Hawaii Driver's Knowledge Test (HI DMV) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the purpose of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection in Hawaii?

To record the odometer reading
To verify the VIN matches the title and the vehicle is not stolen (Correct answer)
To confirm the vehicle meets emissions standards
To check the vehicle's safety features

Correct answer: To verify the VIN matches the title and the vehicle is not stolen

A VIN inspection verifies that the number on the vehicle matches the title document and that the vehicle has not been reported stolen.

Question 2: Under Hawaii law, which vehicles are generally required to carry minimum auto insurance?

Only vehicles owned by drivers under age 25
Only vehicles driven on highways
All registered motor vehicles operated on public roads (Correct answer)
Only vehicles used for commercial purposes

Correct answer: All registered motor vehicles operated on public roads

All registered motor vehicles operated on Hawaii's public roads must carry at minimum the state-required insurance coverage.

Question 3: If you move to a new county within Hawaii, what must you do with your vehicle registration?

Immediately re-register in the new county
Re-register with the new county at next renewal (Correct answer)
Update your address with your current county
Nothing is required

Correct answer: Re-register with the new county at next renewal

When moving to a different county in Hawaii, you must re-register your vehicle with the new county at your next registration renewal.

Question 4: What does a white curb indicate in Hawaii?

No parking at any time
Passenger loading and unloading only (Correct answer)
Parking for disabled persons
Unlimited free parking

Correct answer: Passenger loading and unloading only

A white curb in Hawaii designates a zone for passenger loading and unloading only, often found in front of schools or businesses.

Question 5: If you choose not to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card in Hawaii, which of the following will still allow you to board domestic flights after the deadline?

U.S. Passport (Correct answer)
State ID card
Standard Hawaii driver's license
Birth certificate

Correct answer: U.S. Passport

If you choose not to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card in Hawaii, you will still need an alternative form of identification to board domestic flights after the deadline. A U.S. Passport is one of the federally accepted forms of identification that will continue to be valid for this purpose, along with other approved documents like military IDs. It provides a secure and universally recognized form of identification.

Question 6: In Hawaii, are motorcycle passengers permitted on a motorcycle that is not designed for a passenger?

Yes, as long as they wear a helmet
Only on roads with a speed limit under 35 mph
No, a passenger may only ride if the motorcycle has a proper seat and footrests for the passenger (Correct answer)
Yes, if they hold on tightly

Correct answer: No, a passenger may only ride if the motorcycle has a proper seat and footrests for the passenger

Hawaii law requires that a passenger may only ride on a motorcycle that is equipped with a proper passenger seat and footrests for them.

Question 7: How long do you have to register an out-of-state vehicle after moving to Hawaii?

30 days (Correct answer)
15 days
10 days
60 days

Correct answer: 30 days

When moving to Hawaii, new residents are required to register their out-of-state vehicles within a specific timeframe. You have 30 days from the date you establish residency to complete the vehicle registration process. This ensures that all vehicles operated in the state comply with local regulations and taxation.

Question 8: What does a red curb indicate in Hawaii?

Limited parking — 30 minutes maximum
No parking or stopping at any time (Correct answer)
Loading zone — 5 minutes maximum
Parking for emergency vehicles only

Correct answer: No parking or stopping at any time

A red curb means no parking or stopping is permitted at any time, often found near fire hydrants, bus stops, or driveways.

Question 9: In Hawaii, what must a driver do before leaving a vehicle parked on a public road?

Set the parking brake and turn off the engine (Correct answer)
Place reflective triangles behind the car
Leave the hazard lights on
Leave the car in neutral only

Correct answer: Set the parking brake and turn off the engine

Hawaii requires drivers to set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and remove the key before leaving a vehicle parked on a public road.

Question 10: In Hawaii, who has the right of way when a bicycle and vehicle arrive simultaneously at an uncontrolled intersection?

The same right-of-way rules apply as between two vehicles (Correct answer)
Whoever is going straight
The vehicle always has the right of way
The bicycle always has the right of way

Correct answer: The same right-of-way rules apply as between two vehicles

Bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles in Hawaii, so standard right-of-way rules apply between them.

Question 11: In Hawaii, when two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, who has the right of way?

The larger vehicle
The vehicle on the left
The vehicle on the right (Correct answer)
The vehicle going straight

Correct answer: The vehicle on the right

At an uncontrolled intersection when two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.

Question 12: In Hawaii, who has the right of way in a roundabout?

Vehicles entering the roundabout
Vehicles coming from the left
The largest vehicle
Vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout

Vehicles already inside a roundabout have the right of way; entering drivers must yield to circulating traffic.

Question 13: At a T-intersection in Hawaii where there is no sign or signal, which driver must yield?

The driver on the terminating road (Correct answer)
The driver going straight
The driver on the through road
Both drivers must stop

Correct answer: The driver on the terminating road

At a T-intersection, the driver on the road that ends (terminating road) must yield to drivers on the through road.

Question 14: In Hawaii, when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign arm extended, what must drivers do?

Slow to 15 mph and pass carefully
Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing (Correct answer)
Yield to the bus and then pass if no children are visible
Stop only if behind the bus

Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing

All drivers must stop and remain stopped when a school bus activates its red flashing lights and stop arm — this applies to traffic in both directions unless separated by a median.

Question 15: What does a blue curb indicate in Hawaii?

No parking during street cleaning
Time-limited parking
Loading zone — commercial vehicles only
Parking reserved for persons with disabilities (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Parking reserved for persons with disabilities

Blue curbs designate parking spaces reserved for vehicles displaying valid disabled person placards or license plates.

Question 16: When approaching a curve on a motorcycle in Hawaii, what is the recommended technique?

Switch lanes to the outer lane for more space
Slow down before entering the curve, then accelerate smoothly through it (Correct answer)
Brake while in the curve to control speed
Accelerate through the curve for stability

Correct answer: Slow down before entering the curve, then accelerate smoothly through it

Safe cornering technique on a motorcycle requires slowing to a safe speed before entering the curve, then gradually accelerating through the turn.

Question 17: What is the penalty for driving a vehicle in Hawaii without a valid safety inspection certificate?

Vehicle impoundment
$70 fine
$100 fine (Correct answer)
$50 fine

Correct answer: $100 fine

Driving a vehicle in Hawaii without a valid safety inspection certificate carries a significant penalty. If caught, you can face a fine of $100. This fine emphasizes the importance of regular vehicle safety checks for all drivers in the state and helps enforce compliance with safety regulations.

Question 18: In Hawaii, who must yield when a pedestrian is crossing in a marked crosswalk?

Only vehicles in the right lane
Only vehicles turning left
All vehicles approaching the crosswalk (Correct answer)
Only vehicles at a red light

Correct answer: All vehicles approaching the crosswalk

All vehicles must yield to pedestrians crossing in a marked crosswalk, regardless of whether there is a traffic control device.

Question 19: What must you do if your vehicle fails the safety inspection in Hawaii?

Pay a penalty and continue driving
Immediately report to the DMV
Fix the issues and return for a re-inspection (Correct answer)
Appeal the inspection results

Correct answer: Fix the issues and return for a re-inspection

If your vehicle fails a safety inspection in Hawaii, you cannot continue to operate it legally until the issues are resolved. The required procedure is to fix all identified deficiencies and then return the vehicle for a re-inspection. This ensures that all vehicles on the road meet the necessary safety standards before being driven.

Question 20: In Hawaii, a driver approaching a yield sign must give the right of way to:

All vehicles and pedestrians in the intersecting roadway (Correct answer)
Only vehicles already in the intersection
Only vehicles to the right
Emergency vehicles only

Correct answer: All vehicles and pedestrians in the intersecting roadway

At a yield sign, you must give the right of way to all vehicles and pedestrians already on or entering the intersecting road.

Question 21: What does Hawaii require regarding handlebar height for motorcycles?

Handlebars must be below seat level
Handlebars must be level with the seat
There is no restriction on handlebar height
Handlebars must not be higher than the operator's shoulder height when seated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Handlebars must not be higher than the operator's shoulder height when seated

Hawaii law limits motorcycle handlebars to no higher than the operator's shoulder when seated, to maintain safe vehicle control.

Question 22: Under Hawaii's no-fault insurance system, whose insurance covers your medical expenses after an accident?

The at-fault driver's insurance
A shared liability pool
Your own insurance (Correct answer)
The state insurance fund

Correct answer: Your own insurance

Under Hawaii's no-fault system, your own PIP insurance covers your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault.

Question 23: In Hawaii, may two motorcycles ride side-by-side in the same lane?

Only with permission from both riders
Yes, up to two motorcycles may share a lane (Correct answer)
Yes, but only on roads with three or more lanes
No, each motorcycle must occupy its own lane

Correct answer: Yes, up to two motorcycles may share a lane

Hawaii law permits two motorcycles to ride abreast (side-by-side) within a single lane, but no more than two.

Question 24: In Hawaii, what must a motorcycle operator do at a red light if the traffic signal does not detect the motorcycle?

Proceed through the red light immediately
Call law enforcement for assistance
Wait for a vehicle to trigger the signal, or turn right if permitted, or treat it as a stop sign after a reasonable wait (Correct answer)
Always turn right regardless

Correct answer: Wait for a vehicle to trigger the signal, or turn right if permitted, or treat it as a stop sign after a reasonable wait

Hawaii allows motorcyclists to proceed through a traffic signal that fails to detect them after a reasonable wait, following safety precautions, as per the state's dead red law.

Question 25: How often must passenger vehicles be registered in Hawaii?

Every two years
Every six months
Every three years
Annually (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Annually

Hawaii requires passenger vehicles to be registered annually with the county.

Question 26: In Hawaii, how close to a crosswalk may you park at an intersection?

25 feet
10 feet
20 feet (Correct answer)
5 feet

Correct answer: 20 feet

Hawaii prohibits parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection to maintain visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

Question 27: If you sell your vehicle in Hawaii, what should you do with your license plates?

Give them to the buyer
Destroy them immediately
Leave them on the vehicle for the new owner
Return them to the county or transfer them to your new vehicle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Return them to the county or transfer them to your new vehicle

In Hawaii, license plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle — you should return them to the county or transfer them to your replacement vehicle.

Question 28: In Hawaii, what does a green traffic light arrow indicate?

Turn only at reduced speed
Proceed in the direction of the arrow — cross traffic is stopped (Correct answer)
Yield before turning in that direction
Turn only if no pedestrians are present

Correct answer: Proceed in the direction of the arrow — cross traffic is stopped

A green arrow is a protected signal meaning you may proceed in the arrow's direction while cross traffic is stopped by a red light.

Question 29: How can you tell if your Hawaii driver's license or ID card is REAL ID-compliant?

It will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner (Correct answer)
It will be a different color than non-compliant licenses
It will say "REAL ID" at the top
It will have a blue seal on the back

Correct answer: It will have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner

To easily identify a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card in Hawaii, look for a specific visual indicator. A gold star or a gold circle with a white star will be located in the upper right-hand corner of the card. This star signifies that the card meets the enhanced security standards mandated by the REAL ID Act.

Question 30: When you purchase a used vehicle in Hawaii, within how many days must you transfer the title?

60 days
10 days
30 days (Correct answer)
90 days

Correct answer: 30 days

Hawaii law requires the new owner to transfer the vehicle title within 30 days of purchase.

Hawaii Driver's Knowledge Test (HI DMV)

The Hawaii DMV written knowledge test evaluates understanding of Hawaii traffic laws, road signs, signals, and safe driving practices required to obtain a Hawaii driver's license.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

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