The Hawaii knowledge (permit) test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose between the online and in-person test and know what each needs.
• You can list the main topics the test covers.
• You can follow the online test rules so you are not failed for looking away.
• You can explain the retake rules and what happens after you pass.
• You can use the manual's practice questions to check you are ready.

What you need to know and understand

• Honolulu's online Class 3 permit test has 30 questions.
• The online test has a one-hour time limit and is offered in English and Spanish.
• Online, you need a desktop or laptop with a webcam. Phones and tablets are not allowed.
• In Honolulu, if you fail the online test on knowledge, you must wait seven days before retrying, and each try costs the full fee.
• In Honolulu you may take the online test no more than twice in one day.
• Passing the test does not give you a permit. You still visit a licensing center for the eye test, documents and fee.
• The official county pages do not publish a pass mark, and fees vary by county, so ask your licensing office.

What the questions cover

The test checks two areas: rules of the road and recognition of traffic control devices. In practice that means right of way, speed rules, passing, signals, parking, alcohol law, and the meaning of signs, signals and pavement markings. The Hawaii Driver's Manual ends with a large bank of practice questions, each with a page reference so you can look up the reason for the answer.

Online or in person: how they compare

• Online: taken at home on a computer with a webcam. Under 18s need an adult over 21 present to register, who then stays out of camera view.
• Online: you get two warnings for looking away or leaving the test screen. A third ends the test as a fail. Photos are taken during the test.
• Online: Honolulu says book your licensing center visit within 60 days of passing. Maui County gives 30 days, so act quickly.
• In person: book an appointment at a county licensing center on its written-test days and bring all permit documents.
• Help with reading: the online test can read questions aloud, and Honolulu offers an oral test for a fee.

A study plan that works

1. Read the manual chapter by chapter, focusing on traffic laws, signs and markings, and alcohol.
2. Note every number: signal distance, railroad stopping distance, parking distance from the curb, alcohol limits.
3. Work through the manual's practice questions and check each answer against the page given.
4. Retest yourself on the questions you missed until you get them right every time.
5. Take a timed practice run so the one-hour limit feels easy.

Numbers that often appear

Signal at least 100 feet before turning, changing lanes or stopping. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when a train signal is active. When parallel parked, your curbside wheels must be within 12 inches of the curb. A driver 21 or older with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more is under the influence, and drivers under 21 face zero tolerance.

Common mistakes

• Trying to take the online test on a phone or tablet. It must be a desktop or laptop with a webcam.
• Glancing away from the screen during the online test. Three warnings end the test as a fail.
• Studying only practice apps. Questions are based on the Hawaii manual, so read it.
• Waiting too long after passing online. Book your licensing visit within the time your county allows.

Test yourself: The Hawaii knowledge (permit) test

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

Go deeper

• Hawaii Permit Test
• Hawaii Permit Practice Test
• Learning to Drive in Hawaii