Hawaii Permit Practice Test

How to use this HI practice test

1. Take the 30 question exam-length 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. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

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
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable HI practice test with answer key

30 sample practice 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. What must a driver do when a steady yellow X lane-control signal is displayed?

   1. Enter the lane and maintain speed
   2. Move out because the lane will be used for opposite-direction traffic
   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 1

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and lane control signals

2. 2. After this HILL warning sign the road drops down a steep grade. According to the Hawaii manual, when should you downshift for engine braking?

   
   1. Before starting the downgrade
   2. Halfway down, once the vehicle has gained speed
   3. Only after the brakes begin to fade
   4. At the bottom of the hill
   Show answer

   Before starting the downgrade. Hawaii's manual says downshifting is a proper way to get extra braking effect from the engine when going down a steep grade, and that the do Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. What temporary permit does Hawaii describe for a driver who tests at .08 percent BAC or higher?

   1. A 7 day permit with no restrictions
   2. A 30 day temporary driving permit
   3. A 90 day commercial permit
   4. No temporary permit is issued
   Show answer

   A 30 day temporary driving permit. The administrative process described by the manual gives the driver a 30 day temporary driving permit when the BAC test reaches . Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and the law

4. 4. What maneuver is prohibited by the sign shown here?

   
   1. Driving straight through the controlled lane
   2. Making any left turn at the next intersection
   3. Passing a slower vehicle on a marked road
   4. Making a U-turn at that location
   Show answer

   Making a U-turn at that location. The crossed U-shaped arrow prohibits a U-turn at the location where the sign is posted. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic device types, warning, guide and work zone signs

5. 5. At night, the headlights of an oncoming vehicle are too bright for you. What does the Hawaii manual tell you to do?

   1. Flash your high beams once, then look toward the right edge of the road
   2. Switch to your high beams until the other driver dims theirs
   3. Look straight into the lights so you can judge the other car's distance
   4. Flash your high beams repeatedly, then look toward the center line
   Show answer

   Flash your high beams once, then look toward the right edge of the road. Among Hawaii's night driving precautions, the manual says that if the lights of an approaching vehicle are too bright, flash your high beams Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Rain, fog and night driving

6. 6. A person with a white cane or a guide dog is in the roadway ahead. When must you stop?

   1. Always, regardless of the traffic signal or traffic situation
   2. Only when your signal is red
   3. Only when the person is in a marked crosswalk
   4. Only if the person raises the cane toward traffic
   Show answer

   Always, regardless of the traffic signal or traffic situation. Hawaii drivers must stop for all blind persons in the roadway, identified by a white cane or a guide dog, regardless of the traffic signal i Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Pedestrian safety

7. 7. Under Hawaii's no fault insurance law, what medical bill amount opens the door to a lawsuit for bodily injury?

   1. Medical bills over $500
   2. Any amount, since you can sue for injury at any time
   3. Medical bills over $5,000
   4. No amount, since no fault law bars every injury lawsuit
   Show answer

   Medical bills over $5,000. Hawaii lets you sue or be sued for property damage at any time, but not for bodily injury unless medical bills exceed $5,000, the injury cau Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

8. 8. What is the lowest BAC threshold for Hawaii's under-21 alcohol driving rule?

   1. .10 percent or more
   2. .08 percent or more
   3. .02 percent or more
   4. Only a BAC above .15 percent
   Show answer

   .02 percent or more. For a driver under 21, Hawaii's Zero Tolerance law prohibits a BAC of .02 percent or more. The adult . Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and the law

9. 9. Which Hawaii vehicles display a license plate on the rear only?

   1. Passenger cars
   2. Motorcycles, trailers and semitrailers
   3. Pickup trucks
   4. All vehicles registered in Hawaii
   Show answer

   Motorcycles, trailers and semitrailers. Hawaii requires motorcycles, trailers and semitrailers to display a license plate on the rear. Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Vehicle equipment, inspection and registration

10. 10. 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 10

    Study this in the handbook: The instruction permit

11. 11. After alerting an oncoming driver who is in your lane, where does the manual direct you to go?

    1. Into the oncoming lane to swing around the other car
    2. Straight ahead while braking as hard as possible
    3. To the right, out of the lane
    4. Onto the raised median strip
    Show answer

    To the right, out of the lane. The manual says to quickly slow your vehicle and steer to the right out of the lane into any available clear area, and it adds in capital le Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Blowouts, brake failure, skids and fires

12. 12. You see the orange triangle on a slow-moving vehicle ahead. What should you do?

    1. Pass before the vehicle reaches a curve
    2. Flash your lights and wait for a signal
    3. Keep your speed and sound your horn
    4. Reduce speed and approach with caution
    Show answer

    Reduce speed and approach with caution. The manual says to reduce speed and approach cautiously when you see the emblem. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Driving on the right and passing laws

13. 13. Which place is covered by Hawaii's 100-foot limit on passing?

    1. A narrow bridge, viaduct, or tunnel
    2. A marked crosswalk in the middle of a block
    3. A driveway on the right side of the road
    4. A parking lane beside a curb
    Show answer

    A narrow bridge, viaduct, or tunnel. The 100-foot no-passing rule covers intersections, railroad crossings and any posted narrow bridge, viaduct or tunnel. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Driving on the right and passing laws

14. 14. A traffic signal shows a green arrow for your lane. What does it mean?

    1. Stop, then proceed straight
    2. The arrow controls the opposing lane
    3. Proceed in the direction the arrow points
    4. Yield to all traffic before moving
    Show answer

    Proceed in the direction the arrow points. A green arrow has the same meaning as a green light for the indicated lane, but you must turn or proceed in the direction the arrow shows. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and lane control signals

15. 15. How does the Hawaii manual say a funeral procession is usually identified?

    1. By four-way flashers on every car
    2. By white flags tied to the antenna
    3. By a magnetic sign on the door
    4. By headlamps turned on
    Show answer

    By headlamps turned on. Vehicles in a convoy or procession usually use their headlamps for identification, and the first and last vehicles often carry a distinctive Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Backing, entering traffic, lanes and parking

16. 16. Curves are slick with gravel and mud after a storm. What does the manual direct?

    1. Hold the posted speed and stay in lane
    2. Downshift and brake through the bend
    3. Hug the inside edge off the pavement
    4. Use extra caution through the curve
    Show answer

    Use extra caution through the curve. The manual says to use extra caution on curves and turns in poor weather conditions or when there is gravel, sand or mud on the road. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, turns and freeways

17. 17. Where must a trailer's safety chains be attached?

    1. To the trailer hitch
    2. To the bumper
    3. To the frame of both vehicles
    4. To the license plate bracket
    Show answer

    To the frame of both vehicles. Safety chains must be attached to the frame of the towing vehicle and the trailer, not to a part of the trailer hitch. Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and school buses

18. 18. What easy test does the manual suggest for checking tire tread?

    1. Measure the tread depth with a ruler at each corner of the car
    2. Listen for noise while cornering
    3. Compare tires side by side visually
    4. Use a penny upside down in the tread; a visible Lincoln head means replace
    Show answer

    Use a penny upside down in the tread; a visible Lincoln head means replace. The manual suggests the Lincoln penny test: place a penny upside down within the tread, and if the top of Lincoln's head is visible, the tir Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle equipment, inspection and registration

19. 19. You pass your intended exit while driving through a Hawaii roundabout. What should you do?

    1. Stop and back up to the exit
    2. Turn across the central island to save time
    3. Wave traffic through and reverse
    4. Drive around again to reach the exit
    Show answer

    Drive around again to reach the exit. If you miss your exit, the manual says to drive through the roundabout again until you reach it. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Backing, entering traffic, lanes and parking

20. 20. Which parking spot does the Hawaii manual warn against?

    1. A space just beyond a curve or the crest of a hill
    2. A marked space in front of a store
    3. A level pullout with clear sight lines
    4. A space beside a curb in a residential area
    Show answer

    A space just beyond a curve or the crest of a hill. The manual warns against parking in hidden locations such as just beyond a curve or the crest of a hill. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Backing, entering traffic, lanes and parking

21. 21. How should a driver handle speed when approaching a marked curve?

    1. Slow before the curve, then maintain a steady speed through it
    2. Brake sharply only after the vehicle begins turning
    3. Accelerate into the bend to shorten the maneuver
    4. Move onto the shoulder if the curve tightens
    Show answer

    Slow before the curve, then maintain a steady speed through it. The manual sequence is to complete the main speed reduction before the curve and then hold a steady pace while steering. Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, turns and freeways

22. 22. You cannot keep up with traffic on a Hawaii road. What does the manual tell you to do?

    1. Pull off the road and let the traffic pass
    2. Speed up until you match the car ahead
    3. Turn on your hazards and stay in your lane
    4. Move left and slow down gradually
    Show answer

    Pull off the road and let the traffic pass. A driver who cannot keep up is told to leave the roadway and let the other traffic pass, or to choose another route. Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Speed rules

23. 23. In the dim light before sunrise and after sunset, what does the manual say to do with your head lamps?

    1. Keep them off until full darkness
    2. Use high beams for maximum reach
    3. Turn them on low beam so others can see you
    4. Flash them once every minute
    Show answer

    Turn them on low beam so others can see you. For a short period before the sun rises and after it sets, there is not enough light to see objects clearly, a condition made worse by cloud Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Rain, fog and night driving

24. 24. A pedestrian is walking in your lane on a Hawaii road. What does the manual say you may need to do?

    1. Pass without changing your speed
    2. Stop and wait for an officer
    3. Sound your horn to give warning
    4. Flash your high beams and continue
    Show answer

    Sound your horn to give warning. The manual tells drivers to sound the horn as necessary to warn a pedestrian on the roadway, and it notes that this warning is required by l Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrian safety

25. 25. Why does the manual cap the volume of your stereo or radio?

    1. Loud music drains the battery faster
    2. It violates the vehicle equipment statute
    3. You must be able to hear things outside your vehicle
    4. It annoys pedestrians near crosswalks
    Show answer

    You must be able to hear things outside your vehicle. The manual says to keep your stereo or radio at a volume low enough so you can hear things outside the vehicle. Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Attitude, age and distraction

26. 26. According to the Hawaii manual, a driver with a blood alcohol content of more than .05 percent but less than .08 percent may be considered what?

    1. Under the influence of alcohol
    2. Completely unaffected by alcohol
    3. Sober once the driver drinks black coffee
    4. Impaired
    Show answer

    Impaired. The manual says a driver may be considered impaired when the blood alcohol content is more than .05 percent but less than .08 percent. Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and the law

27. 27. You hit a parked car and nobody is with it. What does Hawaii require you to do?

    1. Drive on, then report the damage to your insurer within 30 days
    2. Stop, then wait beside the car for one hour before leaving
    3. Stop, then leave a note on the windshield with only your phone number
    4. Stop, then find the owner or leave your name, address and what happened
    Show answer

    Stop, then find the owner or leave your name, address and what happened. When you strike an unattended vehicle in Hawaii, you must stop. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

28. 28. After a Hawaii crash, what information must a driver give to an injured person or to the driver of a damaged vehicle?

    1. Name and phone number, plus their license if asked
    2. Their license only, and only if police request it
    3. Name, address and vehicle registration, plus license if asked
    4. Name and address only, with no vehicle information
    Show answer

    Name, address and vehicle registration, plus license if asked. Exchanging information is one of the required steps after a Hawaii crash. Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Crashes, reports and insurance

29. 29. What must a minor under 18 provide before entering Hawaii’s graduated licensing program?

    1. Consent from any adult neighbor
    2. Parental consent from each living parent or legal guardian, unless married or emancipated
    3. Only a school principal’s signature
    4. No consent when the applicant has passed the vision test
    Show answer

    Parental consent from each living parent or legal guardian, unless married or emancipated. A person younger than 18 must provide parental consent from each living parent or legal guardian unless the person is married or emancipated Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: The instruction permit

30. 30. According to the Hawaii manual, what is the most common cause of skidding?

    1. Oil left on the road when rain first falls
    2. Tires inflated below the proper pressure
    3. Excessive speed for the road and traffic conditions
    4. Braking gently on a gravel surface
    Show answer

    Excessive speed for the road and traffic conditions. Hawaii's manual says most skidding is caused by sudden changes in direction or speed, and that excessive speed for existing road and traffic Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Blowouts, brake failure, skids and fires