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

Question 1: In Hawaii, what must a motorcycle have to be legally operated on public roads at night?

A headlight, taillight, and brake light (Correct answer)
A headlight only
Reflectors only
A taillight and reflectors only

Correct answer: A headlight, taillight, and brake light

For nighttime operation in Hawaii, motorcycles must be equipped with a functioning headlight, taillight, and brake light.

Question 2: What is the default speed limit on Hawaii highways unless otherwise posted?

55 mph (Correct answer)
65 mph
60 mph
45 mph

Correct answer: 55 mph

Hawaii's default highway speed limit is 55 mph unless a higher or lower limit is posted.

Question 3: In Hawaii, what does a blue rectangular sign typically indicate?

Regulatory speed limit
Warning of road hazard
Motorist services like gas or food (Correct answer)
Distance to next city

Correct answer: Motorist services like gas or food

Blue rectangular signs provide information about motorist services such as gas stations, food, lodging, and hospitals.

Question 4: In Hawaii, who has the right of way at a four-way stop when all vehicles arrive simultaneously?

The vehicle going straight
The largest vehicle
The vehicle to the right of other waiting drivers (Correct answer)
The vehicle turning left

Correct answer: The vehicle to the right of other waiting drivers

At a four-way stop with simultaneous arrivals, drivers must yield to the vehicle on their right.

Question 5: What is the minimum property damage liability coverage required in Hawaii?

$5,000
$10,000 (Correct answer)
$25,000
$15,000

Correct answer: $10,000

Hawaii requires a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.

Question 6: In Hawaii, how close to a stop sign may you park?

20 feet
10 feet
50 feet
30 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 feet

Hawaii prohibits parking within 30 feet of a stop sign to ensure visibility and traffic flow.

Question 7: How is the vehicle registration fee in Hawaii typically calculated?

Based on vehicle age only
Flat fee for all vehicles
Based on miles driven per year
Based on vehicle weight and/or value (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Based on vehicle weight and/or value

Hawaii registration fees are generally based on the vehicle's weight and/or net price (value), which varies by county.

Question 8: When must you be able to show proof of motor vehicle insurance in Hawaii?

Only when registering your vehicle
Only during vehicle safety inspections
Only after an accident
Whenever requested by a law enforcement officer (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Whenever requested by a law enforcement officer

Hawaii drivers must be able to produce proof of insurance whenever requested by a law enforcement officer.

Question 9: In Hawaii, what happens to a vehicle parked in a tow-away zone?

The owner is called before towing
It is given a 30-minute grace period
It receives a warning ticket only
It may be towed at the owner's expense (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It may be towed at the owner's expense

Vehicles parked in designated tow-away zones in Hawaii may be towed immediately at the vehicle owner's expense without prior notice.

Question 10: What does a double solid yellow center line mean on a Hawaii road?

The road is one-way
Passing is prohibited in both directions (Correct answer)
Only left turns are allowed
Passing is allowed in either direction

Correct answer: Passing is prohibited in both directions

A double solid yellow center line means no passing is permitted in either direction.

Question 11: How does Hawaii verify that registered vehicles maintain continuous insurance coverage?

Only by checking at random traffic stops
Hawaii does not verify insurance after initial registration
By requiring annual insurance affidavits by mail
Through electronic reporting systems where insurers notify the state of cancellations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Through electronic reporting systems where insurers notify the state of cancellations

Hawaii uses an electronic system where insurance companies report policy cancellations to the state, helping authorities detect uninsured vehicles.

Question 12: When entering a highway from a private driveway in Hawaii, who has the right of way?

The larger vehicle
The vehicle exiting the driveway
The vehicle that arrives first
Vehicles already on the highway (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vehicles already on the highway

A driver entering a highway from a driveway or private road must yield to all traffic already on the highway.

Question 13: What must you do if your vehicle fails the safety inspection in Hawaii?

Immediately report to the DMV
Pay a penalty and continue driving
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 14: What is the penalty for driving a vehicle in Hawaii without a valid safety inspection certificate?

Vehicle impoundment
$100 fine (Correct answer)
$50 fine
$70 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 15: Which of the following is an acceptable form of proof of insurance in Hawaii?

A credit card bill showing an insurance payment
An insurance ID card issued by your insurer (Correct answer)
A canceled check made out to the insurer
A verbal statement from your agent

Correct answer: An insurance ID card issued by your insurer

An insurance ID card issued by your insurance company is a standard and accepted proof of insurance in Hawaii.

Question 16: Under Hawaii's no-fault insurance system, whose insurance covers your medical expenses after an accident?

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

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 17: What must a Hawaii driver do when an authorized emergency vehicle approaches from behind with lights and sirens on while the driver is in an intersection?

Continue through and stop on the other side
Clear the intersection first, then pull to the right and stop (Correct answer)
Speed through the intersection quickly
Stop immediately in the intersection

Correct answer: Clear the intersection first, then pull to the right and stop

A driver should clear the intersection first and then pull as far right as possible and stop to allow the emergency vehicle to pass safely.

Question 18: What is a common penalty for driving without insurance in Hawaii?

Only a requirement to purchase insurance within 30 days
A verbal warning for a first offense
Fines, license suspension, and possible vehicle impoundment (Correct answer)
A mandatory 30-day jail sentence

Correct answer: Fines, license suspension, and possible vehicle impoundment

Driving without insurance in Hawaii can result in fines, suspension of driving privileges, and impoundment of the vehicle.

Question 19: A pennant-shaped sign in Hawaii means:

Bicycle lane ahead
No passing zone (Correct answer)
Construction zone ahead
Merge ahead

Correct answer: No passing zone

The pennant-shaped yellow sign indicates the beginning of a no-passing zone on two-lane roads.

Question 20: How long do you have to register an out-of-state vehicle after moving to Hawaii?

10 days
15 days
30 days (Correct answer)
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 21: On Oahu, what is the purpose of 'street cleaning' parking signs?

They mark commercial vehicle routes
They indicate where motorcycles may park
They prohibit parking during specific times to allow street sweeping (Correct answer)
They indicate free parking areas

Correct answer: They prohibit parking during specific times to allow street sweeping

Street cleaning signs on Oahu and other Hawaii counties prohibit parking during specific days and times to allow street sweeping vehicles to clean the road.

Question 22: In Hawaii, must a motorcycle's engine be equipped with a muffler?

Yes, motorcycles must have a muffler that prevents excessive noise (Correct answer)
No, mufflers are optional
Only for motorcycles over 500cc
Only on highways

Correct answer: Yes, motorcycles must have a muffler that prevents excessive noise

Hawaii requires all motorcycles to have a muffler in good working condition to prevent excessive or unusual noise.

Question 23: A vehicle owner in Hawaii has passed away. Who can transfer the vehicle title?

Any family member
The estate executor or administrator (Correct answer)
The surviving spouse only
The DMV automatically transfers it

Correct answer: The estate executor or administrator

The estate executor or administrator has the legal authority to transfer a deceased person's vehicle title in Hawaii.

Question 24: In Hawaii, when must drivers use headlights?

Whenever it is raining
Thirty minutes after sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise, and when visibility is less than 500 feet (Correct answer)
Only at night
Only in tunnels

Correct answer: Thirty minutes after sunset to thirty minutes before sunrise, and when visibility is less than 500 feet

Hawaii law requires headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and any time visibility drops below 500 feet.

Question 25: At a T-intersection in Hawaii where there is no sign or signal, which driver must yield?

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

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 26: In Hawaii, what is the recommended lane position for a motorcycle to maximize visibility to other drivers?

Always ride in the right portion of the lane
Vary your lane position based on traffic conditions — typically the left or center portion (Correct answer)
Always ride in the center of the lane
Always ride on the shoulder

Correct answer: Vary your lane position based on traffic conditions — typically the left or center portion

Hawaii motorcycle guidelines recommend varying your lane position based on conditions — often the left third of the lane increases visibility and provides the best view of traffic ahead.

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

30 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds