Booking a Hawaii driver's license appointment

Do you need a Hawaii driver's license appointment?

On Oahu, yes, for every in-office license or state ID visit. On Kauai the county's own pages disagree. The DMV's main page says services are by appointment only, with no walk-ins or kupuna hour. Its FAQ page says walk-ins are taken until 2 p.m. and served after appointment holders. Booking ahead is the safer choice.

Written test days on Oahu

Honolulu gives in-person written tests only on some weekdays, and its own pages don't list the same days. Both of its lists include these: Kapalama on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Kapolei on Mondays and Wednesdays, and Wahiawa and Waianae on Tuesdays. The two lists give different days for Koolau. AlohaQ shows which days are open when you book.

You must have every document for the permit with you before you sit the test.

How AlohaQ works

Honolulu's AlohaQ instructions say you get a text confirmation, and the last four digits of the phone number you entered become your ticket number. The last name on the booking must match yours. Arrive at least 10 minutes early, then listen for your number or watch the screen. You can cancel from the link in your text.

On Hawaii Island and Maui, we haven't confirmed how booking works, so call before you go. The 2023 manual points Hawaii County drivers to an online booking page and (808) 961-2222, and Maui County drivers to mauicounty.gov/dmv and (808) 270-7363.

Road test appointments are separate

On Oahu, road tests are booked on the city's road test scheduler rather than AlohaQ, and on Kauai through the DMV appointment page. You need a current permit to book either one.