Hawaii Permit Test: Safe Driving Practice Questions

Correct answer: A blue light visible from outside

Red lights showing to the front, blue lights visible outside the vehicle, and sirens are allowed only on authorized emergency vehicles.

Source: Chapter II: Vehicle Equipment and Inspection – Illegal Equipment

Correct answer: 1/16 inch

Replace tires with less than 1/16 inch of tread; if you can see the top of Lincoln's head with a penny placed upside down in the tread, the tire needs replacing.

Source: Chapter II: Vehicle Equipment and Inspection – Vehicle Condition and Maintenance

Correct answer: About two inches

There should be no more than two inches of free play with power steering (checked with the engine running), or three inches without it.

Source: Chapter II: Vehicle Equipment and Inspection – Vehicle Condition and Maintenance

Correct answer: All front and back seat riders

Hawaii law (HRS 291-11.6) requires all front and back seat occupants to use seat belts.

Source: Chapter II: Vehicle Equipment and Inspection – Safety Belts

Correct answer: Under 4

Children under age 4 must be in a child restraint; older young children may need a booster seat.

Source: Chapter II: Vehicle Equipment and Inspection – Safety Belts

Correct answer: More than three

Driving with more than three persons in the front seat may constitute interference with the driver, which is prohibited.

Source: Chapter V: Traffic Laws and Regulations – Interference With Driver

Correct answer: Hold and use it

Hawaii law bars drivers from using a mobile electronic device while holding it; adults 18 and older may use hands-free devices.

Source: Hawaii Revised Statutes §291C-137 (not covered in the driver's manual)

Correct answer: Count two seconds after the car ahead passes a marker

When the car ahead passes a pole or other marker, count 'one thousand one, one thousand two'; if you reach the marker before saying 'two', you are too close.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Vehicle Speed

Correct answer: Keep pace with traffic, within the limit

Vehicles moving the same direction at the same speed rarely conflict; going faster than others creates constant conflicts. Stay within posted limits.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Vehicle Speed

Correct answer: The driver may open the door as you pass

When you approach a vehicle that has just parked, assume the driver will open the door as you go by.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Passing Parked Cars

Correct answer: Where you can see its rear tires

Stop far enough back to see where the rear tires of the vehicle ahead meet the road, leaving room to go around it if needed.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Use of Brakes

Correct answer: Test the brakes with light presses

Always test your brakes after driving through water; if braking is weak, apply them lightly several times until they work normally.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Use of Brakes

Correct answer: Before starting down the grade

Downshift before starting the downgrade, since it is harder to downshift at higher speeds; engine braking keeps the brakes from overheating.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Downshifting

Correct answer: Turn your head and look back

Turn and look to the rear; the view in mirrors is too small. Back slowly, and get help from someone outside if you cannot see.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Backing Your Vehicle

Correct answer: Before crossing the sidewalk area

Always stop before entering the roadway, before crossing the sidewalk area; failing to stop is unlawful.

Source: Chapter X: Safe Driving Techniques – Entering Traffic