Hawaii graduated driver licence stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the three stages of Hawaii's graduated licensing program in order.
• You can state the minimum age and holding period for each stage.
• You can explain who must supervise a permit holder, day and night.
• You can describe the passenger and night limits on a provisional license.
• You can explain what happens if a provisional driver breaks a license rule.

What you need to know and understand

• The minimum age for an instruction permit is 15 years and 6 months.
• Under 18s must hold the permit for at least 180 days before getting a provisional license.
• The minimum age for a provisional license is 16, and you need a state-certified driver education course and a road test.
• You must hold the provisional license for at least six months and be at least 17 to get a full license.
• A provisional license expires on your 19th birthday.
• Applicants under 18 need consent from each living parent or legal guardian, unless married or emancipated.
• Licensing is run by the four counties: Honolulu, Hawaii County, Maui County and Kauai County.

The three stages at a glance

Each stage has its own entry rules. You cannot skip a stage if you are under 18. If you are 18 or older, the provisional stage does not apply: you get a permit, then take the road test for a Class 3 license.

• Instruction permit (from 15 1/2): pass a vision screening and a rules of the road test. Drive only with a licensed driver aged 21 or older beside you.
• Provisional license (from 16): permit held 180 days with no pending violations, driver education classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates, and a road test pass.
• Full Class 3 license (from 17): provisional license held for six months with no pending violations.

Limits while you hold a permit

The supervising driver must be at least 21 and licensed for the type of vehicle you are driving, and must sit in the front passenger seat. Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., that person must be your parent or guardian. Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt or use the correct child restraint.

Limits on a provisional license

You may drive alone, but two rules apply. First, you may not carry more than one passenger under 18 unless your licensed parent or guardian is with you; household members do not count toward this limit. Second, you may not drive from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless a licensed parent or guardian sits beside you.

There are two night exceptions: driving to or from work, or to or from a school-authorized activity, when you need the car to get there. Carry a signed statement from your employer or parent that confirms the details. Even then, no more than one passenger under 18 is allowed during those hours unless your parent or guardian is with you.

Breaking the rules: what it costs

Hawaii law sets firm penalties. A first violation of a provisional license rule, such as the passenger or night limits, means a three-month suspension. A second violation means a six-month revocation. Being found guilty of other driving offenses can also lead to suspension or revocation. A pending violation also stops you from moving up to the next stage.

Common mistakes

• Thinking an older brother or sister aged 18 can supervise a permit holder. The supervisor must be at least 21.
• Driving friends home after 11 p.m. on a provisional license. Only work or school-authorized trips with the signed statement are allowed.
• Forgetting to carry the license or permit. Provisional drivers must have it with them while driving.
• Leaving the upgrade too late. The provisional license expires on your 19th birthday.

Test yourself: Hawaii graduated driver licence stages

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Hawaii
• Hawaii Permit Practice Test
• Hawaii Provisional License Rules for Teens