Hawaii Moped and Motorcycle Permits: Class 1, Class 2, Rider Course

What counts as a moped and what the law requires

• A moped has a top speed of 30 mph or less on a straight, level surface, an automatic transmission and at most two horsepower. A vehicle that goes faster is a motor scooter, with insurance rules and different license rules.
• You must wear a helmet with a chin strap. The law applies to every moped driver, not only to riders under 18. The free question page on helmets for adult moped riders checks this rule.
• You may not carry a passenger, unless the moped has three wheels and side-by-side seats for a driver and a passenger.
• Ride in single file. Do not ride on a sidewalk or on a freeway. The speed limit for a moped is 35 mph.
• A privately owned moped needs no insurance. The exception is a three-wheel moped, which must be insured for liability and property damage.
• Each moped must be registered with the county director of finance, and it needs an inspection every year.

1. 1
   Finish a rider course

   Complete a state-approved basic safety rider course. Since Dec. 26, 2025, this step comes before the permit application.

2. 2
   Book an appointment

   Schedule an appointment at any full-service driver licensing center on Oahu. Bring your completed State of Hawaii Driver's License Application and all required documents.

3. 3
   Pass the vision test

   At the appointment, you pass a vision screening test and give your fingerprints.

4. 4
   Pass the written tests in person

   The motorcycle written test is not available online, so you take it at the center. If you have no Class 3 license, you also take the general driver knowledge test.

5. 5
   Pay the Honolulu (Oahu) fees

   The fees are $2 for each written test and a $5 permit fee.

6. 6
   Take your temporary permit

   The center gives you a temporary permit. The plastic permit comes by mail in 4 to 5 weeks, and it is valid for one year.

If you live on another island

Each county runs its own driver licensing. The appointment steps, the test days, the fees and the skills test place in this guide are for the City and County of Honolulu. If you live on Hawaii Island, Maui or Kauai, ask your county driver licensing office how it handles the rider course rule and the skills test.

The Oahu off-street skills test for Class 1 and Class 2

Class 1 and Class 2 both need a special knowledge test and an off-street skills test.
On Oahu, skills tests are walk-in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Commercial Driver Licensing Office, 897 Second St., Pearl City. Sign up from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.; the number of tests each day is limited. Bring your motorcycle or moped in safe operating condition, with a current registration, a current safety inspection certificate and a liability insurance identification card.
A Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program waiver certificate, or a valid motorcycle license or endorsement from another state, can replace the skills test.

Moving to Hawaii with a motorcycle endorsement

An out-of-state license lets you ride a moped in Hawaii only if you are at least 18 years old. On Oahu, a valid out-of-state license with a motorcycle endorsement can be transferred for a temporary Class 2-3 (motorcycle and car) license. Motorcycle endorsements issued by Alabama, and reciprocal licenses from Japan, Korea and Taiwan, are not transferable to Hawaii in this way. The guide to swapping a mainland license in Hawaii covers the transfer steps.

Hawaii moped and motorcycle license: common questions