A car ahead is waiting to turn left. The only way around it on the right is off the main traveled pavement onto the shoulder. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait rather than use the shoulder to pass.
A permissible right-side pass must not take you off the pavement or main traveled portion. The handbook expressly prohibits using the shoulder to pass a left-turning vehicle.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 26 — Passing on the Right; p. 68, Overtaking and Passing ↗
A slow vehicle is ahead near the crest of a hill, and you cannot see opposing traffic beyond it. What is the safe and lawful choice?
Correct answer: Stay behind it until a permitted location with adequate sight distance.
Do not drive into the opposing half of the roadway when approaching the top of a hill or a curve. Hidden traffic can create a head-on conflict.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 26 — Driving on the Left Side of Roadway ↗
Another driver begins a normal pass on your left. What should you avoid?
Correct answer: Increasing your speed before the other vehicle has completely passed.
The overtaken driver must not accelerate until completely passed. Competing with the passing vehicle lengthens the danger period.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-43(3) ↗
You have passed a car on a two-lane road. What visual check helps establish room to return to your lane?
Correct answer: See the overtaken vehicle in your inside rearview mirror before moving back safely.
The handbook advises seeing the overtaken vehicle in the interior mirror before moving back. Leave safe clearance rather than cutting off its driver.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 68 — Overtaking and Passing — return to lane ↗
Your mirrors show a space in the next lane. What should you do before changing lanes?
Correct answer: Signal and physically check the blind spot as well as the surrounding traffic.
Mirrors do not show every area beside the car. The handbook requires a physical blind-spot check and enough clearance for a gradual lane change.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 65 — Lane Changing ↗
How far before an ordinary turn or lane change does the handbook say to begin signaling at minimum?
Correct answer: At least 100 feet.
The handbook specifies at least 100 feet. Signal long enough for others to understand the intended movement, with additional advance notice when needed.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 74 — Use of Turn Signals ↗
You have signaled for a lane change, but a car is still beside you in that lane. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait until the lane change can be made safely without interfering with that car.
A signal communicates intent; it does not grant right-of-way. The changing driver must yield to vehicles in the destination lane.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 74 — Use of Turn Signals — intent is not priority ↗
You reach your turn while in the wrong lane. What should you do?
Correct answer: Continue and turn at another suitable location.
Choose the turn lane in advance. If you miss that opportunity, continue instead of forcing a lane change or turning across traffic.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 67 — Turns and Curves — correct lane ↗
While waiting for a safe gap to turn left, how should you hold the front wheels?
Correct answer: Straight ahead until you begin the turn.
The handbook directs keeping the wheels straight while waiting for the left turn. Turn only once the intersection is clear and it is safe.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 67 — Turns and Curves — waiting to turn left ↗
You park facing downhill beside a right-hand curb. What should you do before leaving the vehicle?
Correct answer: Set the parking brake, secure the transmission and turn the front wheels toward the curb.
For this downhill situation, turn the wheels toward the curb and secure the vehicle against rolling. The parking brake and appropriate transmission setting are both important.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 71 — Parking on a Hill — downhill ↗
You parallel park on a street without a marked parking stall. How close should the curbside wheels be to the curb under the handbook rule?
Correct answer: Within 12 inches.
The handbook specifies curbside wheels within 12 inches, or the vehicle completely within a marked stall where provided. Park facing the direction of traffic.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 73 — Parking Restrictions ↗
You stop alongside an already parked car to wait for a passenger. Does staying behind the wheel make this double parking acceptable?
Correct answer: No; the handbook prohibits double parking whether you remain in the vehicle or not.
Remaining in the car does not remove the obstruction or the double-parking prohibition. Use a lawful loading or parking location.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 28 — Parking — double parking ↗
An accessible parking space is occupied, but its striped access aisle is empty. May you stop your car there to wait?
Correct answer: No; keep the access aisle clear for mobility equipment and access.
An access aisle is not an extra parking space. It must remain clear for lifts, ramps and other mobility assistance.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 29 — Parking — accessible spaces and access aisles ↗
The freeway entrance lane is clear, but a vehicle in the freeway lane is approaching the merge point. How should you enter?
Correct answer: Use the entrance lane to adjust speed and merge into a safe gap, behind that vehicle if needed.
Signal, match traffic speed as appropriate and merge without interfering. The handbook advises slowing slightly to enter behind an approaching vehicle when necessary.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 78 — Entering the Freeway ↗
You have passed your intended freeway exit. What should you do?
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit.
Do not stop or back up to recover a missed freeway exit. Continue to the next exit and choose a lawful route.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 80 — Leaving the Freeway — missed exit ↗
In normal free-flowing conditions, where should you make the main reduction to exit-ramp speed?
Correct answer: After moving completely into the exit ramp.
Signal and move into the exit lane, then slow smoothly once completely on the ramp. Do not unexpectedly impede through traffic.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 80 — Leaving the Freeway — speed reduction ↗
You need to back out of a parking space in a residential area. What should you do before moving?
Correct answer: Check behind the vehicle, then look to the rear and back slowly.
Inspect the area before entering the vehicle and look directly to the rear. Back slowly; children may be hidden behind or between cars.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 64 — Backing Your Vehicle ↗
You are traveling more slowly than other traffic on a multilane road. Which lane should you normally use?
Correct answer: The rightmost appropriate lane.
The handbook directs slower traffic to the extreme right lane. Continue to obey speed limits and the conditions.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 26 — Driving on Right Side of Roadway ↗
