HAWAII | CDL Academy

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What are the requirements or documents needed to obtain a CDL Permit in the State of Hawaii?

  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Have a good driving record (No DUI’s).
  • Able to obtain a DOT physical (PUC).

If you have monocular vision, please contact Hawaii CDL Academy.

  • Possess a valid basic Hawaii Driver's License.
  • Certified United States Birth Certificate.
  • Original Social Security Card.

(Note: Effective June 18, 2021, presenting Social Security Number (SSN) documentation is optional.)

  • Current Front Facial photo. (No smaller than passport size & no larger than a standard size photo)
  • Pass all required written tests for the class of license you wish to drive.
  • 2 Proof of Residence Documents.

What are the various types or classification of commercial driver licenses?

  • Class A: any combination of Truck/Tractor and trailer that exceeds 26,001 GCVWR with a trailer GVW that exceeds 10,001 GVWR.
  • Class B: any single vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001.
  • Class C: any single vehicle that does not meet the GVW of Class B but requires a passenger or hazardous endorsement.

What are the different types of written tests I need to pass to obtain a CDL permit?

  • The general knowledge test.
  • The air brake test for any vehicle equipped with air brakes.

What are the different types ofendorsements tests?

  • Passenger endorsement test: transporting 16 or more passengers including the driver.

Requires additional ELDT theory from Hawaii CDL Academy.

  • Hazardous material test:transporting hazardous material with amounts that require placarding.

Requires additional ELDT theory from Hawaii CDL Academy.

  • Tanker endorsement test:operating vehicle or transporting trailer tank carried exceeds 1,000 gallons.
  • Combination test:operating a combination vehicle.

Required for Class A.

  • Double/triples test: pulling double or triple trailers.
  • School bus endorsement test: operating a school bus.

NOTE: After completing the appropriate written tests required for the class/type of license of vehicle applying for, and provided there are no other eligibility requirements, a CDL permit is issued with the appropriate endorsements.

NOTE: Endorsements can be obtained after acquiring CDL permit or while you hold a valid CDL license.

Are there any other tests required before obtaining my CDL?

You will need to make an appointment to be tested with a representative vehicle class and pass the following:

  • Pre-trip: The first test to complete is the Pre-trip vehicle test. It will demonstrate your knowledge of the commercial vehicle of the category you intend to drive and determine if the vehicle is safe to operate on the public roadways.
  • Skill test: This test consists of various backing maneuvers and tests your skills to operate a commercial motor vehicle of the category you intend to drive under different simulated off-road situations. You must pass this test before taking the road test.
  • Road test: This test will demonstrate your ability to operate a commercial vehicle of the category you intend to drive, through various traffic situations on the public roadways.

NOTE : Should you fail any required test, there is a minimum one week waiting period to be eligible for a retest. Appropriate fees apply.

What fees do I pay?

FEE

ITEM

$30

Application fee for a CDL permit.

$15

General knowledge test

$5

Special knowledge test

$15

Duplicate license or any change to the information on the license.

$50

Advance to schedule an appointment to take the skills tests. Only drivers with prepaid appointments and proof of payment will be allowed to test. If an applicant misses an appointment, he or she forfeits the prepaid fee.