CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii, applicants must obtain their license through their respective County DMV, which operates under the Hawaii Department of Transportation. Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a vision test, and successfully completing written knowledge tests and a skills test. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for a permit and 21 for the full CDL, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. Hawaii offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDL holders, allowing them to transfer their license within 30 days of establishing residency.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Hawaii
| Detail | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | County DMVs (under the Hawaii Department of Transportation) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($15) |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18 years old for a CDL permit and 21 years old to obtain a CDL license. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees vary by county, but generally include a $30 application fee for a permit, $15 per knowledge test, and a $50 skills test fee. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants. Drivers on the islands of Lanai and Molokai may be eligible for a restricted CDL with waived portions of the skills test and ELDT requirements. |
Source: County DMVs (under the Hawaii Department of Transportation)
License Tiers
Hawaii offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Hawaii
The median cdl truck driver salary in Hawaii is $59,320 per year, which is 3.3% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,320 |
| 25th | $49,570 |
| 50th (median) | $59,320 |
| 75th | $62,730 |
| 90th (experienced) | $71,330 |
Hawaii employs approximately 4,100 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Hawaii Worth It?
Factors to consider: Hawaii's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.