Driver training rules in Hawaii

✓ Checked against official sources · 2026-10-18

Driver training rules in Hawaii for teen and adult driver's education, CDL schools, carriers that train their own drivers and school bus drivers, each with a link to the official source. Federal ELDT rules (49 CFR Part 380) apply in every state on top of these.

Driver education (teens)	Yes, under 18: HDOT-certified driver ed, at least 30 hours classroom (or 6-hour online course) plus 6 hours behind the wheel (or simulator + 2 hours); 6 weeks minimum. (2006 rule)source 1 · source 2
Supervised practice (teens)	50 hours supervised by a licensed driver over 18: 40 day + 10 night; hold instruction permit at least 180 days before provisional license.source 2 · source 3
New adult drivers	No course required at 18+; driver ed applies only under 18. Adults pass vision and 30-question written test for a permit.source 1 · source 4
Who licenses driving schools	Hawaii Dept. of Transportation (HDOT) certifies driver education programs and instructors (HRS 286-108.4, HAR 19-139).source 5 · source 6
CDL training: state rules beyond federal ELDT	No state CDL training hours found; county CDL permit requirements list documents, knowledge tests and vision test only (Maui County).source 7
CDL schools: state license	No state CDL school license found. Hawaii's school authorization law (HRS 305J) does not apply to non-degree programs. Federal TPR listing still applies.source 8
CDL schools: state hours or curriculum	No state hours; HRS 286-236 requires federal ELDT and TPR verification before the skills test.source 9
CDL schools: instructor rules	No CDL instructor license found. HRS 286-108.4 has DOT certify teachers for the statewide driver education program; no CDL-specific rule found. Federal 380.713 applies.source 5
Carriers training their own drivers: license	No state license. HRS 305J expressly excludes employer programs for their own employees; federal TPR listing still applies.source 8
Carriers: hours or curriculum	No state hours for anyone; federal ELDT only.source 9
Carriers: instructor rules	No state CDL instructor license found for anyone; federal 380.713 instructor rules apply.source 5
New school bus drivers	No set hours: employer pre-service training on school bus laws, state exam passed at 78%, and supervised route driving certified by a supervisor. (1989 rule)source 10
School bus refresher	Annual 8-hour in-service training approved by HDOT. For drivers with 5+ years of continuous experience with their current employer, the rule says the requirement is 'biannual' and does not define the term. (HAR 19-143-7(c), 1989 rule)source 10

Driving manuals and handbooks

Official publications from Hawaii, checked 2026-10-19. Read them here or download them; the state's own copy is always linked.

Driving jobs in Hawaii

Rules change. Always confirm with the state agency before you rely on a rule. Something out of date? Email terry@eldt.courses.

Federal rules in every state

CDL entry-level driver training must come from a provider listed on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry, for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade to Class A or B, or a first P, S or H endorsement (49 CFR 380.609). See ELDT record keeping under 49 CFR 380.

Sources

1. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0108.htm
2. https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2026/09/HAR_19_139_Driver_Education_Program_Requirements_remediated.pdf
3. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0102_0006.htm
4. https://www.mauicounty.gov/1541/Class-3-Instructional-Permit
5. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0108_0004.htm
6. https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/?p=1828
7. https://www.mauicounty.gov/1543/Class-A-B-C-Permits
8. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0305J/HRS_0305J-0003.htm
9. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0286/HRS_0286-0236.htm
10. https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/files/2012/12/HAR19-143.pdf

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