Section 19-122-10 - Knowledge tests for original license(a) Applicants for an original Hawaii driver's license categories 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall take an appropriate examination in the English language on rules of the road, traffic code provisions, safe driving practices, and the meaning of traffic signs. Although autocycles are a subclass of motorcycles, autocycles require a class 3 license rather than a class 2. At least three different sets of examinations, each consisting of not less than twenty-five general questions, shall be available for use by the examiner of drivers. Any one of the examination sets may be used at the discretion of the examiner. Each applicant shall be given one examination.(b) Each applicant applying for a category 1 or 2 license (motorcycle, except for autocycle, or motor scooter) shall take a test as described in subsection (a) and an examination in the English language consisting of not less than ten questions pertaining to the operation of a motorcycle or motor scooter.(c) Applicants who possess a valid Hawaii driver's license and make application for a higher category of driver's license shall not be required to take the examination described in subsection (a).(d) Applicants for a commercial driver's license shall take a fifty-question general knowledge test about good driving practices and vehicle inspections to operate commercial vehicles safely.(e) Commercial drivers shall take special knowledge tests to drive certain vehicles and to transport certain cargo. The specialized tests are: (1) Air brakes test. This test measures knowledge required to drive vehicles equipped with air brakes. Drivers who do not pass this test have a "L" restriction on their license. Each test shall consist of twenty-five questions.(2) Combination vehicles test. This test measures knowledge required to drive combination vehicles such as tractor-trailer rigs. It must be passed by every applicant who wants a class A commercial driver's license. Each test shall consist of twenty questions.(3) Passenger transport test. This test measures knowledge required by bus drivers. It must be passed to receive a passenger endorsement (P) to a commercial driver's license. Each test shall consist of twenty questions.(4) Doubles/triples test. This test measures knowledge required to drive trucks with two or three cargo trailers. It must be passed to receive a doubles/triples endorsement (T) to a category A commercial driver's license. Each test shall consist of twenty questions.(5) Tank vehicle test. This test measures knowledge required to drive tanker trucks that haul liquids or gases in bulk. It must be passed to receive a tank vehicle endorsement (N) to a commercial driver's license. Each test shall consist of twenty questions.(6) Hazardous materials test. This tests basic knowledge of regulations governing the hauling of hazardous materials and hazardous waste. It must be passed to receive a hazardous materials endorsement (H) to a commercial driver's license. Each test shall consist of thirty questions. An endorsement to carry hazardous materials in a tank vehicle is indicated by a (X).(7) School bus test. This test measures knowledge required to drive school buses. It must be passed to receive a school bus endorsement (S) to a commercial driver's license.(f) The applicant shall be considered to have passed a knowledge test if at least eighty per cent of the questions have been answered correctly.(g) An applicant who has difficulty reading the English language shall be examined orally or by other means deemed appropriate by the director in any of the knowledge tests except the hazardous materials endorsement test.(h) An applicant who has difficulty understanding the English language may be examined in the language chosen from those available and approved by the director in any of the knowledge tests except the hazardous materials endorsement test.[Eff 8/26/82; am and comp 6/15/91; comp 12/2/00; am and comp 11/30/02; am and comp 5/15/06; comp 5/2/08; comp 7/29/10; comp 10/14/11; am and comp JAN 17 2014] (Auth: HRS §§ 286-18, 286-108, 286-236, 49 CFR §§383.71, 383.93, 383.111, 383.123, 383.133, 383.153 ) (Imp: HRS §§ 286-108, 286-236, 49 CFR §§383.71, 383.93, 383.111, 383.123, 383.153 )