Frequently Asked Questions by Students
Q How old do you have to be to get a learner’s permit?
A You must be 15 ½ years old.
Q How old do you have to be to get a driver’s license?
A You must be 16 years old.
Q If I’m 15 and have my permit now, can I still get my license under the old rules?
A No, you are subject to the new law.
Q What is the exact driver education requirement?
A A student will need to obtain a driver education student completion certificate and a behind-the wheel student completion certificate before signing up for a road test. To obtain a driver education student completion certificate, a student must complete a 30-hour classroom course. To obtain the behind-the-wheel student completion certificate, a student may chose six hours of behind-the-wheel training with a DOT-certified instructor, or a DOT-certified simulator driver education course and two hours of behind-the-wheel training with a DOT-certified instructor.
Q I’m from a single-parent family and my mom works 10 hours a day. I need my license so I can get to school. Do you make exceptions for special circumstances like mine?
A No. The law does not provide for any exceptions from the new age requirement or the mandatory driver education requirements.
Q Do I need a permit to take driver education?
A No, you don’t need it for driver education classes. However, you do need your permit before you can take behind the wheel or simulator courses.
Q How old do you have to be to take driver education courses?
A There is no set age, however, most students take it when they’re getting ready to get their learner’s permit.
Q Why did the Legislature raise the minimum driving age to 16?
A Fifteen and sixteen year olds have the highest rate of automobile crashes of any age, resulting in serious injury and death. Increasing the driving age, and requiring driver education and behind-the-wheel lessons and 50 hours of practice driving, should help to reduce the number of crashes by this age group.
Q Why can’t I teach my child to drive?
A The goal of the driver education law is to make sure that all students receive the same information about driving, including traffic laws, safe driving practices, etc. Not all parents teach all of the information. You will still have a major influence on your child’s driving as you let them practice drive with you. A parent or person over the age of 18 must spend at least 50 hours (40 during the day and 10 at night) driving with the student before they can obtain a driver’s license.
Q I just want to get a license to drive a motorcycle. Am I subject to the new requirements?
A Yes. The law does not distinguish between Class 1, 2 or 3 licenses. It says that anyone applying for a license after January 1, 2001 who is under the age of 18 is subject to the driver education requirements. You may meet this requirement by taking a motorcycle education course through the University of Hawaii Community Colleges.
Q How much is it going to cost to take driver education?
A The rates will vary depending on which course you take and where you take it. The Department of Education charges $10 for 30 hours of classroom and six hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction. Private instructors generally charge $30-$40 per hour for behind-the-wheel courses. The state has set maximum fees that can be charged. Instructors may charge up to the maximum fee, although most charge less. The maximum fee for a 30-hour classroom course is $250; a simulator course, $250; behind-the-wheel, $50 per hour.
Q How can I find out about driver education courses?
A First, ask at your school. Most public high schools offer driver ed courses on a first-come, first-served basis. A list of certified private instructors and classes are posted on this website.
Q What if I have other questions about the new law?
A You can email your questions to alexander.kaonohi@hawaii.gov.
Last update: April 7, 2003
