by Jim Thompson | Last Updated: March 1, 2021

If you are a teenager in Hawaii applying for your first drivers license, you are required by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) to complete a drivers ed course. Taking this course will not only prepare you to pass your written and road tests but will also go a long way in preparing you to be a safe, responsible and confident driver.

Eligibility Requirements for Drivers Ed Hawaii

The drivers education requirement of the graduated licensing program must be completed by all new Hawaii drivers younger than 18. Before enrolling in a course, you must first hold a learners permit. To get a permit, you must be at least 15 ½ years old. To obtain your permit, you will have to pass a written exam. There are three ways you can prepare yourself for this written exam:

• By studying the Hawaii DMV driver handbook
• By taking a driver prep course
• By using a learners permit practice test

A permit practice test will allow you to know exactly what’s on the test, even before you see it. That’s because practice tests feature questions taken from actual DMV exams. It’s like seeing all the answers before the test even begins!

What to Expect from Hawaii Drivers Ed

Teen driving candidates may complete a drivers ed program at either a public school or an approved professional driver training school. The course will consist of both classroom lessons and behind the wheel training.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Currently in Hawaii, online drivers education is not accepted by the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles. However, this does not mean that online course will not be helpful for test preparation and to instill good driving habits.

Regardless of where you complete your course, and Hawaii DOT approved drivers ed program will touch on the following topics:

• Basic vehicle operation
• Safe driving technique
• Hawaii traffic law and rules of the road
• Road signs, signals and markings

Once you have satisfied both the classroom and behind the wheel requirements, you will receive a course completion certificate.

Getting on the Road after Drivers Ed Hawaii

After completing your drivers ed course, you must hold your learners permit for at least 180 days. During those 180 days, take every opportunity to practice drive with a licensed driver is at least 21 years old. If, after this time, you have reached your 16th birthday, you may call your local DMV office and schedule a road test.

On the day of your driving test, be prepared to present proof of your identity, legal residence, Social Security number and, depending on your age, the certificate of completion from your drivers ed class.