Hawaii Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Permits, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated as of March 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the County of Hawaii – Vehicle Registration & Licensing and the Motorcycle Operator Manual.
Operating a Motorcycle in Hawaii
The requirements to legally operate a motorcycle in Hawaii include:
- Holding a Class 2 motorcycle license.
- Carry insurance that meets Hawaii’s minimum liability coverage.
Obtaining a Hawaii Motorcycle Permit/License
Motorcycle Class 2 Instructional Permit:
- Complete a state-approved basic safety rider course, and receive a Certificate of Completion.
- Submit your completed State of Hawaii Driver’s License application and all required documents.
- Pass a vision screening.
- Have a clear driving record on the National Driver Registry.
- Take and pass the motorcycle written test.
- If you don’t already possess a Class 3 driver’s license, you will also need to pass the rules of road written test.
Permit Restrictions:
- No passengers.
- No riding at night.
- You must wear a DOT-approved helmet and goggles while riding.
- You can’t renew your instruction permit unless you have attempted the motorcycle skills test first.
- Once your instruction permit expires, you must wait 90 days before reapplying as a new applicant.
Motorcycle Class 2 License
To get your full motorcycle Class 2 license, you must pass an off-street skill test. The skill test can be waived if you have a Certificate for Waiver from the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program or if you have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another state.
Skills Test Requirements:
- You must provide your own motorcycle in safe operating condition
- Your motorcycle must have current registration.
- You must have a current safety inspection certificate.
- You must have a liability insurance identification card.
Motorcycle Education & Training in Hawaii
- Completing a state-approved motorcycle safety course can help — and as of December 26, 2025, it is required prior to applying for a motorcycle permit.
- If you are under 18 years of age, you must take driving lessons at a driver’s education program certified by the Hawaii Department of Transportation.
- If you are between the ages of 16-18, you must earn a Driver Education Student Completion Certificate and a Behind-the-Wheel Student Completion Certificate before scheduling a motorcycle road test.
Insurance Requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii requires all motorcycle operators to purchase liability insurance for their vehicles. To purchase a liability policy, you must have a valid motorcycle license. A valid identification card must be kept with the motorcycle or be carried by the operator at all times.
Minimum required coverage:
- $20,000 bodily injury per person, $40,000 per accident.
- $10,000 per occurrence property damage liability.
- Insurers must also offer optional coverages, such as:
- Personal injury medical payments coverage up to $10,000.
- Income disability coverage.
- Higher liability coverage.
- Motorcycle damage coverage.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to ride in Hawaii, begin by completing the permit application, and follow through with all requirements until you obtain your license. Once you have your license, make sure your motorcycle is properly insured before you hit the road!
Click here or call 833-70-RIDER to get a quote in minutes.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on the most reliable information available as of the date of publication. Motorcycle laws are subject to change. For legal guidance and to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please consult qualified legal counsel or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The HI DMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Hawaii, make sure your coverage meets the state’s requirements.
To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you.
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