Failed the Hawaii permit test: when you can retake it
Failing the written test is common and fixable. Here is what Hawaii says about retaking it, and a plan for the next attempt.
- How soon you can retake
- seven (7) days (Honolulu)
- Attempts
- as many times as needed, but only twice in one day
- Retest fee
- another full test fee of $12 per retake
- After repeated failures
- Not stated on the official page — ask your DMV office.
- Online test
- Online permit test (Honolulu): twice per day, 7-day wait after knowledge failure
From the official source
Also, applicants who fail testing due to knowledge must wait seven (7) days before attempting to retake the test. You can take it as many times as needed, but only twice in one day. Yes, but it will cost another full test fee of $12.
Before your next attempt
- Write down the topics you got wrong: signs, right-of-way, speed limits, alcohol rules, distances. The retest usually draws from the same pool.
- Reread only those chapters of the official Hawaii handbook, not the whole book.
- Take our Hawaii practice tests until you score 90% or more three times in a row — the real pass mark is lower, so that is a safe margin.
- Use the mistake review: it shows only the questions you missed, with the handbook section for each.
- The night before, do one exam simulation and stop. Sleep beats cramming.
The real test: 30 questions, 24 correct to pass.
Practice for the retakeReview my mistakes
Checked on October 25, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV.