The Hawaii online permit test: Oahu's webcam test

Who can take the Hawaii online permit test?

Honolulu says any Hawaii resident who needs the written test. It covers only the Class 3 car license. The motorcycle written test is given in person only.

When you register, the software checks your name, address, date of birth and the last five digits of your Social Security number against public records. If they don't match, you take the test in person. You also pick your county, and choosing the wrong one can cost you your result. Honolulu's page lists the price for each county: $11 for Hawaii County, $20 for Kauai and $25 for Maui County, each including a $10 transaction fee. Kauai's own DMV page says it isn't processing online tests at this time, and we haven't confirmed Hawaii County's or Maui County's own rules for the online test.

Your computer and the test rules

You'll need:

• A desktop or laptop computer with a keyboard and a mouse or touchpad
• A working webcam
• No phone, tablet or touchscreen device, which the test doesn't accept

You get one hour once the test starts. It's in English or Spanish, and it reads the questions aloud if your computer has speakers. Keep the cursor inside the red box and don't look away or leave the screen. The software warns you twice, and the third time it stops the test and fails that attempt. It takes your photo before you start and at random times during the test.

Testers under 18

An adult over 21 has to take part in registration, giving their name, date of birth, the last five digits of their Social Security number and a valid driver's license number. During the test, the adult stays out of the webcam's view.

Retakes and refunds

You can take it as many times as you need, but no more than twice in one day, and each try costs the full fee again. If you fail on knowledge, you wait seven days before the next try. There are no refunds for failing.

After you pass

Book an AlohaQ appointment at a driver licensing center within 60 days. Bring the certificate of completion, your application and your documents, and if you're under 18, the parental consent forms. At the visit you're photographed and fingerprinted, take an eye test and pay for the permit. The clerk compares you with the photos taken during the test.