Hawaiian driving has moved in a digital direction. However, not in the sense of the actual driving, but rather in some driving related ways. First, a digital option for the permit test is now offered. Before the test was only offered as a written exam. Second, Hawaiian driver’s licenses are now able to be added to your phone as a digital ID.
The digital permit test can be done at home, marking a major shift in driver testing.
Previously, drivers would have to make an appointment at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. With these they would take the written test in person. Now, the test can be done at any time, even outside of business hours, as long as the computer that is used has a webcam. The director of Honolulu’s Customer Services Department, Kim Hashiro, gave a statement saying, “You can take it any time, not just during city business hour.” Furthermore, Hashiro explained that this change will help reduce traffic in the DMV offices, which will allow for more renewals and other visits to be done.
The webcam is required for security reasons.
Officials say that the software for the online test has been designed with identification tools to verify that the actual test taker is the correct person. The webcam is needed for this to work. Additionally, the webcam allows tracking of the person to confirm they are not cheating while taking the exam. It follows a similar idea that many schools used during online classes during the pandemic.
The test is programed to give two warnings to test takers if it detects issues. The issues would be if the test taker looks down or around the room, suggesting cheating, or if there are signs the person taking the test is not the person meant to be. After the two warnings, if a third issue happens, the test taker automatically fails. The online test has a $10 fee in the entire state, with some counties having additional fees. In person exams only cost $2.
The digital ID cards have been available for almost six months.
Starting in late August of 2024, ID cards have been available to save digitally. This is done in a fashion similar to how you can save credit cards and tickets for events in your digital wallet. Thus far the feature is only available to those with Apple devices.
When adding the ID card, there is a verification step that must be done. Experts said the verification on average takes only around 10 minutes, but it can take up to two to three weeks. This could happen if the system is severely backed up or if there is an issue verifying the ID. In order to do this step, users have to upload an image of their ID card and a separate image of themselves.
The digital ID is only accepted in a few places in Hawaii. It is accepted at the TSA checkpoint in Terminal 1. Apple stores also accept digital cards, as do a few apps that require identity and/or age verification.
