Obtain A Motorcycle License

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONS

You will be required to pass the general driver knowledge test and a special motorcycle examination. The examinations are to test your knowledge of the rules of the road, highway signs, and the special skills and safety precautions needed to operate a motorcycle. In addition, you must pass a vision test.

Upon satisfactory completion of the knowledge examination and vision test, you will be issued an instruction permit valid for 1 year.

DRIVER’S EDUCATION CERTIFICATION

Drivers under 18 are required to take driving lessons from a driver’s education program certified by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. If you are between 16 and 18 years old, and you want to be able to take the road test, you must have practiced driving on your learner’s permit for 90 days and you must have earned a Driver Education Student Completion Certificate and a Behind- the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate before you can schedule a road test.

TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION PERMIT

You must have a motorcycle instruction permit when learning to operate a moped, motorcycle, or motor scooter on the public highways. Such permit will be issued to you when you have satisfactorily completed the preliminary tests and have met all other requirements.

You cannot carry passengers or operate a motorcycle during the hours of dark-ness while learning to ride under a permit.

Your permit may be renewed if you have taken a skill test prior to the expiration of the motorcycle instruction permit. If your permit expires before you take a skill test at least once, you must wait three months before applying for another motorcycle instruction permit.

DRIVER PERFORMANCE TEST

The skills test may be waived if you have a motorcycle skills test Certification for Waiver issued by the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program or a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from a state that uses the MOST (Motorcycle Operator Skill Test) or the ALMOST (Alternate MOST).

You must provide a motorcycle in safe operating condition with a current safe- ty inspection certificate and liability insurance identification card. All vehicle safety defects must be corrected prior to taking the test.

An off-street skill test is required prior to the issuance of a motorcycle or motor scooter license. Practicing the illustrated maneuvers of the Alternate MOST (Motorcycle Operator Skills Test) will make the test easier for you.

Download the Motorcycle Operator Manual.