A pedestrian started legally on WALK and is still crossing when the upraised hand begins flashing. What should a turning driver do?
Correct answer: Allow the pedestrian to finish safely.
The flashing hand prevents pedestrians from starting but allows those already crossing to continue to the nearest safe area. Keep their path clear.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 42 — Pedestrian Signals ↗
After a storm, all lights at a signalized intersection are dark and no officer is directing traffic. What does HDOT advise?
Correct answer: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
HDOT's statewide storm guidance directs drivers to treat a dark signal as a four-way stop. Stop, check every approach and proceed only when it is safe.
Source: HDOT, Tropical Storm Lala recovery statewide, August 18, 2026 — Highways, dark-signal instruction ↗
A police officer directs you to stop although the traffic signal is green. What should you do?
Correct answer: Obey the officer and stop.
Drivers must obey lawful police directions. An officer may control traffic differently from the normal signal sequence.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 26 — Police Officers ↗
Two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection from crossing roads at the same time. The other vehicle is on your right. What should you do?
Correct answer: Yield to the vehicle on your right.
The handbook directs the driver on the left to yield when vehicles approach at the same time. Do not insist on proceeding if it would cause a collision.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 32 — Rules of Right-of-Way — simultaneous arrival ↗
You plan a left turn on a circular green light, and an oncoming car is close enough to be a hazard. What must you do?
Correct answer: Yield and wait for a safe gap.
A circular green does not give protected left-turn priority. Yield to oncoming traffic close enough to present a hazard.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 32 — Rules of Right-of-Way — left turn ↗
You are leaving a driveway across a sidewalk. Where should you make the required stop?
Correct answer: Before crossing the sidewalk area, then check and yield before entering the road.
Stop before the sidewalk, watch for pedestrians and traffic, and enter only when the lane is clear.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 64 — Entering Traffic — Entry from a Driveway ↗
Your light is green, but traffic beyond the intersection leaves no room for your entire car. What should you do?
Correct answer: Wait before entering until there is enough space beyond it.
Never enter an intersection or crosswalk unless space exists for the entire vehicle on the other side. Green does not permit blocking crossing traffic.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 69 — Stopping in Traffic ↗
As you approach a roundabout, another vehicle is circulating from your left. What should you do?
Correct answer: Slow and yield to the circulating vehicle before entering.
Entering traffic yields to traffic already in the roundabout, including bicycles. Also look for and yield to pedestrians at the crossing.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 65 — Roundabout — entry ↗
You pass your intended roundabout exit. What is the correct recovery?
Correct answer: Continue around the roundabout and take the exit when you reach it again.
Stay in the counterclockwise traffic flow. Continue around rather than making an unexpected reversal or crossing the island.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 65 — Roundabout — missed exit ↗
On an ordinary two-way road, an ambulance approaches using its siren and flashing emergency lights. No officer directs otherwise. What should you do?
Correct answer: Yield, move safely toward the right edge clear of the intersection, and stop.
Provide a clear path and stop clear of the intersection. On this ordinary road, move toward the right edge; do not panic-brake in the ambulance's path.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-65(a); ordinary two-way road, no contrary county rule or police direction ↗
A tow truck is stopped for emergency assistance with its emergency lights flashing. What must an approaching driver do?
Correct answer: Slow to a safe speed and change lanes as needed when safe, leaving an empty lane between if possible.
The statute includes tow trucks. Slow for the circumstances and make the safe lane change; do not force an unsafe merge.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-27(a)–(b) ↗
A crossing signal warns that a train is approaching. How close may you stop to the nearest rail under the handbook rule?
Correct answer: No closer than 15 feet.
The handbook requires a stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail when a train warning, lowered gate or other listed train hazard requires stopping.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 27 — Railroad Crossings ↗
On the same roadway, you follow a school bus that stops to unload children with its alternating red lights flashing. What is required?
Correct answer: Stop at least 20 feet away and wait until the bus resumes motion and the red signals are off.
Current law specifies at least 20 feet and both conditions before proceeding. The handbook's abbreviated wording does not replace the statute.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-95(a), (g) ↗
A school bus with red signals flashing is on the opposite roadway of a highway separated by a physical median. Does its signal require you to stop on your separate roadway?
Correct answer: No, but remain alert for children and other hazards.
The bus stop rule does not apply to vehicles on a different roadway. Drivers on the same side as the bus must still comply; a painted lane line alone should not be assumed to create a separate roadway.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-95(b) ↗
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 ↗
