Failed my HI DMV written test twice — what am I missing?

by rachel_s 83 views3 replies
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rachel_sOP
May 27, 2026

So I'm pretty embarrassed to admit this but I've failed the Hawaii DMV written test two times now and I'm starting to lose my mind. The first time I only got a 68% (you need 80% to pass), and yesterday I went back feeling confident and scored a 74%. Getting closer but still not there. I've been living on Oahu for three years with a mainland license and now that I need to transfer, this is way harder than I expected.

I've been using a HI DMV practice test site which has helped a lot, but I keep tripping up on the road sign questions and anything involving specific speed limits in school zones or near intersections. Does anyone have a solid study guide that covers Hawaii-specific rules? I know some laws are different here than on the mainland and I think that's where I'm getting tripped up.

Any exam tips from people who've recently passed would seriously save me. I've got a third attempt scheduled for next Friday and I really can't afford to fail again — there's a $10 fee each time and honestly it's just humiliating at this point.

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Samantha C.
May 28, 2026
I passed mine last month after failing once. The thing that helped me most was drilling road signs separately — like, make a specific session just for signs. Hawaii has a few unique ones you won't see on the mainland. Also the school zone speed limit is 15 mph, not 20 like some states. That one tripped me up badly. I used a HI DMV practice test generator that randomized questions each time so I wasn't just memorizing answer order.
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Ravi S.
May 28, 2026
Honestly the official Hawaii Driver's Manual is kind of dense but chapter 4 on traffic laws is where most of the test questions come from. I printed it out and highlighted anything with a specific number — speed limits, distances, blood alcohol levels. Made my own flashcards from that. Took me about 6 hours of focused studying total spread over a week. Also took the practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the pressure. Good luck Friday!
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Marcus T.
May 28, 2026
Don't underestimate the right-of-way questions either — those showed up constantly on mine. Hawaii follows standard rules but the test phrases questions in ways that can be confusing. Read each question twice before answering. You've got this.

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