Teen Driver Insurance in Hawaii

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

Hawaii requires teenagers applying for a driver's license to satisfy the requirements of the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program, which provides driving instruction and practice necessary to build safe, responsible driving habits and gain enough experience to pass the DMV driving test. The program begins with minors being able to apply for an instructional permit at 15 years and 6 months of age. To progress to a provisional license, applicants must be at least 16 years old, have held an instruction permit for at least 180 days with no pending violations, and successfully complete a state-certified driver education course with classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates, followed by passing a road examination test.

Licensing Timeline

An instructional permit is valid for one year and permits the holder to operate a vehicle under the supervision of a licensed driver who is age 21 or older, with the requirement that if the youth is driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., the supervisor must be a parent or guardian. Drivers are eligible to apply for a full driver's license if they have satisfactorily held the provisional license for at least six months, have no pending violations, are at least 17 years old, and have satisfactorily complied with all requirements.

GDL Restrictions

The provisional licensee shall not transport more than one person below the age of 18 without being accompanied by a licensed driver that is the provisional licensee's parent or guardian, unless that person is a household member, and shall not transport more than one person under the age of 18 between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without being accompanied by the licensed parent or guardian. The driver can drive outside of these restrictions as long as a parent or guardian is present in the front passenger seat. Violation of these restrictions will result in a three-month suspension for a first offense and a six-month suspension for a second offense.

Permit holding period: 180 days. Nighttime restriction: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. with parent or guardian only. Passenger restriction: No more than one passenger under 18 unless household member, and no passengers under 18 between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without parent or guardian. Cell phone restriction: Hawaii general cell phone restrictions apply. Supervisor requirement: Licensed driver age 21+ (permit phase), parent or guardian during nighttime hours. Nighttime exceptions include: employment, school activities, emergencies. Passenger exceptions include: household members, parent or guardian present.

Insurance Requirements

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 431:10C-103.5, every motor vehicle insurance policy must include at least $10,000 per person in PIP benefits, as Hawaii is a no-fault state which means your insurance company pays your medical expenses after any car accident, regardless of who caused the crash. According to the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the minimum limits are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for injuries, plus $10,000 for property damage. This allows injured people to receive medical care quickly rather than waiting for fault determination, with PIP coverage paying medical bills immediately, even before health insurance processes anything.

Minimum liability limits: $20,000 bodily injury per person / $40,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage. Insurance system: no-fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required at $10,000. Optional but available at minimum $20,000 per person.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Unfortunately, medical expenses for car accident injuries can quickly exceed the minimum PIP policy limits, and for injuries like a broken leg costing $16,000 to $33,500, the minimum PIP coverage would still leave a Hawaii family responsible for thousands of dollars in medical costs. Teen drivers typically face higher insurance premiums due to their increased risk profile, making it particularly important for families to consider adequate coverage limits beyond the state minimums to protect against potential financial exposure from serious accidents.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Complete state-certified driver education course with classroom and behind-the-wheel certificates. driver education required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $5-$12. License fee: $40. Varies by county.