After you pass in Hawaii: restrictions and your licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the passenger limit on a provisional license.
• You can follow the 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. limit and use the work and school exceptions correctly.
• You can name the documents to carry while driving.
• You can explain when and how to convert to a full license.
• You can describe what happens to your license if you break the rules.

What you need to know and understand

• After passing, you receive a temporary paper license. In Honolulu it is valid for 60 days while the card is mailed.
• No more than one passenger under 18 who is not a household member, unless your licensed parent or guardian is with you.
• No driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless a licensed parent or guardian is in the front passenger seat, except for work or a school-authorized activity with a signed statement.
• Every occupant must be belted or in the right child restraint.
• Drivers under 18 may not use any mobile device while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911.
• You can convert to a full license after holding the provisional license six months, from age 17, with no pending violations.
• The provisional license expires on your 19th birthday.

Your first weeks with a license

In Honolulu, any outstanding traffic violations must be cleared before your license is processed, and road test scores are valid for 30 days. Once processed, you drive on a temporary paper license while the plastic card arrives by mail, usually within about five weeks. Carry your license every time you drive and show it to a police officer if asked.

Passenger and night limits in practice

• One friend aged 16 at 3 p.m.: allowed.
• Two friends aged 17 to school: not allowed unless your licensed parent or guardian is in the car.
• Your two younger siblings who live with you: allowed, because household members do not count.
• Three friends aged 19: allowed, because the limit covers passengers under 18.
• Driving home from a job at midnight: allowed only if you need the car for the trip and carry the signed employer statement. You still may not carry more than one passenger under 18.

Moving up to a full license

1. Hold the provisional license for at least six months and be at least 17.
2. Make sure you have no pending violations or proceedings.
3. Book an appointment with your county licensing center (AlohaQ on Oahu).
4. Complete the application form, checking the renewal box, and hand in your provisional license.
5. Pass the eye test, have your photo and fingerprints taken and pay the fee. In Honolulu a four-year license costs $20.

How long a Hawaii license lasts

Under state law, a driver's license issued when you are 24 or younger expires on your first birthday at least four years after issue. From 25 to 71 it lasts about eight years, and from 72 it becomes shorter. A Hawaii license is void after its expiration date, so renew on time.

Common mistakes

• Treating a provisional license as a full one at prom or after a late game. The night limit still applies.
• Forgetting the signed statement for a late work shift. Without it, the exception does not apply.
• Taking a quick hands-free call. Under 18, it is banned.
• Missing the 19th birthday deadline. After that you must reapply as an adult.

Test yourself: After you pass in Hawaii: restrictions and your licence

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

Go deeper

• Hawaii Permit Test
• Driving in Hawaii on an Out-of-State or Foreign License
• Hawaii Driver’s Ed Requirement for Under 18s