Checked against official Hawaii sources on Oct 8, 2026
Hawaii CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Hawaii follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Hawaii source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Hawaii CDL facts
| What | What Hawaii says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues CDLs | In Hawaii, CDL licensing is done at county offices. The manual lists CDL offices for the City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaii, County of Maui and County of Kauai. All are closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. | Official page |
| CDL permit fee | The City and County of Honolulu CDL Office lists a $30 application fee for a permit. | Official page |
| Knowledge test fees | The City and County of Honolulu CDL Office lists $15 for the general knowledge test and $5 for each special (endorsement) knowledge test. There is an extra $15 fee for the aural test. | Official page |
| Skills test fee | The City and County of Honolulu CDL Office requires $50 in advance to schedule the skills tests. It covers the pre-trip inspection, basic skills and road test for the scheduled date. It is not refundable, and a missed appointment forfeits the fee. | Official page |
| License fees | The City and County of Honolulu CDL Office lists $5 per year (or part of a year) for a new or renewed license, and $15 for a duplicate or any change to the license. Fees at the Hawaii, Maui and Kauai county offices were not checked. | Official page |
| Reinstatement fees | The City and County of Honolulu CDL Office lists $41 to reinstate, or $66 to reinstate and renew. | Official page |
| Minimum ages | Honolulu says a CDL permit applicant must be at least 18, and you must be 21 to get a CDL. The state manual says you must be 21 to be eligible for a CDL. | Official page |
| CLP validity and renewal | The Commercial Learner's Permit is valid for 180 days. It can be renewed once for another 180 days without retaking the knowledge tests. | Official page |
| Wait before the skills test | After you have your permit, you must wait at least 14 days before taking the practical test. | Official page |
| Retest wait | If you fail any required test, there is a minimum one week waiting period before a retest. Fees apply. | Official page |
| Skills test must be passed in one visit | You must pass all three parts of the skills test at the same appointment: pre-trip inspection, basic control skills and on-road driving, in that order. If any part is failed, the whole test must be rescheduled. | Official page |
| Skills test time limit | The manual says the maximum time for the whole practical test is one and one-half hours with a Class B or lower vehicle, and two hours with a Class A vehicle. | Official page |
| Written tests offered | Hawaii lists these written tests: general knowledge, air brake, passenger, hazardous materials, tanker, combination, doubles and triples, and school bus. After you pass the tests you need, a CDL permit is issued with the right endorsements. | Official page |
| Skills appointments are in person only | Skills test appointments must be made in person at the CDL Office. You can make one 14 days after the permit is issued. You pay at the CDL Office before the test date. The first available appointment is scheduled, and no rescheduling is allowed after payment. | Official page |
| Entry-level driver training | FMCSA entry-level driver training is required for a Hawaii CDL starting February 7, 2022. It applies to a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B to Class A upgrade, and a first S, P or H endorsement. | Official page |
| Hawaii CDL permit needs a basic license | Honolulu says a CDL permit applicant must have a valid basic Hawaii driver's license. The manual says drivers must carry their Class 3 driver's license with the CLP. | Official page |
| Grace period to renew | You have 90 days after expiration to renew. After 90 days, a $5 late fee is charged for every month, even a partial month. After one year past expiration you must take the written test and the road test again. Out of state CDLs get no grace period. | Official page |
| Moving to Hawaii | You have 30 days after arrival to transfer an out of state CDL. An out of state CDL permit is not accepted for testing in Hawaii. You may hold only one valid license at a time. | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Hawaii CDL page before you go. Read the official Hawaii CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Hawaii manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.