In a groundbreaking step toward modernizing public services, Hawaiʻi residents can now take the written learner’s permit test online. As of December 11, 2024, eligible residents can complete the Home Driving Knowledge Test at knowtodrive.com/hawaii.

“For many young people, receiving your learner’s permit is a rite of passage,” said Governor Josh Green, M.D. “We’re excited to bring this government function into the 21st century by allowing prospective drivers to prove in an online test that they know what to do to be safe drivers on our roadways.”

The Home Driving Knowledge Test is available without an appointment, offering flexibility for applicants. All that’s needed is a desktop or laptop with internet access and a working webcam to meet system requirements for identity verification. Mobile devices, including cell phones and tablets, are not supported.

A Collaborative Modernization

The initiative is a result of strong partnerships between the state and counties. Governor Green and the four county mayors announced the service, highlighting its potential to reduce DMV wait times and enhance customer service.

“This is another example of how we are investing in technology to provide faster and more efficient services,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “For Honolulu residents, this means less time spent in line and more focus on delivering a better overall customer experience.”

Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami emphasized convenience: “We are pleased to be able to provide the public with a convenient option to take the driving permit test while avoiding lines and providing a better customer experience.”

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen added: “This new service aligns with our broader goal of enhancing efficiency through digital resources. It provides online solutions that offer improved access and connectivity for our residents.”

Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda noted: “We are thrilled to be able to offer this kind of cutting-edge service that allows our DMV to be more responsive to residents.”

Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen celebrated the innovation, saying, “We are excited about the offering of modern services such as the online permit test and mobile driver’s license that results from strong partnerships between the counties and the State.”

Serving Hawaiʻi’s Youth

The online test primarily benefits the state’s growing population of 15-to-19-year-olds, who represent 3%—or more than 26,000—of Hawaiʻi’s licensed drivers.

Jan Meeker-Sevilla, driver and traffic safety education program resource coordinator for the State Department of Education, highlighted the advantages: “This service will help our students so much because of its convenience. Since the test can be taken online and at any time, it puts less stress on parents in arranging their schedules to accommodate the testing. It really helps ease the pressure of the process on the teen and the parent.”

In-Person Options Remain

While the online test offers unmatched convenience, counties will continue to provide in-office testing services by appointment on certain days of the week. Previously, the only options for the written test were scheduling an in-person appointment or testing through a driving school.

What’s Next After Passing the Online Test?

After successfully completing the Home Driving Knowledge Test, applicants must schedule an in-person appointment at a driver licensing center. There, they will complete the application process, be photographed and fingerprinted, and pay for the instruction permit.

“This new service will go a long way in helping make the in-person DMV service more efficient by reducing wait times for other appointments and freeing up staff to focus on more complicated transactions,” said City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services Director Kim Hashiro.

Learn More

For details on testing fees (which vary by county) and other information, visit:

• City and County of Honolulu: honolulu.gov/csd
• Hawaiʻi County: vrl.hawaiicounty.gov
• Maui County: mauicounty.gov
• Kaua‘i County: kauai.gov/Home

This innovative service streamlines the testing process, empowering residents and advancing Hawaiʻi’s DMV system into the digital age.