Hawaii: Licensing basics — Part 1 Practice Test
Instruction permits, provisional and full licenses, license classes, renewal, vehicle registration and safety inspection, and fitness to drive in Hawaii. — Part 1
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Hawaii Driver's Manual" (2023), Hawaii Department of Transportation.
All 39 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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What does the manual say about how its information relates to state laws, county ordinances and adopted rules?
- It does not supersede state laws, county ordinances or adopted rules
- It replaces county ordinances wherever the two differ
- It takes priority over any rule or regulation that was adopted earlier
- It supersedes state laws that were passed before its printing
Show answer
Correct answer: It does not supersede state laws, county ordinances or adopted rules
The introduction states that the information in the manual does not supersede state laws, county ordinances or any duly adopted rule or regulation.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
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How many documents are required to prove principal residence?
- One
- Three
- Two
- Four
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Correct answer: Two
The introduction says two documents are required to prove principal residence.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
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Which three things can a birth certificate document, according to the introduction?
- Legal name, date of birth and social security number
- Legal name, date of birth and legal presence
- Date of birth, legal presence and principal residence
- Legal presence, social security number and principal residence
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Correct answer: Legal name, date of birth and legal presence
The introduction gives the birth certificate as an example of a document that can serve more than one purpose: legal name, date of birth and legal presence.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
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In the definition of a business district, buildings used for business or industrial purposes are counted within any how many feet along the highway?
- 400 feet
- 600 feet
- 800 feet
- 1,000 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 600 feet
A business district is the territory where, within any six hundred feet along the highway, buildings in use for business or industrial purposes occupy the required frontage.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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In the definition of a business district, buildings used for business or industrial purposes must occupy at least how much frontage on one side of the highway (or collectively on both sides)?
- 100 feet
- 300 feet
- 200 feet
- 500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 300 feet
The definition requires buildings that occupy at least three hundred feet of frontage on one side or three hundred feet collectively on both sides of the highway.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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For driver licensing, a single vehicle used in commerce is a commercial motor vehicle if its gross vehicle weight rating is at least how many pounds?
- 16,001 pounds
- 20,001 pounds
- 30,001 pounds
- 26,001 pounds
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Correct answer: 26,001 pounds
For driver licensing, a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds is a commercial motor vehicle.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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For driver licensing, a combination with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds is a commercial motor vehicle when the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than how many pounds?
- 10,000 pounds
- 5,000 pounds
- 8,000 pounds
- 16,000 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 10,000 pounds
The definition covers a combination of 26,001 or more pounds that includes a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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For driver licensing, a vehicle of any gross vehicle weight rating is a commercial motor vehicle if it is designed to transport how many occupants, including the driver?
- 9 or more
- 12 or more
- 16 or more
- 20 or more
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Correct answer: 16 or more
The licensing definition includes any vehicle designed to transport sixteen or more occupants including the driver.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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For driver licensing, a vehicle of any gross vehicle weight rating is a commercial motor vehicle if it is used to transport what?
- Hazardous materials requiring placarding
- Any cargo weighing more than 5,000 pounds
- Farm products in quantities of any size
- Household goods moved within the state
Show answer
Correct answer: Hazardous materials requiring placarding
The licensing definition includes any vehicle, whatever its rating, used in the transportation of hazardous materials requiring placarding.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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For motor carrier regulations, a motor vehicle used in commerce is covered when its gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating (whichever is greater) is at least how many pounds?
- 8,001 pounds
- 16,001 pounds
- 10,001 pounds
- 20,001 pounds
Show answer
Correct answer: 10,001 pounds
For motor carrier regulations, the definition applies to a vehicle with a weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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For motor carrier regulations, a vehicle designed or used to transport more than how many passengers, including the driver, for compensation is covered?
- 5 passengers
- 8 passengers
- 12 passengers
- 20 passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: 8 passengers
The motor carrier definition includes a vehicle designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
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For motor carrier regulations, a vehicle not used to transport passengers for compensation is covered when it is designed or used to transport more than how many passengers, including the driver?
- 9 passengers
- 12 passengers
- 20 passengers
- 15 passengers
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 passengers
The motor carrier definition includes a vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, that is not used for compensation.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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According to the definitions, a commercial driver’s license is issued in accordance with the standards contained in which federal regulation?
- 49 CFR Part 391
- 49 CFR Part 393
- 49 CFR Part 383
- 23 CFR Part 383
Show answer
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 383
The definition says a commercial driver’s license is issued under the standards contained in 49 CFR Part 383.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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According to the definitions, which person is a driver?
- Only a person who holds a valid Hawaii driver’s license issued by a county
- A person steering a vehicle that is being towed by a motor vehicle
- Only a person driving on a state-owned highway
- A passenger riding in a motor vehicle that is parked
Show answer
Correct answer: A person steering a vehicle that is being towed by a motor vehicle
The definition of a driver includes every person who is exercising control over or steering a vehicle being towed or pushed by a motor vehicle.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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According to the definitions, what is the gross vehicle weight rating?
- The weight of the vehicle without any load
- The weight of the vehicle plus its load-carrying capacity
- The weight of the vehicle plus the weight of a towed unit
- The load-carrying capacity of the vehicle alone
Show answer
Correct answer: The weight of the vehicle plus its load-carrying capacity
Gross vehicle weight rating is defined as the weight of the vehicle plus the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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According to the definitions, the highway is the entire width between what?
- The curbs of every paved road in the state, public or private
- The outer edges of the shoulders on roads with two or more lanes
- The sidewalks on both sides of any street open to traffic
- The boundary lines of every publicly maintained way open to travel
Show answer
Correct answer: The boundary lines of every publicly maintained way open to travel
A highway is the entire width between the boundary lines of every way publicly maintained when any part is open to the public for vehicular travel.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
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Under the exemption for persons employed by the federal government and driving a federally owned vehicle that is not a commercial motor vehicle, what license must they possess?
- A valid Hawaii class 3 driver’s license issued by a county
- A federal employee identification card
- A valid driver’s license issued by an agency of the federal government
- A valid provisional license issued by the county where you work
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid driver’s license issued by an agency of the federal government
The exemption applies to a person employed by and driving a federally owned vehicle who possesses a valid driver’s license issued by an agency of the federal government.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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At what minimum age may a person operate a road machine, farm tractor or implement of husbandry temporarily on the highway, moving in and between terminals, without a Hawaii driver’s license?
- 13 years
- 12 years
- 14 years
- 16 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 13 years
A person thirteen years of age or older is exempt when operating such equipment only between terminals and at designated terminal areas.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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For how long is a compact foreign driver’s license accompanied by an International Driving Permit valid in Hawaii?
- 30 days
- Six months
- One year
- Two years
Show answer
Correct answer: One year
Compact foreign drivers’ licenses accompanied by an International Driving Permit are valid for one year.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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The one-year validity of a compact foreign driver’s license with an International Driving Permit counts from which date?
- The date the foreign driver’s license was first issued
- The date of arrival at your first port of entry into the U.S.
- The date you submit an application for a Hawaii driver’s license
- The date you establish your principal residence in Hawaii
Show answer
Correct answer: The date of arrival at your first port of entry into the U.S.
The note says such licenses are valid for one year from the date of arrival (your first port-of-entry) into the United States.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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A non-resident with a valid commercial driver’s license from another state is exempt from a Hawaii driver’s license if he or she is at least what age?
- 16 years
- 18 years
- 21 years
- 25 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 21 years
The exemption applies to a non-resident at least twenty-one years of age with a valid commercial driver’s license.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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For how long after a conviction of drunk driving while unlicensed can you not be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in Hawaii?
- Two years
- Six months
- One year
- Five years
Show answer
Correct answer: Two years
The list of people who cannot be licensed includes anyone within two years after a conviction of drunk driving while unlicensed.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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A person aged 16 or 17 cannot be licensed in Hawaii unless he or she has held a permit for at least how long?
- 30 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 180 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 180 days
The manual says you cannot be licensed if you are age 16 to 17 and have not held a permit for at least 180 days.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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Which of these is a reason you cannot be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in Hawaii?
- You have never owned a motor vehicle
- You have outstanding traffic citations
- You are over 65 years of age
- You hold a license issued in another state
Show answer
Correct answer: You have outstanding traffic citations
The manual lists having outstanding traffic citations among the reasons you cannot be licensed.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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Which of these is a reason you cannot be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in Hawaii?
- You have lived in Hawaii for less than one year
- You have changed your name since your last license
- You have driven only vehicles with automatic transmission
- You fail to comply with the financial responsibility laws
Show answer
Correct answer: You fail to comply with the financial responsibility laws
The manual lists failing to comply with the financial responsibility laws, when required, among the reasons you cannot be licensed.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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When can the examiner of drivers refuse to license you because of a physical or mental disability?
- When there is good cause to believe you could not operate a motor vehicle safely
- When you have worn glasses or contact lenses for more than one year
- When you are unable to read the manual without help
- When you have any medical condition, whether or not it affects driving
Show answer
Correct answer: When there is good cause to believe you could not operate a motor vehicle safely
You cannot be licensed when the examiner of drivers has good cause to believe that a physical or mental disability would keep you from operating a motor vehicle safely on the highways.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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During what period can you not be licensed to operate a motor vehicle in Hawaii because of a court action?
- The first year after you move to Hawaii from another state
- The period when you are on probation for a parking violation
- The period when your license has been suspended or revoked by a court
- The six months after any traffic citation is paid
Show answer
Correct answer: The period when your license has been suspended or revoked by a court
The manual lists the suspension period when a court has suspended or revoked your license as a time when you cannot be licensed.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 10 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 10)
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On what date did the new driver’s license security requirements for identity and legal presence begin?
- March 5, 2012
- January 1, 2008
- March 5, 2010
- July 1, 2015
Show answer
Correct answer: March 5, 2012
The new security requirements began on March 5, 2012 under the Federal REAL ID Act and Hawaii laws.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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In what form must the documents be that an applicant for a new REAL ID compliant license or instruction permit provides?
- A photocopy signed by the applicant
- A notarized photocopy of each document
- An original or certified copy
- A scanned digital image of each document
Show answer
Correct answer: An original or certified copy
Applicants for a new REAL ID compliant license or instruction permit must provide an original or certified copy of the required documents.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What can a REAL ID compliant license be used for, according to the manual?
- Driving only, with no use as identification for federal purposes
- Acceptable identification for federal purposes, such as boarding an aircraft
- Replacing a passport for travel to other countries
- Proving legal presence only for the first year after issue
Show answer
Correct answer: Acceptable identification for federal purposes, such as boarding an aircraft
The manual says a Real ID compliant license may be used as acceptable identification for federal purposes, such as boarding an aircraft or entering certain federal facilities.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What must you submit if the names on your identity documents are different?
- The document that connects the names, such as a marriage certificate
- A signed and notarized statement saying that both names are yours
- A second photo identification card showing your new name
- A letter from your employer confirming your legal name
Show answer
Correct answer: The document that connects the names, such as a marriage certificate
Names must be the same on all documents; if different, you must submit the document that connects the names, such as a marriage certificate or court document.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What must each document used to show principal residence in Hawaii include?
- Your name and your social security number
- Your name and your date of birth
- Your name and the date you moved into the residence
- Your name and your principal residence address in Hawaii
Show answer
Correct answer: Your name and your principal residence address in Hawaii
Each of the two principal residence documents must include your name and principal residence address in Hawaii.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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According to the manual, what is the principal address?
- The address where your vehicle is registered, even if you live elsewhere
- The location where you currently reside in Hawaii, even if it is temporary
- The address of the place where you were born
- The mailing address you choose, even if you do not live there
Show answer
Correct answer: The location where you currently reside in Hawaii, even if it is temporary
The principal address is the location where you currently reside in Hawaii, even if the residence location is temporary.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What is a limited purpose driver’s license valid for?
- Driving and boarding an airplane
- Driving and entering federal facilities
- Driving and proving legal presence
- Driving only
Show answer
Correct answer: Driving only
The limited purpose license is valid for driving only and is not acceptable identification for federal purposes such as boarding an airplane.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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An instruction permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle when supervised by another driver who is at least what age and licensed to drive that type of vehicle?
- 21 years
- 18 years
- 19 years
- 25 years
Show answer
Correct answer: 21 years
An instruction permit requires supervision by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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With an instruction permit, where must the licensed driver sit in all vehicles except motorcycles?
- In the rear seat
- Behind the permit holder
- In the right front seat
- In any seat of the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: In the right front seat
In all vehicles except motorcycles, the licensed driver supervising an instruction permit holder must sit in the right front seat.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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What is the minimum age to be eligible for an instruction permit?
- 15½ years
- 14½ years
- 16 years
- 16½ years
Show answer
Correct answer: 15½ years
You must be at least 15½ years old to be eligible for an instruction permit.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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If you are under the age of 18, how long must you operate on a provisional license before being eligible for a class 3 driver’s license?
- At least 3 months
- At least 12 months
- At least 6 months
- At least 18 months
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 6 months
A driver under 18 must operate on a provisional license for at least 6 months before being eligible for a class 3 license.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)
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Which license class must you have to operate a motorcycle on Hawaii highways?
- Class 1
- Class 3
- Class 4
- Class 2
Show answer
Correct answer: Class 2
You must have a class 2 license to operate a motorcycle on Hawaii highways.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual (2023), page 11 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 11)