Hawaii Islands Get Special Pass on Driver License Rules
Published Date: 7/17/2025
Notice
Summary
Hawaii got the green light to skip some parts of the commercial driver’s license test for folks on Lanai and Molokai, letting them get a special restricted CDL. These drivers also don’t have to do the usual entry-level training. This new exemption keeps things safe and replaces the old one that ends in February 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Lanai & Molokai CDL Skills Test Waiver
FMCSA allows the State of Hawaii to waive specific portions of the commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test for applicants who take the skills test on the islands of Lanai and Molokai, letting those applicants receive a restricted CDL. This change applies to tests taken on those two islands as described in the notice.
Exemption From Entry-Level Driver Training
Drivers who receive a restricted CDL under this Hawaii exemption are also exempt from the Federal entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations. That means those restricted-CDL holders do not have to complete the ELDT requirements while covered by this exemption.
Exemption Continues Beyond Feb 20, 2026
This Federal Register notice supersedes the current two-year exemption previously granted to the State of Hawaii that was scheduled to expire on February 20, 2026. The superseding notice continues the applicable exemption under the terms and conditions set forth in the notice.
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