Since road tests are canceled at the moment, I want to take the time to make a post where people can post their experience from all over Hawai'i. It could be helpful to anyone who is planning to take it in the future.

My Road Test @ Ko'olau DMV on O'ahu:

I live on the westside and my dumbass was desperate one morning and found an appointment open for Ko'olau DMV. Mind you, I stay westside and hardly go and drive Kaneohe side. Probably wasn't the smartest idea, but I actually passed. Btw, I took mine last year 2019.

Like many, I scoured the internet for tips, what to avoid, and talked to friends who've taken it already. I had friends who had to retake it a number of times at Kapolei DMV and eventually passed at Waianae or Wahiawa DMV (many say it's easy there).

My road test lasted about 10 mins. We just went around the corner, stopped at a stop sign, tested me to park downhill, then we were on our way back to the shopping center where the DMV is. I had a really nice Hawaiian lady. So I got really lucky. I didn't get a perfect score and got deducted points for how I inched forward to double-check both ways after the initial stop.

BEST REALISTIC TIPS FOR HAWAII ROAD TEST:

• If you're ready, and want to try and get an online appointment sooner, check the website around 10 am-11 am. This is the best time to check because some appointments tend to become available that could be within days, or next week. Although things could change because of COVID-19. If not, your best bet is to schedule one (could be within months time) or do a walk-in. So be there bright and early.

• Make sure you're comfortable driving in the area that you're taking your test in (obviously). There are different things commonly required at different DMVs. For example, Kapolei almost always does parallel parking. Ko'olau could make you park on a hill, make sure you know which way to turn your wheel uphill and downhill. Know the roads in that area.

• Do your HEAD CHECKS. Exaggerate them, but nothing too crazy.

• DO NOT depend on the maps people post on sites. Every examiner is different and could give you a different route.

• Watch your nerves. You do not want them to get too bad to the point where it shifts your ability to drive safely.

• Check BIKE LANES. Physically move your head and look all the way back.

• Use your MIRRORS.

• Use your TURN SIGNALS! (thanks to one of the comments who mentioned this) And please continue to use them AFTER the test! Don’t just stop because you passed and are able to drive legally now.

• Watch your SPEED.

• When switching lanes, use your mirror AND look over your shoulder.

• At a stop sign or red light, do a COMPLETE stop behind the line. Look both ways, then pass when you see its clear and safe.

• Avoid talking too much. You might irritate your examiner and give the intention that you aren't paying attention to the road.

• Be confident, but not overly confident.

• It doesn't matter where you go, you could get the same examiner that might've failed you the last time you took it. The examiners work all around the island (not sure if the same applies to islands outside O'ahu). Don't think you have better luck because you're taking your test at a different DMV. You could have that one dragon lady or the old grumpy dude people tend to talk about whether you like it or not.

• PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!

Based on what I've heard... "Easier" test locations: Waianae, Wahiawa, Koolau or Kapolei

"Hard" test locations: Dillingham

Some of the tips seem obvious, but they're good reminders. There is no shortcut to passing the test. If you're looking for a way to easily pass a test, a road test is not a place to do it. This is for the safety of our people. Some say Dillingham is the hardest, and Wahiawa is the easiest. But it all depends on your examiner and the route they test you on. Everyone's testing experience is different. Some get lucky, and some don't. Just be sure you KNOW how to drive safely and would not be of danger to anyone on the road. That is literally the point of the test.

Have any tips or stories? Feel free to share you experience below.

Best of luck to future test takers.

Aloha