The graduated licensing program establishes a three-stage program for drivers under the age of 18. This program allows beginning drivers to develop their driving skills over time as they gain experience and maturity.

Instructional Permit Phase

• You must be at least 15 years and 6 months in age
• You must be in immediate possession of the permit when driving a motor vehicle
• You must be seated next to a person who is at least 21 years of age and licensed to operate the same type of motor vehicle. However, between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., the supervising parent or guardian must be seated next to the minor driver.
• You must have all occupants wear their seatbelts and children under 4 years of age be properly restrained within a child safety seat in compliance with Hawai‘i State law.

The permit is valid for one (1) year from date of issuance and may be renewed 30-days prior to the expiration date of the permit and no later than 90 days after the expiration date of the permit.

Failure to renew the instructional permit within 30 days after the expiration date will result in waiting 180 days before being eligible for a road test.

Provisional License Phase

You may be granted a provisional license to operate a motor vehicle if you:

• Are at least sixteen (16) years old, but under the age of eighteen (18);
• Hold an instruction permit and has held that permit for at least 180 days and there is no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation of that person’s instructional permit;
• Satisfactorily completes a State certified driver’s education course and possesses the classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates; and
• Successfully passes a road examination test.

Provisional License Requirements While Driving

1. Have in their immediate possession their provisional driver’s license;

2. Have all occupants wear their seat belts and children under 4 years of age be properly restrained within a child safety seat in compliance with Hawai‘i State law;

3. Passenger Restrictions

• The provisional licensee driver shall not transport more than one person below the age of eighteen (18) without being accompanied by a licensed driver that is the provisional licensee’s parent or guardian, unless that person is a household member.

4. Night-Time Driving Restriction

• The provisional licensee driver shall not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by either a parent or guardian that is licensed to drive the same type of motor vehicle and is seated in the passenger seat beside the licensee.
• The person granted a provisional driver’s license may drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without a licensed parent or guardian in the motor vehicle only under the following conditions:
  • Traveling to or from the licensee’s place of employment, where the operation of a motor vehicle is necessary for that purpose. The provisional licensee shall keep in his or her possession a signed statement from the employer containing the employer’s: name, address, telephone number, and verification of employment and work hours.
  • Traveling to or from a school-authorized activity, where the operation of a motor vehicle is necessary for that purpose, and the provisional licensee shall keep in his or her possession a signed statement from a parent or guardian containing the parent’s or guardian’s: name, address, telephone number and verification that the operation of the motor vehicle by the licensee is necessary to travel to or from the school-authorized activity;
• Provided that under a and b above, the provisional licensee shall not transport more than one person under the age of eighteen (18) between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without being accompanied by the licensed parent or guardian of the provisional licensee.

Full Driver’s License

You are eligible to apply for a full driver’s license if:

1. You have satisfactorily held the provisional license for at least six (6) months;
2. You have no pending violation that might result in a suspension or revocation;
3. You are at least seventeen (17) years old, and have satisfactorily complied with all the requirements of Chapter 286, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes.