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State offers
motorcycle
test waivers

Question: I am a U.S. Department of Defense employee stationed in Japan, but have maintained my Hawaii residency and hold a current, valid type-3 Hawaii driver's license (for car only). I have a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) driver's license, which allows me to drive anywhere in Japan. In addition to the mandatory driver's safety class, I have taken the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course, required for a motorcycle license. My SOFA license is endorsed for all motorcycle sizes and using it, I can obtain an international driver's license. The international license will allow me to rent and ride a motorcycle in Hawaii. On a recent trip back to Honolulu, I went to a driver's license center and asked if I could have my Hawaii driver's license class changed to a type 2 for motorcycles. I was given information about taking a motorcycle class at the University of Hawaii. Most states will convert a driver's license to a type 2 automatically, if the requester can present a MSF Basic Riders Course completion card, with no additional requirements. Why must I take an additional class (at a cost of $150) to get my Hawaii license changed?

Answer: Because the SOFA license is not considered a valid driver's license except in the foreign country in which it was issued and with which the U.S. has an agreement, according to Dennis Kamimura, administrator of the city Motor Vehicle & Licensing Division.

That license is issued only to a U.S. citizen officially stationed in the foreign country, with a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory, and who is required to drive in the local community, he said.

"In order to drive in the foreign country and be protected by this agreement, a person must have the SOFA license on his/her person," Kamimura said. The SOFA license has nothing to do with the International Driving Permit, which requires Americans to have a valid license issued by a state or U.S. territory, he said.

He said he wasn't aware of any car or motorcycle rental companies in Hawaii accepting either the SOFA license or international permit. But whether they do or not, he said, would be based on company policy.

As for obtaining a motorcycle license in Hawaii, applicants must pass a 25-question written test, a vision test and a driving test.

Under state law, the state director of transportation may waive the motorcycle driving test if the applicant takes a motorcycle education course approved by the director. The only approved course is the one offered by the University of Hawaii, Kamimura said.

The same law allows the city to waive the motorcycle driving test if a person has a motorcycle license issued by another U.S. jurisdiction. The SOFA license is not issued by a U.S. jurisdiction, Kamimura said.

Mahalo

To all the high school bands that livened up our Kamehameha Day parades. We thank you for all your time, money and effort into brightening up our parades with your colors and your beautiful music. -- Linda K.

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