A motorcycle license in Hawaii is required before you can operate two- or three-wheeled vehicles on public roads in the state. Note that a motorbike license is also known as a Class 2 license in Hawaii. Before you can get a Class 2 license, it is usually necessary to obtain a Class 2 permit, which will allow you to practice riding a motorcycle legally.

After you get your motorcycle permit, you can take a skills test in order to obtain your Class 2 license. However, these tests can be waived if you complete an approved safety course and present your certificate of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in your county. Note that DMV services may be provided by different departments depending on which county you live in, such as the finance department. Learn everything you need to know about permits, licenses, tests and classes you may need when obtaining your license to ride a motorcycle in the details below.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Hawaii

The minimum motorcycle permit age in Hawaii is 15-and-a-half years of age. In some counties, the office will check your driving record to verify that it is clean, as this is a requirement to be eligible for a permit.

When applying for your motorcycle permit, you will have to provide certain types of documentation proving your identity, legal presence in the U.S., Social Security Number and date of birth. Items such as a birth certificate, passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization can be used to verify your name, legal presence and date of birth. Proof of your Social Security Number can be shown in the form of a Social Security card, 1099 tax form or pay stub.

Hawaii Motorcycle Permit Restrictions

HI motorcycle permits come with a number of rules and restrictions put in place to keep you safe. When using your instruction motorcycle permit, you must always wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as well as goggles or other protective eyewear. Furthermore, you cannot drive at night or carry any passengers with you when riding your motorcycle.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Hawaii

Obtaining a motorbike permit in Hawaii requires that you pass a vision test, general driving knowledge test and a knowledge test that pertains to motorcycles. Because you need to take these tests in person, the application process will require that you visit one of the DMV office locations in your county.

When you successfully meet the motorbike permit requirements, most counties will mail your plastic credentials, which will arrive in no more than two to four weeks in most counties. Motorcycle permits can only be renewed if you fail your skills test and need to continue using your permit for more riding practice. If your permit happens to expire on its own, then you must wait 90 days before you can be issued a new permit.

Hawaii Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Hawaii is 17 years of age. If you are younger than 18 years of age when you apply for your motorcycle license, then you will need to complete driver’s education through a program approved by the Hawaii Department of Education. After completing the course, you will receive a Driver’s Education Student Completion Certificate and a Behind-the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate. In addition, you are required to hold your instruction permit for at least 90 days before you can take your road tests at the DMV.

Regardless of your age when applying for a motorcycle driver’s license, you must present documentation that verifies your identity, Social Security Number, legal presence in the U.S. and Hawaii residency. The same documents you used when getting a permit can satisfy these requirements when applying for a license.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Hawaii

Motorcycle licenses can only be obtained by visiting the DMV due to the fact that you will have to undergo tests and provide your documentation in person. After providing your documentation and paying the appropriate fees, you will take a motorcycle driving test to demonstrate your ability to ride safely.

“How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Hawaii?” you may be wondering. In most counties, you will receive a temporary license that is valid for 60 days once you meet all of the licensing requirements. Your permanent, plastic card will generally be mailed within a few days, but processing times may vary by county.

Getting a Hawaii Motorcycle License as a New Resident

When moving to Hawaii from a different state, you must take several steps to transfer your out-of-state license. This is a requirement for motorcycle licenses as well as standard driver’s licenses.

The first step is to gather documentation that verifies your identity, legal presence in the U.S and Social Security Number. These documents must contain your current, legal name, but a marriage certificate or other court documents can be used to verify a name change. Next, you will need to pass a vision test. Note that some counties may also require that you pass a knowledge test. If you have a valid motorcycle endorsement or license from a different state, then you usually do not need to take a skills test.

Finally, you will surrender your out-of-state motorbike license, which will be sent back to the jurisdiction that issued them. The DMV will issue a temporary license that you can use until your permanent, plastic card arrives in the mail.

If you are moving to Hawaii with an expired motorcycle driver’s license, then you will usually need to take a vision test, written exam and road skills test.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Hawaii

Taking a motorcycle safety course in Hawaii is not mandatory when getting your license or permit, but you can receive several benefits if you opt to enroll in a class. Most importantly, motorcycle courses will teach you how to be a safer and more knowledgeable rider.

As an added benefit, you can waive your on-bike skills test if you have a certificate of completion from an approved safety class. Courses offered through the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program will meet the requirements for getting a test waiver.

Hawaii DMV Motorcycle Test Details

When you apply for a motorcycle license or permit, you should be prepared to take a vision test to gauge whether you can see well enough to drive a motorcycle safely. Depending on whether you are applying for a permit or license or are transferring an out-of-state driving license, you may need to take a knowledge test and road skills test as well.

Motorcycle Written Test

The DMV motorcycle written test consists of 25 questions, of which you will need 20 answers correct to pass. These questions are based on the information found in the HI motorcycle handbook.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, then you must usually wait seven days before you can retake the exam. Be prepared to pay a retesting fee each time you take the test.

Motorcycle Road Test

Motorcycle driving tests in Hawaii are conducted on a closed, off-street course. When taking the exam, you must present your motorbike permit, registration card and auto insurance information. Note that tests can only be conducted if you are wearing the appropriate gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, pants and shoes or boots. You are responsible for providing your own motorcycle, which must be in good working order. Scheduling a skills test ahead of time is recommended.

Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in Hawaii?

Mopeds and scooters are vehicles with no more than two brake horsepower that travel a maximum of 35 mph or less. If you have a regular driver’s license of any class, then you do not need a special endorsement or type of license in order to operate mopeds. However, you can obtain a Class 1 motorcycle license in order to operate mopeds only if you wish. Class 1 licenses cannot be used to operate any other type of vehicle, including motorcycles with larger engines.

Hawaii Motorcycle License Cost

You should be prepared to pay a motorcycle license fee to take your tests and receive your credentials. While the exact fees may vary based on the county where you apply for a license or permit, you can expect to pay the following amounts:

• $8 for a road test
• $2 for a written test
• $5 for an instruction permit
• $20 for a license if you are between 17 and 24 years of age
• $40 for a license if you are 25 to 71 years of age
• $10 for a license if you are 72 years of age or older

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