Hawaii CDL License Requirements

To become a truck driver in Hawaii, you must first earn a Hawaii commercial driver’s license (CDL). The State of Hawaii uses the following criteria to determine whether or not a CDL is required to drive a commercial vehicle.

• Class A: Combination vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, with a trailer exceeding 10,000 pounds
• Class B: Single or combination vehicles exceeding 26,001 pounds, with a trailer less than 10,000 pounds
• Class C: Vehicles under 26,001 pounds carrying 16 or more passengers or transporting hazardous materials

To qualify for a CDL in Hawaii, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid Hawaii driver’s license, pass a vision exam and obtain a medical certificate. Applicants then need to take a general knowledge exam and a skills test. The three part skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle control test and an on-road driving test. For the driving test, you must use a vehicle in the same class for which you are trying to obtain a CDL license--for example, if you wish to obtain a Class A CDL, you must test in a Class A vehicle.

To drive a truck with air brakes, a tanker truck, a school bus or a truck with double/triple trailers, additional endorsements are needed. Endorsements are also needed to transport hazardous materials or to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver). A background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required to transport hazardous materials (also referred to as a Hazmat endorsement). A truck driving school in Hawaii will provide you with the foundation to pass the CDL requirements and start your career in truck driving.

Resources for Hawaii CDL Requirements

Visit the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Office website for more information.