The state of Hawaii has established a three-stage graduated licensing program for drivers under age 18. The program allows young drivers to earn privileges as they gain experience under the watchful eyes of their parents.
Phase One: Learner's (Instructional) Permit
- Must be at least 15-and-a-half years old
- Complete the State of Hawaii Driver's License Application
- Proof of Legal Name - If your current name differs from the name shown on any document, you must provide "connecting documents" to establish the link between the names.
- Proof of Legal Presence
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Original Birth Certificate
- An Affidavit from Responsible Driving School
- Two documents for Proof of Principal Residence (the address affidavit form can be used for this purpose)
- Pass the required vision test
- Pass a written examination
- Pay the appropriate fees
Parents or guardians are encouraged to accompany their learner's permit applicant to the Driver Licensing Center. However, this is not required as long as the applicant has all the proper documents and a notarized parental consent affidavit signed by the appropriate parent(s) or guardian(s).
If one parent has full custody of the applicant, appropriate documentation showing that only one parent has full legal custody must also be presented.
Key Restrictions/Requirements
- Have their valid permit with them when driving
- Be seated next to a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age
- All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts
- In Hawaii, according to the updated child passenger safety law, children under the age of 2 must be properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat, children between 2 and 4 years old can be in either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with a harness, and children between 4 and 10 years old must be in a car seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches
Instructional Permit Renewal
The permit may be renewed for another year no sooner than 30 days before the expiration date and no later than the expiration date. Failure to renew the instructional permit within 30 days of expiration will result in 180 days of waiting before being eligible for a road test.
Phase Two: Provisional License
- Must be 16 years old but under 18
- Have held a valid learner's permit for at least 180 days with no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation of the permit
- 30-hour driver ed class completion certificate
- Behind-the-wheel completion certificate
- Pass a road test at a Driver Licensing Center
- Pay the appropriate fees
Restrictions/Requirements
- Have their provisional driver's license with them when driving
- All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts
- In Hawaii, according to the updated child passenger safety law, children under the age of 2 must be properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat, children between 2 and 4 years old can be in either a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat with a harness, and children between 4 and 10 years old must be in a car seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches
- Have no more than one person under 18 in the vehicle without being accompanied by a parent or guardian unless that person is a household member
- NOT DRIVE between 11 PM and 5 AM unless accompanied by either a parent or guardian with a valid driver's license seated in the passenger seat unless traveling to or from work or school-authorized activity
Phase Three: Full Driver License
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Held the provisional license for at least six months with no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation of the license
- Complete a driver's license application
- Pass the eye test
- Pay the appropriate fees
If a provisional license is not converted to a full license by the provisional licensee's 19th birthday, the provisional licensee must reapply for a driver's license as an adult applicant. If the provisional license expiration date falls on a weekend or holiday, then applicants must convert the provisional driver's license to a full driver's license by the last working day before expiration.
