Hawaii permit test: sharing the road
Large trucks and buses, motorcycles, pedestrians, stopping for school buses, and bicycles. 34 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- Research shows over two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes happen when a car driver turns in front of the rider. (p. 89)
- Allow at least a 2-second following distance behind a motorcycle so the rider can maneuver or stop. (p. 93)
- A blind pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog must be given a full stop, whatever color the light shows. (p. 95)
- Driving through a pedestrian safety zone is prohibited by law. (p. 95)
- In Hawaii, about 20% of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians. (p. 95)
- Never pass a vehicle stopped to let a pedestrian cross. (p. 95)
- Failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing can cost you $1,000. (p. 96)
- Riding against traffic is illegal and leads to about 25% of bicycle-car crashes. (p. 97)
- Keep at least 3 feet of space between you and the bicyclist until you have safely passed. (p. 97)
- On the roadway, bicyclists must ride single file. (p. 98)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.Two friends are riding bicycles together on a road with no bike lane. How must they ride?
- ASingle file
- BIn the middle of the lane
- CSide by side to be seen
- DOn the left edge, facing cars
Show the answer
✓ A. Single file
On the roadway, bicyclists must ride single file. They may ride two abreast only in a bike lane or path wide enough not to impede traffic.
Source: Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (English) (HMG 5/2023), page 98
2.A bicyclist is riding on the sidewalk in a residential area. What is the rule?
- AIt is not allowed anywhere
- BOnly allowed in business areas
- CAny speed, if walkers move aside
- D10 mph or less, yielding to walkers
Show the answer
✓ D. 10 mph or less, yielding to walkers
Bikes may not ride on sidewalks in business districts. Elsewhere they may, at 10 mph or less, yielding to pedestrians.
Source: Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (English) (HMG 5/2023), page 98
3.A school crossing guard holds up a sign near a school. What must you do?
- AHonk to warn kids
- BSlow and go if clear
- CStop on the guard's signal
- DGo if no children are seen
Show the answer
✓ C. Stop on the guard's signal
Stop upon the signal of any school crossing guard, and watch closely for children near schools and parks.
Source: Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (English) (HMG 5/2023), page 95
4.You pass a motorcycle. Why shouldn't you move back into its lane too soon?
- AIt can force the rider to swerve
- BIt is illegal at night
- CThe rider must signal first
- DIt slows your car
Show the answer
✓ A. It can force the rider to swerve
Returning too soon after passing can force the rider to swerve into traffic or off the road. Give a full lane.
Source: Official Hawaii Driver's Manual (English) (HMG 5/2023), page 94