7CDLFree CDL permit study for every state
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States

HIHawaii CDL permit test guide

The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.

Licensing agency
Hawaii Department of Transportation; county driver licensing offices
Official CDL page
honolulu.gov ↗
Official CDL manual
hidot.hawaii.gov ↗
Testing, fees and appointments
honolulu.gov ↗
Knowledge-test language
Confirm with the agency

We have not confirmed this state's current language policy from an official source. Ask the agency before you book.

Source collection date

Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)

  1. Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
  2. Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
  3. Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
  4. Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
  6. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
  7. Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.

What is different in this state

Age

Hawaii requires you to be 21 to get a CDL; you can get the commercial permit at 18.

Source: honolulu.gov

Learner permit (CLP)

The CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for 180 more days without retaking the knowledge tests; wait at least 14 days before the skills test.

Source: hidot.hawaii.gov

Fees

Honolulu: $30 permit application, $15 general knowledge test, $5 per endorsement test, $15 extra for the oral (aural) test, and a $50 prepaid skills-test appointment that is lost if you miss it.

Source: honolulu.gov

Knowledge tests

All 3 parts of the skills test (pre-trip, basic skills, road) must be passed at the same appointment. Skills appointments are made in person at the CDL office.

Source: hidot.hawaii.gov

Also important

Licensing is run by each county; an expired out-of-state CDL has no grace period, and a CDL with hazmat expires with the TSA approval (up to 5 years).

Source: honolulu.gov

State-only topics in the manual

  • Hawaii CDL Program introduction: exemptions, age 21 rule, medical rules, CLP and CDL steps, county licensing offices.

Source collection date:

The three permit tests

General Knowledge

Required for every CDL class.

Mock exam

Air Brakes

Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.

Mock exam

Combination Vehicles

Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).

Mock exam
Study the core course

7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.