Obtaining an instructional permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Hawaii. You are eligible to apply for an instructional permit if you are at least 15 years and 6 months old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Hawaii who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than one year

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONAL PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Hawaii Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must provide written consent from parent or guardian to apply for an instructional license.
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of name and age (acceptable documents include original or certified birth certificates, passports, military IDs, Immigration and Naturalization Service documents etc.). If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. The correct fee. Fee and payment options vary with different counties, so check the exact amount and accepted method of payment from your county office.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instructional permit, which is valid for one year. An instructional permit may be renewed for an additional one year 30 days prior to expiry or within 90 after expiration.

When driving with an instructional permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. When driving between 11 pm and 5 am your parent or guardian must sit beside you.

THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE

If you are under 18, you must wait at least six months after being issued your instructional permit, and complete a state certified driver education course and possess the class room and behind-the-wheel certificates before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a provisional license. The provisional driver's license in Hawaii includes the following restrictions:

1. Provisional drivers are not permitted to drive between 11 pm and 5 am unless accompanied by licensed parent/guardian.
2. A provisional driver is not permitted to carry more than one passenger who is under 18 without being accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian.
3. You must have your license at hand while driving and all passengers should be wearing seat belts at all time.

Provisional license expires on the licensee's 19th birthday.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 17 years old. A provisional driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You are at least 17 years of age and have held a provisional driver's license for at least six months.
2. You have no pending traffic violation that might result in suspension or revocation of your license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Learn more about Hawaii's pdf.pdf Graduated Licensing Program.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Hawaii, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.