Getting a Hawaii CDL

What do you need for a Hawaii CDL permit?

On Oahu, Honolulu's commercial office asks for:

• A completed Hawaii Commercial Driver's License Application
• A valid basic Hawaii driver's license
• A DOT medical certificate, form MCSA-5876
• At least 20/40 vision in both eyes
• A certified U.S. birth certificate and two proofs of residence
• A pass on the required knowledge tests

Kauai's list is close: a valid Class 3 Hawaii license, the DOT medical certificate, the CDL application, the knowledge tests, a vision test and proof of Hawaii residency.

The Hawaii CDL knowledge tests

Everyone takes the general knowledge test. You add others for the vehicle you'll drive:

• Air brakes
• Passenger, for 16 or more people including the driver
• Hazardous materials
• Tanker
• Combination vehicles
• Doubles and triples
• School bus

They're all based on HDOT's Commercial Driver's License Manual. On Oahu, written tests run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Commercial Driver Licensing Office, 897 Second Street in Pearl City.

Training and the skills test

Since February 7, 2022, federal entry-level driver training has been required before the skills test for a first Class A or B CDL, an upgrade from B to A, or a first S, P or H endorsement. For H, it comes before the hazmat knowledge test. The training must be with a provider registered with the FMCSA.

The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills such as backing, and a road test in traffic. On Oahu you book it in person at the commercial office, at least 14 days after your permit is issued, for 8 a.m., 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. on a weekday. Once paid, it can't be rescheduled, and a missed test loses the fee. If you fail any part, you wait at least a week.

Hawaii CDL fees

Fees as of October 2026. Oral tests cost extra: Honolulu adds $15 for an aural general knowledge test, and Kauai charges $30 for an oral general knowledge test.

Class 4: trucks from 18,001 to 26,000 pounds

Class 4 isn't a CDL but has its own permit. Honolulu asks for a valid Hawaii Class 3 license, a medical examiner's certificate, 20/40 vision in both eyes, an application and a $5 fee. Kauai also asks for age 21, proof of identity, legal presence and residency, and the fee from its chart.