In Hawaii, there are three tests you must pass before you can become eligible for a driver’s license: a vision test, a knowledge (permit) test on driving theory, and a road test. However, you must obtain an instruction permit to practice driving before obtaining a driver’s license if you’re under 18 or your county (e.g., Honolulu) requires it. Even if you’re 18 or older, consider obtaining a permit if you lack driving experience. The vision and knowledge tests are required to obtain an instruction permit too. If you’re under 18, you must also complete a state-approved driver’s education course and have a parent or other responsible adult sign your application (thus providing parental consent).
The official knowledge test covers traffic signs and signals, Hawaii traffic laws, the rules of the road, and safe driving practices. All test questions are based on information in the official Hawaii DMV driver’s 2025 handbook (Hawaii DMV Handbook (HI Driver's Manual) 2025). The Hawaii Department of Transportation publishes versions of this manual in thirteen languages, of which we currently offer two: English and Spanish. Each version is in PDF format and can be easily downloaded from this webpage.
To prepare to pass the official knowledge test, you should start by studying this handbook. However, this step alone may not be all you need. (In 2019 – 2023, about half of applicants failed the Hawaii DMV knowledge test on their first attempt. The failure rates ranged from 45% in 2020 to 53% in 2019.) You should follow our entire test preparation program, including our graduated series of practice tests accompanied by our AI assistant. It can give you hints and explanations of the questions to help you learn. You can also ask it to clarify complex terms or confusing points in the handbook.
We have also created an audiobook of the English version of the official driver’s handbook. It’s formatted as a downloadable series of eleven MP3 files, one for each chapter of the handbook: licensing of drivers, vehicle equipment and inspection, vehicle registration, and so on. The longest chapter is Chapter 10: Safe Driving Techniques, whose running time is 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 12 seconds. The total running time of this audiobook is approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes, and 54 seconds, so you can go through it in a couple of days.
In addition to the official handbook, we also offer our own permit test study guide to help you prepare for the day of the Hawaii knowledge test. It covers what documents to take to the DMV, frequently missed knowledge test questions, and other last-minute knowledge test tips.
In Hawaii, licensing regulations can vary by county. Always check with your county government for the latest information.