What does the 'basic speed law' require?

Drive no faster than is safe for current conditions

Keep up with the flow of traffic, even above the limit

Never drive more than 10 mph below the posted limit

You may always drive at the posted limit, whatever the conditions

What does a green light on a traffic signal that is shaped like an arrow mean?

A protected move in the arrow's direction

The signal is about to turn red

The turn is allowed only after stopping

Go that way, but yield to oncoming traffic

How do most state handbooks tell you to measure a safe following distance?

Count the seconds between it and you passing a fixed point

Count car lengths - one car length is enough at any speed

Follow at a distance in feet equal to your speed in mph

Stay close enough to read the license plate of the car ahead

Free Hawaii DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 1 2026

25 questions80% to passExplanations includedFree

30Real test questions

80%Pass score

This Practice Test 1 is modeled on the Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing (DMV) written knowledge exam, which has 30 questions; to pass you need 24 of 30 correct (80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.

Question 1 of 25

A yellow sign showing a person walking indicates:

Tip: Press 1-4 to select, Enter to submit, F to flag

Inside this test

What's on the Hawaii Practice Test 1

The real Hawaii knowledge test has 30 questions, and to pass you need 24 of 30 correct (80%). Practice Test 1 is a 25-question set drawn from 52 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.

Topics in this test's question pool

Road signs 22
Traffic laws 14
Safe driving 7
Right of way 3
Parking 2
Alcohol & drugs 2
Speed limits 1
Emergencies 1

52 questions in the pool, 11 of them written specifically for Hawaii. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.

Sample questions from this test, with answers

Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.

1. Hawaii law requires:
- A. The driver and all passengers to wear seat belts (correct)
- B. Only the driver and front-seat passenger to buckle up
- C. Only passengers under age 18 to wear seat belts
- D. Seat belts only when driving on highways and freeways
Why: Hawaii requires every occupant of the vehicle - the driver and all passengers - to use a safety belt or child restraint.
Source: official Hawaii driver handbook, p.19-20, 'Safety Belts'
2. A lane control signal above your lane shows a flashing yellow X. What does it mean?
- A. The lane is closed to all traffic
- B. Use the lane only to turn left (correct)
- C. Use the lane only for passing
- D. Use the lane at any reduced speed
Why: A steady yellow X means move out of the lane because it will soon carry opposing traffic. When the yellow X flashes, you may use the lane only to prepare for a left turn.
Source: official Hawaii driver handbook, p.42 (PDF p.42), Lane Control Signals
3. A yellow sign showing a bicycle means:
- A. Bicycles are not allowed ahead
- B. Bicyclists may be on the road (correct)
- C. Bicycles must use the sidewalk
- D. A bike rental station ahead
Why: A bicycle symbol warns that bicyclists may be on or crossing the roadway. Share the road, slow down, and give cyclists adequate space when passing.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2C.54
4. Traffic is backed up just past a railroad crossing. When should you start across the tracks?
- A. Right away, since no train is in sight now
- B. When the car ahead of you has started to cross
- C. Only when there is room to get fully past the tracks (correct)
- D. Whenever the crossing lights are not flashing
Why: Never stop on railroad tracks. Wait behind the crossing until there is enough space on the other side for your whole vehicle.
Source: official Hawaii driver handbook
5. What does this warning sign mean?
- A. Your lane ends; merge left
- B. Two roads join; both must merge
- C. A lane is added; no merge needed (correct)
- D. A divided highway begins
Why: The added-lane sign shows that the road gains a lane where another road joins. Traffic entering has its own lane and does not have to merge.
Source: p.63 (PDF p.66), Warning signs
6. What color are warning signs?
- A. Red
- B. White with black letters
- C. Yellow or orange (correct)
- D. Blue or green
Why: Warning signs are yellow (standard warnings) or orange (construction/work zones). They alert drivers to potential hazards ahead such as curves, intersections, or pedestrians.
Source: official Hawaii driver handbook

More Hawaii facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Hawaii permit practice test page.

Hawaii DMV Test Info

Questions on real test: 30
Passing score: 80%
Correct needed: 24 of 30 correct (80%)
Minimum age: 15½ years old
Testing agency: Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing

Official HI DMV Website ↗

More Hawaii Tests

Study Tip

Don't just aim to pass this Hawaii Practice Test 1 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.