identified
    3. A hazardous condition is warned of
    4. A required action is shown on a rectangular sign
    Show answer

    An action is prohibited. On Hawaii traffic signs, red indicates that an action is prohibited. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What roadway hazard does this railroad crossbuck identify?

    1. A railroad crossing requiring attention to trains and crossing markings
    2. A hospital entrance where stopping is prohibited
    3. A work-zone lane shift
    4. A pedestrian-only safety island
    Show answer

    A railroad crossing requiring attention to trains and crossing markings. The crossbuck identifies a railroad crossing, where train movement takes priority over a vehicle. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What should a driver prepare for after seeing this traffic signal warning sign?

    1. A traffic signal ahead
    2. A broken streetlight that requires a detour
    3. A police checkpoint ahead
    4. A railroad crossing with no signal
    Show answer

    A traffic signal ahead. This warning sign announces a traffic signal ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. Two opposing arrows on a yellow warning sign indicate that traffic moves:

    1. In both directions on the roadway
    2. Only toward the nearest intersection
    3. In one direction on separated lanes
    4. Only on the shoulder during daylight
    Show answer

    In both directions on the roadway. Opposing arrows signal that vehicles may travel toward one another, so the driver should expect oncoming traffic and remain in the proper la Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. A sharp right-angle arrow warns the driver to:

    1. Reduce speed before the turn and avoid abrupt braking in it
    2. Keep the same speed until the steering wheel is turned
    3. Cross the centerline to make the turn wider
    4. Stop in the curve even when traffic is moving
    Show answer

    Reduce speed before the turn and avoid abrupt braking in it. A sharp change in direction requires preparation before the vehicle reaches the turning point. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. At a stop sign with no stop line, where must the driver stop first?

    1. Before crossing any marked or unmarked crosswalk
    2. With the front bumper in the intersection
    3. After passing the nearest crosswalk
    4. Only when another vehicle is approaching
    Show answer

    Before crossing any marked or unmarked crosswalk. A stop sign requires a complete stop, and the first stopping point is the stop line when one is present. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. When an emergency vehicle is approaching with its warning signal, what is the driver's immediate duty?

    1. Provide a clear path and stop
    2. Follow it closely through the intersection
    3. Continue at the same speed until it passes
    4. Turn toward the emergency vehicle to make room
    Show answer

    Provide a clear path and stop. A siren, bell, horn, or flashing red or blue lamp from an approaching emergency vehicle requires the driver to create a clear path and stop. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. Which age group has the fewest crashes in Hawaii's statistics?

    1. Drivers under 20
    2. Drivers about 50 to 54 years of age
    3. Drivers over 75
    4. Drivers 25 to 30
    Show answer

    Drivers about 50 to 54 years of age. Hawaii's crash statistics show the youngest drivers, under age 20, have about twice as many crashes as expected for their numbers, crashes t Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. What does a yellow arrow mean for the traffic lane it controls?

    1. The same as a yellow light for that lane
    2. The same as a green arrow, with movement required in its direction
    3. The same as a red arrow, with no movement permitted
    4. A warning that the lane is reserved for buses
    Show answer

    The same as a yellow light for that lane. A yellow arrow carries the same meaning as a circular yellow light, but its instruction applies to the indicated traffic lane. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. When is passing prohibited near a hill or curve?

    1. When fewer than 700 to 1000 feet of clear distance is ahead
    2. Whenever the road has a broken white line
    3. Only when a vehicle is following closely
    4. When the road is straight for at least 100 feet
    Show answer

    When fewer than 700 to 1000 feet of clear distance is ahead. Hawaii identifies a hill or curve with less than 700 to 1000 feet of clear distance ahead as a no-passing situation. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. How do drivers under 20 compare in Hawaii's crash statistics?

    1. They have the fewest crashes
    2. They have about twice as many crashes as expected for their number of drivers
    3. They crash at the same rate as everyone
    4. They crash half as often
    Show answer

    They have about twice as many crashes as expected for their number of drivers. The statistics show that the youngest drivers, under age 20, have about twice as many crashes as would be expected for the number of drivers Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. If an emergency vehicle is directly behind you in heavy traffic, what should you do?

    1. Keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way
    2. Stop immediately in the lane
    3. Race ahead of the emergency vehicle
    4. Turn around and follow it
    Show answer

    Keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way. Heavy traffic may prevent an immediate move to the side. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. Why should a driver look well ahead instead of watching only the vehicle immediately in front?

    1. To anticipate a developing chain reaction and preserve an alternate plan
    2. To avoid checking mirrors or side areas
    3. To make following more closely comfortable
    4. To identify destinations without using signs
    Show answer

    To anticipate a developing chain reaction and preserve an alternate plan. Hawaii's defensive-driving guidance says to look well ahead and anticipate a possible chain-reaction traffic situation. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. What must a driver do when a yellow X lane-control signal is displayed?

    1. Move out because the lane will be used for opposite-direction traffic
    2. Enter the lane and maintain speed
    3. Use the lane for passing only
    4. Stop in the lane and wait for a red X
    Show answer

    Move out because the lane will be used for opposite-direction traffic. A yellow X warns that the lane is being changed for traffic moving in the opposite direction, so the driver must move out of that lane. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. What do warning traffic control devices tell a driver?

    1. That a hazardous condition or possible hazard may be present
    2. That a federal facility is nearby
    3. That a mandatory speed penalty has ended
    4. That the driver has permission to ignore lane markings
    Show answer

    That a hazardous condition or possible hazard may be present. Warning devices communicate risk rather than issuing the direct commands associated with regulatory devices or the route information supplie Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. After a Hawaii crash with death, injury or over $3,000 damage, what must a driver file?

    1. Nothing if insured
    2. A bond of $10,000
    3. Only a police report
    4. A report to police and insurer, and evidence of insurance on Form SR-21
    Show answer

    A report to police and insurer, and evidence of insurance on Form SR-21. The Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law covers all drivers in crashes resulting in death, injury or property damage in excess of $3,000, Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. What factors increase the extent of hydroplaning?

    1. Higher speed and more water on the highway
    2. Lower speed and dry pavement
    3. Only the vehicle's engine size
    4. Only the color of the roadway
    Show answer

    Higher speed and more water on the highway. Hydroplaning becomes more extensive as vehicle speed rises and as the amount of water on the highway increases. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. At about what speed may partial hydroplaning begin?

    1. 15 miles per hour
    2. 25 miles per hour
    3. 35 miles per hour
    4. 65 miles per hour
    Show answer

    35 miles per hour. The manual places the possible beginning of partial hydroplaning at 35 miles per hour, with the extent increasing as speed and standing wate Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. If a broken-down vehicle cannot be moved from a hazardous position, where should its occupants generally remain?

    1. In the vehicle, unless a safe location can be reached
    2. In the traffic lane to warn approaching drivers
    3. On the freeway shoulder beside the vehicle
    4. Walking in the roadway toward the nearest exit
    Show answer

    In the vehicle, unless a safe location can be reached. The breakdown procedure distinguishes between a safe place that occupants can reach and every other situation. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. How much space should a motorist maintain when passing a bicyclist?

    1. At least 3 feet until safely past
    2. At least 6 inches until the front wheel clears
    3. One foot only when traffic is present
    4. No fixed space if the bicyclist is in a bike lane
    Show answer

    At least 3 feet until safely past. Motorists should keep at least three feet between the vehicle and bicyclist until the pass is safely completed. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. Up to what speed can a belted occupant survive a crash, according to the Hawaii manual?

    1. Up to 20 mph
    2. Up to 60 miles per hour with lap and shoulder belts
    3. Up to 100 mph
    4. Belts make no difference
    Show answer

    Up to 60 miles per hour with lap and shoulder belts. You can survive a crash at speeds up to 60 miles per hour if using lap and shoulder belts, while an unbelted person can be killed at speeds Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. After making a permitted right turn at a red light, to whom must the driver yield?

    1. Unless a sign prohibits the turn, after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles
    2. Whenever the driver slows without stopping
    3. Only when a police officer waves the driver through
    4. Before checking for pedestrians if the cross street is clear
    Show answer

    Unless a sign prohibits the turn, after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles. Hawaii permits a right turn after stopping at a red light unless a sign prohibits it, but the turning driver must yield to all pedestrians a Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. On an open road with two lanes in your direction and free-flowing traffic, which lane should you normally use?

    1. The right lane, using the left lane for passing or entering traffic
    2. The left lane, regardless of speed
    3. Either lane while continually changing lanes
    4. The shoulder whenever the right lane is occupied
    Show answer

    The right lane, using the left lane for passing or entering traffic. With two lanes traveling in the same direction on an open road, the manual directs a driver to use the right lane when traffic is free flowi Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What does a turn signal communicate to other highway users?

    1. The driver's intention, but not a right to make the movement
    2. An automatic right-of-way over all nearby traffic
    3. That other drivers must stop immediately
    4. That the maneuver is safe without a check
    Show answer

    The driver's intention, but not a right to make the movement. A turn signal communicates an intended movement, but it does not give the driver the right to make that movement. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. What should a driver do before backing a vehicle?

    1. Visually check the area behind the vehicle
    2. Rely only on the rear-view mirrors
    3. Accelerate quickly to shorten the maneuver
    4. Back first, then look for children
    Show answer

    Visually check the area behind the vehicle. Before backing, the driver should visually check the area to the rear and then turn around to look behind the vehicle. Full explanation in Test 8