Motorcycles, Motor Scooters and Mopeds General Information
Motorcycles, Motor Scooters & Mopeds
Updated Rules
Act 66 (Effective May 19, 2025)
- All applicants for a Class 2 Instruction Permit must complete a Hawaii state-approved Basic Rider Course (BRC) before applying.
- Starting December 24, 2025, new applications require the approved BRC course prior to permit issuance.
Act 222 (Effective June 25, 2025)
- Under 16? You cannot drive a moped.
- Helmets are mandatory for all moped drivers, regardless of age.
Act 214 (Effective July 1, 2021)
- Rental companies must:
- Equip mopeds and motor scooters with flags (HRS 286-81.5).
- Require helmets if the renter lacks a motorcycle or equivalent license.
- Clarifies scooter definitions and reiterates laws on after-market modifications.
Obtaining a Type 2 Designation
Out-of-State Transfers
- Already licensed elsewhere? You may transfer your motorcycle designation.
Contact your county DMV for details.
In-State Process
- Get a Motorcycle Permit
- Complete a state-approved BRC course:
- Oahu: Leeward Community College
- Hawaii Island: Contact Rex Ribao (Email: [email protected] | Phone: (808) 769-3571)
- Schedule your DMV appointment early—slots fill fast!
- Complete a state-approved BRC course:
- Complete the Course
- Receive a Certificate of Completion.
- Visit DMV with Required Documents
- Check your county DMV website for specifics.
- Pass Exams
- Eye Exam
- Motorcycle Knowledge Exam
- Class 3 General Knowledge Exam (waived if you already hold Class 3)
- Permit Issuance
- If exams are passed, you’ll receive a Class 2 Instruction Permit and may apply for a Class 2 License.
Permit Rules:
- No passengers or nighttime riding.
- Renewal allowed only if a skill test was attempted before expiration.
- If expired without a skill test, wait 3 months before reapplying.
Minors (Under 18)
- Start with the Graduated Licensing Program (GDL):
- Review the GDL Brochure or you can view the steps on the City and County of Honolulu’s GDL page
- Submit CS-L-DL 239 Parental Consent Affidavit for both Type 2 and Type 3 permits.
- Hold permit for 180 days before skills test.
- Complete:
- Driver Education Certificate
- Behind-the-Wheel Motorcycle Certificate
- Helmet required per HRS 286 (2)(e).
Reminders
- Plan ahead for timelines and expiration dates.
- Schedule DMV appointments early; check daily for cancellations.
- No extensions or exceptions unless allowed by law.
General Information
- Definitions: HRS 286-2 & HRS 291C-1
- Motorcycle license = Type 2 designation (HRS 286-102)
- Mopeds require:
- Valid driver’s license (HRS 291C-194)
- Registration & safety checks
- Liability insurance required for motorcycles & scooters.
- Lane splitting is illegal (HRS 291C-153(c)).
Helpful Links
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Moped Owner & Drivers
- County DMV Sites:
Partner Links:
Department of Health | Police Departments (Counties of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai)| Motorcycle Safety Foundation | NHTSA | GHSA | AMVAA
Publications:
Download the free Safe Roads Challenge app (available on iOS and Android), select “Motorcycle” as your vehicle, and use it to sharpen your riding skills. Track your trips, earn scores and rewards, and access tailored video tips—all designed to help motorcycle riders build safer habits on Hawai‘i’s roads in support of the new Basic Rider Course requirement. Click on Hawai’i Safe Roads Challenge to find out more about it!