Each state has its own set of rules regarding getting a motorcycle license. More if not all of them require a motorcycle license as it is quite a dangerous activity, and allowing anyone to do it could prove disastrous.
Despite wanting to get a motorcycle, many people in the state of Hawaii do not know how to get a motorcycle license in Hawaii.
This fairly straightforward task will have you pass a few tests, fill out a couple of applications, and then get a license after paying some fees.
This is the simple version of getting a license in Hawaii. You would think that knowing all of this would be enough, but there are a lot of documents and other things you need to track.
This is why it is recommended to read this article till the end.
Motorcycle License Requirements In Hawaii
While you may know what you need to do to get a motorcycle license, you must also be aware of the order you have to go about getting it.
You must also be aware of any licensing issues with your age. This section of the article will deal with all of these things.
Knowing Your Age
Many states have some form of rules and regulations regarding motorcycles and limit them to age. If you are below 18, you will likely have to carry out extra tasks or be given an entirely different license.
This is why you should check out the requirements based on the age listed below:
Age 17 And Below
If you are not at the legal age at the moment, you will need to provide these set of documents:
- Your parent’s or guardian’s signature form.
- Proof that you have completed the driver’s education and/or driver’s license.
- Proof of birth date.
- Your full name.
- Your social security number.
Age 18 And Above
If you are at or above the legal age, then you will have to give these set of documents:
- Proof that you have completed the driver’s education and/or driver’s license.
- Proof of birth date.
- Your full name.
- Proof of your legal status.
- Your social security number.
Types Of Motorcycle Licenses
While it is not necessarily called such, you can say that there are two types of motorcycle licenses in the state of Hawaii.
Each of these licenses is for its purpose, which is why I will be going over them in detail here:
Type 1: Class 1
This motorcycle license is usually for minors or people below the legal age limit.
This motorcycle license only allows the user to drive mopeds on highways. You will not be able to drive a proper motorcycle without this license.
Type 2: Class 2
This motorcycle license is what you would expect if you wanted to drive a motorcycle. It allows the user to drive all sorts of motorcycles and includes mopeds.
This has no restrictions, unlike the class 1 motorcycle, making it much more sought after.
How To Apply For Your Hawaii Motorcycle License
Now that you know the types of motorcycle licenses and which type you can apply for, I should talk about the steps you can take to get one.
All of the steps below will only apply to the state of Hawaii:
Step 1: Get A Driver’s License
- Almost every state has a rule that you cannot get a motorcycle license unless you have a driver’s license.
- As mentioned above, you need to provide your driver’s license if you even want to apply for a motorcycle license.
- You will need to fill out a driver’s license application. Once you fill it out and give it to the proper officials, you will get an instruction permit.
- You must present key documents to that official along with the instruction permit.
- These documents must detail your birth date, full legal name, and social security number.
- The documents above must also be the originals or, at least, certified copies. Among the documents should also be one which gives your house of residence.
- After all of this, you will need to give and pass a vision test.
- Once done, you must complete and pass a written exam of 30 questions.
- Now you will get your instruction permit closer to your license.
- Once you have had your instruction permit for 180 days, you can complete a driver’s ed course and then a road test.
- Resubmit the discussed documents and pay some fees, and you should now have a provisional license.
- Once six months have passed, you can apply to get the provisional license upgraded to a full-fledged license which you will get within 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 2: Testing For Your Motorcycle License
At this point, you should have your driver’s license. You will need to pass some tests. You should be able to easily do the next part since, by this point; you should have practiced with it.
1. Vision Test
- You will have to pass a Vision test.
- This test is much easier than the next two tests.
- This will assess your sight and see if you should be permitted to drive a motorcycle on public roads.
- Typically, you should have at least 20/40 vision.
- If you fail this test, you must visit a doctor and get lenses or glasses.
- You can then retake the test.
2. Motorcycle Written Test
- This test consists of 25 questions.
- If you want to proceed, you must answer at least 10 of these questions correctly.
- This test checks your basic knowledge of road rules and how to operate a motorcycle.
- You should be able to pass this test quite easily if you practice beforehand and brush up on your knowledge.
3. Motorcycle Road Test
- Once you have passed the other two tests, you will also need to clear a road test.
- This road test will check your capabilities on a motorcycle and how well you can drive.
- You can either be asked to run a course or drive on the streets.
- You will be assessed o based on your driving and how you handle your acceleration and braking.
- It is recommended that you carry out extensive practice before taking this test.
- This should give you the edge you need to pass the course perfectly without any issues.
Step 3: Collecting Your Paperwork
- At this point, all of the heavy lifting should be done.
- You should now be able to go back to the office and collect any documents you need to fill out.
- You should also collect any of your submitted documents as they no doubt contain sensitive information about your personal life.
Step 4: Go To Your Local Driver’s License Office
- With all of the steps are now done, all you have to do is go back to the license office and collect your temporary license.
- Before doing so, you will have to pay a small fee.
- Between 2 to 4 weeks, you will receive your permanent motorcycle license, which will be mailed to you at your residence.
Ways To Get A Motorcycle Endorsement In HI
Hawaii’s motorcycle endorsement is known under a different name but operates as expected. I have already talked about this however will quickly summarize what you need to know.
Step 1: Provide Documents
The officials should provide documents pertaining to your details before you can begin. All required documents have been mentioned above.
Step 2: Carry Out Tests
After you have submitted the documents, you will need to pass a vision test and a written test. This will prove that you have sufficient knowledge of a motorcycle.
Step 3: Collect Documents
Once all the above steps have been done, you will be able to go and collect your motorcycle endorsement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Long Will It Take To Get A Motorcycle License In Hawaii?
Assuming you start from scratch, it will take you at least a year of waiting to upgrade from license to license to get a proper driver’s license.
You can then apply for a motorcycle license which will take another 2 to 4 weeks until you get your permanent license.
Q2. How Much Will It Cost To Get A Motorcycle License In Hawaii?
While it cannot be determined how much it will cost you overall since there are a lot of tests happening, the total price should vary across users.
If you just focus on the motorcycle license, you will need to pay at least $12 in fees for the test and issuance of the application.
Q3. Should I Have A License To Ride A Motorcycle In Hawaii?
The law of the state of Hawaii requires that you need to have a motorcycle license to drive on public grounds.
At the same time, you can drive your motorcycle without any issue when on private land, but you will need a license to do so in public. Failure to do so can get you in trouble with the police.
Conclusion
Driver’s licenses are a good way of keeping inexperienced and untrustworthy people off the road. By proving to the state that you are a capable driver, only then should you be allowed to drive a motorcycle in public.
This is why everyone should know how to get a motorcycle license in Hawaii. By doing this, they can also put in the effort to practice and learn the rules of the road and how to drive their motorcycle.
This will enable them to not only grow as motorcycle drivers but also be able to do so on public grounds.
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