HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-12 County Announces DMV Modified Road Test -- press release
Harry Kim
Deanna S. Sako
Mayor
Director
Steven A. Hunt
Deputy Director
County of Hawai‘i
Finance Department
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2103 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720
(808) 961-8234 Fax (808) 961-8569
August 12, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
County Announces Modified Skills Testing for Driver’s Licensing
The County of Hawai‘i Department of Finance announces the start of modified skills testing,
which temporarily replaces in-vehicle road tests. This modified skills test was approved by the
Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, and was developed to meet the need for continued road
testing during this public health emergency, while also allowing the examiner and applicant to
maintain the recommended six-feet social distancing prescribed by the Center for Disease
Control. Approval for this alternative method of testing has been granted through September
30, 2020.
The modified skills test begins with the applicant conducting a vehicle safety check. For
the vehicle safety check, the applicant is required to conduct a vehicle safety check of the
vehicle he or she will be operating, and the applicant is expected to describe to the examiner
each item inspected and why. For example, “I am walking around the vehicle making sure there
are no children, animals or obstacles behind or near my vehicle.” The applicant should also be
familiar with all controls in the vehicle, as well as recognizing when a component is safe on the
exterior of the vehicle.
The second part of the modified skills test, is the vehicle control skills test which requires the
applicant to complete six maneuvering exercises - forward drive, reverse-straight line backing
up, three-point turnabout, complete stop, left or right parallel park, and a forward or reverse two-
point turnabout.
We highly recommend that applicants review our customer guide, “Preparing yourself for the
Modified Skills Test”. To be successful, applicants should come prepared, and have all required
documents with them. A copy of this guide is available at our website
https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/vehicle-registration-licensing/road-test-
appointments or at our Hilo and Kona offices. The modified skills test is currently only available
in Hilo.
Appointments may be made on-line through our website or at
https://hawaiicounty.ehawaii.gov/roadtest
Road tests are being conducted at the Afook Chinen Civic Center. A licensed driver age 21 or
older must accompany the applicant to the road test site. A valid registration, safety check and
insurance are also required. Applicant’s under the age of 18 must provide driver education
completion certificates. Upon successful completion of the modified skills test, the applicant will
be processed at the Hilo Driver’s License office.
Hawai`i County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider