Delaware permit test
Test requirements, handbook sources, and practice for Delaware.
Test and permit facts
Read the scope and exceptions alongside each fact. Requirements still awaiting review are omitted; their absence does not mean the agency has no rule.
| Fact | Delaware | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Agency | Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles | Official source · PDF page 3 |
| Test name | knowledge test | |
| Teen exam rule | The GDL route requires driver education. At age 18 or older, an applicant may opt out of GDL and take vision, knowledge and road-skills exams at DMV without a sponsor. | Official source 1 · PDF page 27 Official source 2 · PDF page 28 |
| Images used in the test | signs | Official source · PDF page 41 |
| Highway sign and signal test: format | Recognize sign shapes, colors and symbols, and explain signs, signals and markings. | Official source · PDF page 41 |
| Rules of the road test: format | Questions cover Delaware traffic rules, motor vehicle laws and safe driving. | Official source · PDF page 41 |
| Minimum permit age | 16 | Official source · PDF page 28 |
| Driver’s education | Applicants younger than 18 need approved driver education. The GDL Level One route also requires a Delaware course certificate or approval of an out-of-state certificate; the GDL eligibility range includes ages 16 through 21 with an active IEP. Applicants 18 or older may opt out of GDL and use the DMV examination route. | |
| Handbook | Delaware Driver's Manual | |
| Handbook edition | July 2026 | Official source · PDF page 1 |
| Requirements for applicants under 18 | For the GDL Level One route, bring a certificate for a completed Delaware-approved driver education course and obtain a qualified sponsor’s signature at DMV. Provide the required identity, legal-presence, Social Security and residency evidence; the two residency proofs are waived when the sponsor holds a Delaware license and shares the applicant’s address. Pass vision screening and pay the Class D fee, whose published amounts conflict in the sources below. | Official source 1 · PDF page 28 Official source 2 · PDF page 29 |
| Documents to bring | For a standard driver-license application, supply one primary identity document and one secondary document. The primary evidence must establish the full name and birth date and be verifiable., Supply proof of a Social Security number if eligible, two Delaware residency proofs, and legal-presence evidence for a non-US citizen. Driving Privilege Card applicants have a separate checklist., For the GDL application, the two residency proofs are waived if the sponsor has a Delaware license and lives with the applicant. Also provide the driver education certificate and sponsor signature., A federally compliant identity document requires evidence of citizenship or legal presence. Applicants younger than 18, and eligible IEP GDL applicants, must show a document naming their parent or legal guardian. | |
| Agency offices and appointments | Delaware City DMV: 2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720; 302-326-5000., Greater Wilmington DMV: 2230 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720; 302-434-3200., Dover DMV: 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19903; 302-744-2500., Georgetown DMV: 23737 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947; 302-853-1000., Published office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 AM–4 PM; Wednesday, 11 AM–6:30 PM. Check holiday closures with DMV. |
Start with the handbook
Official source · PDF page 1
Study the federal road-sign catalog.
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