How to Get Your Delaware Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Delaware license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Delaware learner permit you must be at least 16 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Delaware residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Delaware residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Delaware permit knowledge test
The Delaware knowledge test has 30 questions; you must answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Delaware-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Delaware knowledge test, you may retake it after at least one business day. You get up to 3 attempts within 90 days of your application. You may be charged a reexamination fee each time. After passing the knowledge test, you must wait at least 10 days before taking the road skills exam.
The best prep path is to read the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free DE practice test and the full 30-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Delaware learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $40).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Delaware's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Delaware license
Schedule your Delaware road test through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $40 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Delaware steps in order
As listed by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV):
- Be at least 16 years old.
- If under 18, complete a state-approved driver education class and earn the Blue Certificate.
- Gather proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or legal presence, Social Security number, and Delaware residency.
- Have a parent or guardian sign your application as your sponsor (required if under 18).
- Visit a Delaware DMV location, pay the application fee, and pass the vision screening.
- Pass the 30-question knowledge test (24 correct to pass).
- Receive your Level One Learner's Permit and practice with a licensed driver 25 or older.
- After at least 6 months on the permit (and 10 days after passing the knowledge test), pass the road skills test to advance to the Class D license.
FAQ: Getting Your Delaware License
How old do I need to be to get a Delaware learner permit?
You must be at least 16 to apply for a Delaware learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Delaware permit test?
The Delaware permit knowledge test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Delaware permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Delaware residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Delaware?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver manual lists Delaware's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Delaware driver license?
Yes — Delaware issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free DE practice tests mirror the real Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Delaware-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.