Owning and riding a scooter is one of the best feelings in the world. If you’re visiting the Hawaiian Islands, the best tip that I have for you is to travel around on a scooter to explore the islands. There’s no feeling in the world better than having to experience the island with the joy of riding a scooter. But before you imagine yourself riding off to sunsets and seas, don’t forget to bring your scooter license.
Well, if you don’t have one, then you should know that you can’t ride a scooter or moped without a proper license. If you want to know more about how to get a proper scooter license, then you need to understand Hawaii’s state laws and specific requirements for different types of scooters and the licensing process. In this article, I’ve covered everything you need to understand to get your license ready and going.
Classification of Two-Wheelers in Hawaii
Scooters and mopeds are the most cost- and fuel-efficient, ideal choices for you to navigate the bustling Hawaiian streets. You can find these two wheels being ridden on public roads in Hawaii. While both vehicles may look similar, there are obvious differences that make them have different license requirements.
Mopeds
Mopeds used to be motorized bicycles with pedals, but newer models don’t have pedals. Mopeds are two- or three-wheeled vehicles with an engine displacement of 50cc or less and a maximum speed of 30 mph. They are smaller and lightweight compared to larger, more powerful scooters. It’s suitable for individual riders who want to commute daily.
Scooters
A motorized scooter has two wheels, a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard you can stand on while riding. You can only drive motorized scooters on bicycle paths, trails, or bikeways and not on sidewalks. You cannot exceed a speed of 15 mph with this vehicle. It only requires to use of a regular driver’s license of any class to ride a motorized scooter.
Motorcycle Scooters
These scooters typically have larger engines of more than 50cc and higher speed capabilities, making them classified as motorcycles in Hawaii. To drive a motorcycle scooter, you must have a motorcycle license (M1).
Understanding Scooter Licenses and Requirements
A scooter license is a type of motorcycle license that allows you to operate a motorized scooter or motor scooter in any state. In most states in the USA, a scooter license is required to operate a motorized scooter with an engine displacement of 50cc and more. But a moped license is totally different, and even the requirements to get your license are different. To get a scooter license, you must meet the eligibility and age requirements, which vary by state. You must also complete a motorcycle safety course and pass a riding test and skills assessment.
Eligibility and Age Requirements
Here are the top eligibility and age requirements for obtaining a scooter license.
- Most states require you to be at least 15 years and six months old to apply for a license
- You must also have a valid driver’s or motorcycle license to be eligible to apply for one.
- You must also meet the vision and medical requirements for a scooter license.
- If you want you can complete a motorcycle safety course
- You must have adequate motorcycle liability insurance coverage
How To Get Your Scooter License
If you plan to own and ride a moped, you must only worry about having a valid driver’s license or moped instruction permit (Class 1). You must make sure you get this before your visit to Hawaii as a tourist and planning to rent a moped. If you want to know more details about how to get a moped license, follow the steps.
Moped License (Class 1)
The class 1 license requires written and skill tests, so make sure you’re aware of each and every following step
1. Schedule an appointment
You need to schedule an appointment at a Driver licensing center using the AlohaQ system. You should know that appointments are essential for efficient processing.
Visit the local DMV for your license work
You can fill out the driver’s license application form, especially for the Class 1 instruction permit
2. Gather Documents
Ensure you gather and bring the following required documents to your appointment.
- Proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Social Security card.
- Proof of Hawaii Address: Two documents or copies are required. For applicants under 18 who do not have two proof-of-address documents, parents’ documents can be used.
- Completed application form
- A clear driving record on the National Driver Registry
- Applicants under 18 must submit a Parental Consent Form
Now you have to pay the required fees which can vary from county to county, so be prepared to take some cash
3. Pass the Required Exams
One of the key things to be done before you get your permit is to make sure you’re eligible by passing examinations. Make sure to study the Hawaii Driver’s Manual to prepare for the following examinations.
You must successfully pass the rules of the road written test (if you do not currently hold a Class 3 license). Written tests can be taken online for $12 or $2 in person.
You need to complete an off-road skills test. To pass this test, you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.
Pass the eye test to assess if your eyesight is perfect for driving. Then pay the $5 learner’s permit fee.
Applicants taking the test in person must visit specific Driver Licensing Centers on designated days:
- Kapalama: Tuesday and Thursday
- Kapolei: Monday and Wednesday
- Koolau: Friday
- Wahiawa: Tuesday
- Waianae: Thursday
4. Instruction Permit Rules
After you successfully pass the tests, you will receive your instruction permit which is valid for one year. Now you need to follow these conditions if you’re learning to operate a scooter or motorcycle
- You must carry the permit whenever driving
- You cannot drive a motorcycle/moped at night
- You must wear DOT inspected helmet, goggles
- You cannot carry passengers.
Motor Scooter License for 50cc and Above
If you’re planning to rent motorcycles or scooters with engines 50cc and above, you must hold a valid motorcycle license to ride one on Hawaii roads. For this, you’re required to apply for a Class 2 motorcycle license.
1. Schedule an Appointment
As I’ve mentioned before, you need to schedule an appointment at a Driver Licensing Center using the AlohaQ system. You should know that appointments are essential for efficient processing. You can also visit the DMV website to make an appointment.
- Visit the Local DMV for Your License Work
- You can fill out the driver’s license application for the Class 2 motorcycle instruction permit.
2. Gather Required Documents
Ensure you gather and bring the following required documents to your appointment (same as what’s required for a moped license):
- Proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- Social Security card.
- Two documents to prove your Hawaii address, which can be your lease agreement or utility bill.
- Completed application form.
- Clear driving record on the National Driver Registry.
- Applicants under 18 must submit a Parental Consent Form.
3. Pass Tests
- Pass a vision test to make sure you can drive well on the streets of Hawaii.
- You need to pass a knowledge test to test your knowledge of road rules, highway signs, and safe driving practices.
If you do not have a Class 3 driver’s license, you’ll also need to successfully complete both the general driver knowledge test and the motorcycle examination to show your understanding of essential road rules and safety precautions.
4. Get a Driver’s Education Certification:
If you’re under 18, completing a driver’s education course is mandatory. This program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on, behind-the-wheel training to equip you with essential safe driving skills.
Upon finishing the course, you must obtain two certificates:
- Driver Education Student Completion Certificate
- Behind-the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate
These documents verify that you’ve met the necessary training requirements, bringing you one step closer to earning your license.
- A non-refundable fee of $50 needs to be paid to book the test.
If you require detailed information and guidance, you can check out the Motorcycle Operator Manual, available at any field office or on the Hawaii Department of Transportation website.
Road Test Appointments Can Be Taken at These Locations:
- Hilo (349 Kapiolani Street)
- Kona (74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway)
- Waimea (65-1158 Mamalahoa Highway)
- Pahoa (15-2615 Keaau-Pahoa Road)
5. Temporary Instruction Permit
After your preliminary license tests, if you pass successfully, you will receive an instruction permit valid for one year.
- Carry your temporary instruction permit whenever driving.
- You’re only allowed to drive during the day and not at night.
- You must wear a DOT-inspected helmet and goggles for safety.
- You cannot carry passengers at any moment.
Retaking Tests and Renewals
If you’re now holding a Category 1 or 2 instruction permit (for motorcycles and scooters) and if it expires before you take the final driving test, you cannot renew it or get another permit for the same category without first attempting the driving test. If you fail to meet this requirement, you’ll need to wait three months before reapplying.
You can renew your instruction permit only within 30 days before or 90 days after its expiration. If you fail to renew within this window, you’ll need to start the process again, including retaking the above-mentioned tests.
Final Steps for Obtaining a License
If you’re confident enough in your driving, you can immediately schedule a road test with the examiner of drivers. You’ll be evaluated on key riding skills, including quick stops, turning, and maneuvering around obstacles.
If you’re a prospective driver under 18, you must familiarize yourself with the Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL) requirements. Passing this test qualifies you for a full driver’s license, allowing you to operate your vehicle independently.
And if you’re under 18, don’t forget to submit your Driver Education Certificate and Behind-the-Wheel Motorcycle Certificate before applying for the skills test.
For Motorcycle, Motor Scooter, or Moped road tests, you have to book an appointment through the DMV.
- To schedule a road test in Hilo, call 961-2223 or email roadtestappt@hawaiicounty.gov.
- To schedule a road test in Kona, call 323-4800 or email konaroadtest@hawaiicounty.gov.
Test Site Locations:
- Hilo: Afook Chinen Civic Center at 323 Manono Street
- Kona: The outdoor basketball court next to Kekuaokalani Gym on Kuakini Highway
These are the final documents and things you need to follow to pass the final motorcycle or moped skill test to get your actual driving license.
- You need to bring your own motorcycle or scooter
- You need to present a Motorcycle/Moped Permit
- You must present your current vehicle registration
- You must present the current safety inspection form (safety inspection sticker must be on motorcycle/motor scooter/moped)
- You need to have a current insurance card (not applicable for mopeds)
- You need to have safety gear such as DOT inspected helmet
- You must wear long sleeves or a jacket, pants, shoes or boots (no slippers)
Registration Of Scooters
One of the first legal requirements you need to follow is to register your motor scooter with the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles. This ensures that your vehicle is legal to operate and complies with Hawaii state regulations. Don’t forget to have adequate motorcycle liability insurance coverage. A license plate or a decal sticker with your vehicle identification number is a must to show that your scooter has been registered. Finally, you must carry proof of insurance with you when operating your scooter.
For further assistance, visit or contact:
Driver’s License, 349 Kapiolani Street Hilo,
HI 96720 Telephone: (808) 961-2223
Maintaining and Renewing Your License
To keep your scooter license valid, you must regularly maintain and renew it. Failing to renew your license or maintain proof of insurance and registration could lead to penalties or even license suspension.
Driver’s License: Ensure your regular driver’s license remains current. For most adults, Hawaii licenses are valid for 8 years
Insurance: Maintain current liability insurance on your scooter at all times.
Safety Inspections: You need to complete annual safety inspections for your scooter.
Address Updates: If you move, update your address with the DMV to ensure you receive important notices
Special Considerations
- Grace Period: There’s a 90-day grace period after your license expiration date without penalty3.
- Late Renewals: After the grace period, a reactivation fee of $5 per 30 days (or a fraction thereof) will be assessed.
- Military Personnel: If you’re on active military duty out of the country, your license remains valid for 90 days after returning to the United States.
Tips for Safe Scooter Riding
Here are some essential tips to follow even after you get your license and it’s important to follow these rules and regulations to stay safe on the road.
- It’s crucial to wear a helmet regardless of your age and experience
- Hawaii has specific laws and regulations for motorcycles and scooters, so make sure to follow local rules and laws.
- Lane splitting is illegal, so stick to your lane.
- Use turn signals and follow all traffic signals and road rules to stay compliant.
- Ride defensively and be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid riding in bad weather or at night, watch out for rain-slicked surfaces, uneven pavement, potholes, and other obstacles
- Take a motorcycle safety course to improve your riding skills.
Conclusion
Applying for a driver’s license in Hawaii is a detailed and straightforward process so that all applicants meet the necessary legal and safety standards. Hawaii is a great island to explore on your own, but remember to practice safe driving habits and obey traffic laws and regulations.
Whether you’re planning to rent a moped or a motor scooter in Hawaii, you should be aware of the license requirements, registration process, and safety regulations to ensure you’re riding legally and responsibly. You must also maintain proof of insurance and registration for your motorcycle or scooter while riding your own scooter. And, don’t forget to carry and wear a helmet and follow all traffic laws and regulations to ensure safe scooter riding. Aloha!
FAQs
Do you need a motorcycle license to ride a scooter in Louisiana?
Moped users in Louisiana are legally required by law to drive a vehicle. Under 18 years old people with a learning permit can use a moped. The parents must be located within three miles of the home if they do not have parents on the moped.
How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Hawaii?
If you are 16 to 18 years old, you must earn a Driver Education Student Completion Certificate and a Behind-the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate, and you are required to practice driving on your motorcycle instructional permit for at least 180* days before you can take the skills test.
Are electric scooters legal in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, no specific license is required to operate an electric scooter. However, riders under 16 must wear a bicycle helmet, and rental companies are required to provide helmets for renters under 15. Additionally, electric scooters must weigh less than 75 lbs and have a maximum speed of 15 mph to comply with state regulations.