Hawaii CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: Each of Hawaii's four counties, through its own CDL licensing office

Hawaii licenses commercial drivers at the county level. The City and County of Honolulu and the Counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai each run their own CDL office, so where you apply, test, and pay depends on your county.

Correct answer: 21 years old

The Hawaii Commercial Driver License Program states plainly: "You must be 21 years old to be eligible for a CDL."

Correct answer: An active-duty military member operating a military vehicle with a military license

Hawaii exempts only two groups: active-duty military (including National Guard) operating military vehicles with a military license, and federal, state, and county firefighters and police operating authorized emergency vehicles.

Correct answer: Be domiciled in Hawaii and pass a vision test and a knowledge test

A Hawaii CLP requires that you be domiciled in Hawaii, file application DOT 4-764, pass a vision test, pass the knowledge test for the class of vehicle you intend to drive plus any endorsements, and prove identity, residence, legal presence, and a valid medical certificate.

Correct answer: 180 days, renewable once for another 180 days without retaking the knowledge tests

A Hawaii Commercial Learner’s Permit is valid for 180 days and can be renewed once for another 180 days without retaking the knowledge tests.

Correct answer: At least 14 days

Once you have your permit, you must wait at least 14 days before taking the practical test — the federal minimum CLP hold.

Correct answer: $30

Hawaii charges a $30 application fee for a permit. A new or renewed license is a separate $5-per-year fee, and any duplicate or information change is $15.

Correct answer: $15 for the general knowledge test and $5 for each special knowledge test

The general knowledge test costs $15, and each special (endorsement) knowledge test costs $5. There is a $15 additional fee if you take the aural (audio) version of a test.

Correct answer: You forfeit the prepaid fee

Only drivers with prepaid appointments and proof of payment may test. If you miss your appointment, you forfeit the prepaid $50 fee.

Correct answer: $5 per year, or a fraction of a year

Hawaii charges $5 per year, or a fraction thereof, for a new or renewed license — separate from the $30 permit application fee and the knowledge-test fees.

Correct answer: Doubling it

Wet roads can double stopping distance. You must drive slower to be able to stop in the same distance as on a dry road.

Correct answer: By about one-third (for example, from 55 to about 35 mph)

Reduce your speed by about one-third on a wet road — for example, slow from 55 to about 35 mph. On packed snow, reduce speed by a half or more; on ice, reduce to a crawl.

Correct answer: By a half, or more

On packed snow, reduce speed by a half or more. If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.

Correct answer: Reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you safely can

If the surface is icy, reduce speed to a crawl and stop driving as soon as you can safely do so. Ice sharply reduces traction, so steering and braking become extremely difficult.

Correct answer: 30 mph if there is a lot of water

It does not take much water to cause hydroplaning; it can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph if there is a lot of water. It is more likely if tire pressure is low or the tread is worn.

Correct answer: Release the accelerator and push in the clutch to let the wheels turn freely

To regain control from hydroplaning, release the accelerator and push in the clutch to slow the vehicle and let the wheels turn freely. Do not use the brakes to slow down while hydroplaning.

Correct answer: Slow to a safe speed before you enter the curve

Slow to a safe speed before you enter a curve. Braking in a curve is dangerous because it is easier to lock the wheels and skid. Be in a gear that lets you accelerate slightly through the curve to keep control.

Correct answer: They can roll over at the posted speed limit for the curve

Tests have shown that trucks with a high center of gravity can roll over at the posted speed limit for a curve. Take a curve too fast and the tires may lose traction and skid off, or keep traction and roll the vehicle over.

Correct answer: The braking effect of the engine, in a low gear

You must use the braking effect of the engine as the principal way of controlling speed on downgrades. Shift to a low gear before starting down, save your brakes, and never exceed a posted or "Maximum Safe Speed" limit.

Correct answer: You, the driver — you are responsible whether or not you loaded and secured the cargo

Whether or not you load and secure the cargo yourself, you are responsible for inspecting it, recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight, and knowing it is properly secured.