Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Hawaii

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Hawaii?


In Hawaii, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license is 17 years old. Drivers must be at least 17 years and 6 months old and pass a written, vision, and driving test to apply for a license. Applicants must also provide proof of identification, residency, and parental consent if they are under the age of 18.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Hawaii?


In Hawaii, there are two stages of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

Stage One – Instruction Permit (15 years old):
• Must be at least 15 years old.
• Must pass a written knowledge exam.
• Must have a parent or legal guardian signature to certify that you have completed a required number of hours of supervised driving practice.

Stage Two – Intermediate License (16 years old):
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must have held an Instruction Permit for at least 180 days.
• Must have completed a Driver Education Program.
• Must have at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice with at least 10 hours during twilight or nighttime, verified by a parent or guardian’s signature on the affidavit of 50 Hours Supervised Driving Practice form (HRS 286-115).
• Must have passed a road skills test.

3. How does the GDL program in Hawaii define a supervised driving period?


In Hawaii, the GDL program requires a supervised driving period of at least six months before obtaining an intermediate license. During this period, the learner must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving with a parent or guardian. Learners must also abide by certain restrictions, such as not driving with more than one non-family member in the vehicle and not using a cellular phone while driving.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Hawaii?


In Hawaii, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, are driving to or from a job or school-sanctioned activity, or in some cases, if accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. Additionally, drivers under 18 may not have more than one minor passenger in the car at any time unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Hawaii?


Yes, there are several common exceptions to the GDL program in Hawaii. These include:
– Drivers under age 18 who have completed a driver education program approved by the State of Hawaii and successfully passed the written and road tests are exempt from the GDL program.
– Drivers who are at least 18 years old may obtain a full unrestricted license without first obtaining a provisional license.
– Drivers who are at least 16 years old and have held a valid learner’s permit for at least 6 months may obtain a provisional license without first taking driver education or passing the road test.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Hawaii?


In Hawaii, a provisional license requires 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be completed at night.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Hawaii?


In Hawaii, drivers with a provisional license must follow certain restrictions. These restrictions include:

1. Drivers must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older at all times.

2. Driving is only allowed between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

3. All passengers must wear seat belts and no more than one other person can ride in the car with the provisional driver.

4. Drivers are not allowed to use cell phones while driving, except in an emergency.

5. Drivers must obey all traffic laws and are subject to zero tolerance for alcohol or drug consumption while driving.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Hawaii?


A driver with a provisional license in Hawaii is not allowed to carry any passengers other than immediate family members.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Hawaii?


In Hawaii, drivers must hold a provisional license for at least one year before they can apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Hawaii?


Yes. In Hawaii, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old when operating a motor vehicle.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Hawaii?


Yes, there are restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Hawaii. Drivers with a provisional license (under 18) are prohibited from using any mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, except to make an emergency call. This includes, but is not limited to, talking on a cell phone, texting, or using any other type of mobile device.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Hawaii?


Yes. Drivers with provisional licenses are allowed to drive on highways in Hawaii, though they must follow certain restrictions.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Hawaii?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in Hawaii must abide by the restrictions imposed by the graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) program. These restrictions include:

1. Supervised driving only for the first 6-months (with exceptions for farm-related jobs)

2. No driving between 11pm and 5am

3. No driving with more than one passenger under 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

4. No use of cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Hawaii?


In order to take the driving test to receive a driver’s license in Hawaii, you must:

1. Tener al menos 16 años de edad.
2. Have a valid learner’s permit for 12-18 months or complete a driver’s education course.
3. Pass an eye exam at the DMV.
4. Pass a written and road test administered by the DMV.
5. Provide proof of identity and residency.
6. Submit proof of social security number (if applicable).
7. Pagar las tarifas aplicables.

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Hawaii?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in Hawaii are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license. This test will include a vision screening, a written knowledge test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test.

16. Does the GDL program in Hawaii require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the GDL program in Hawaii does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven. However, if a driver is under the age of 18, their parent or legal guardian must sign a Personal Supervision Certification form confirming that they have completed the required hours of parent/guardian-supervised driving.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Hawaii?


Yes, the Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Drivers Education Program provides special privileges for GDL program participants who complete the program in Hawaii. This includes reduced insurance rates and a waiver of the road test requirement if certain requirements are met.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Hawaii?


Yes, there are several exceptions for drivers under 18 years old in Hawaii. Examples include an exemption from the nighttime driving restriction when driving to or from a school activity or event, an exemption from the passenger restriction if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, and an exemption from the cell phone restriction when using a hands-free device.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Hawaii?


Yes. Drivers in Hawaii who are 18 or older are not subject to the GDL program regulations.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Hawaii?


The penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Hawaii vary depending on the offense. Generally, violations of GDL program rules can result in fines and/or license suspensions or revocations. In some cases, drivers may also be required to attend traffic safety courses or face jail time.