Delaware

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Delaware, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to Delaware permanently, you have 60 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. Delaware recognizes out-of-state permits.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing (that is, not expired, revoked or suspended), knowledge and road tests are waived.

To transfer your out-of-state license to a Delaware license, you will simply need to:

• Turn in your current license.

OR

• Bring a certified copy of your driving record to the DE DMV.

You'll also need to bring proof of your:

• Identity and age.
• Legal status in the United States.
• Delaware residency.

If you're moving to Delaware, you have 60 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

If you failed your DE road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your Delaware driving skills test, you will have to wait a minimum of 10 days before you can try again.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 10 days before retesting.

In the meantime, you may want to study with a free practice test!

If you don't pass your written test in Delaware, you won't be eligible to take the driving exam. You must retake and pass the written test in order to move on.

You'll also have to wait at least 10 days before you can re-take your written test, so you may want to study with a free practice test in the meantime.

However, if you're under 18 and using the state's Graduated Driver's License program, it is not necessary to take the written or driving skills exams to earn your full Class D license.

You can schedule your DE driving exam either:

• Online.
• By contacting the DMV office directly.

Once you pass the written permit test in Delaware, you'll be eligible to take the road test within 10 days.

However, if you are under 18 years old and using the state's Graduated Driver's License system, it is not necessary to take the written or driving test to earn your full Class D license.

You can take the test in person at any participating DMV office.

However, if you're under 18 years old and using the state's Graduated Driver's License program, it's not necessary to take a written or driving exam to earn your full Class D license.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test with a legally-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can take the Delaware written exam as many times as you need to in order to pass. However, if you fail, you'll have to wait at least 10 days before you can retake the test.

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Delaware address.
  • Social Security number.
• The learner's permit fee.

The Delaware written driver's exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, split into two major sections, including:

• Delaware highway signs and signals, which tests you on:
  • Identifying traffic signs by their:
    • Shape.
    • Color.
    • Symbol.
  • Understanding the meaning of each sign or pavement marking.
• DE rules of the road, which tests you on:
  • Speed limits.
  • Motor vehicle laws.
  • What to do in different driving scenarios.

Although you can retake the test, there's a mandatory waiting period, so it's a good idea to practice beforehand.

Yes. You can schedule your Delaware knowledge test through the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Some DE DMV locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office.

If you have special needs, you can arrange alternate formats with the DE DMV. Make sure the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

Yes. If renewing your license in-person, you will be asked to take a vision exam.

It depends. Delaware allows mail-in license renewals if you are out-of-state due to:

• Active military duty/being married to someone on active military duty.
• Working for the Department of Defense.

All other residents must renew online or in-person.

Yes. Delaware driver's licenses can be renewed online in most cases.

If you don't already have a REAL ID, you'll need the following to renew your Delaware driver's license:

• Your current, valid license.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Legal status in the United States.
  • Social Security number.
  • Delaware residency.
• The license renewal fee.

If you're changing your name, you will also have to bring additional documentation proving your new name.

If you already have a REAL ID, you simply need to bring in your license and the appropriate fee.

Most people can renew their Delaware driver's license online.

Otherwise, you can renew your license in person at the DE DMV if you schedule an appointment.

Your Delaware driver's license must be renewed every 8 years.

You can renew your license any time in the 6-month period before its expiration date.

Delaware license renewals currently cost $40.

Fees are subject to change. It's best to check directly with the DE DMV for the most up-to-date information.

Currently, the cost of driving permits and licenses in Delaware are:

• Driver's license: $40.
• License renewal: $40.
• Duplicate license: $20.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Delaware driving permit.

No. The Delaware written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're under 18 years old, you will need a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor to sign a consent form on your behalf before you can be issued your permit.

To get your learner's permit in Delaware, you'll need to bring in:

• Your Driver's Ed completion certificate.
• Proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Legal status in the U.S.
  • Delaware residency.
  • Social Security number.
• The appropriate fee.

There will also be a consent form that must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Delaware learner's permit.

To apply for a Delaware learner's permit, you'll have to be at least 16 years old.

Schedule an appointment with your closest participating DE Division of Motor Vehicles office, and bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Delaware address.
  • Social Security number.
• Your Driver's Ed completion certificate.
• A parent or legal guardian.
  • They must sign a consent form on your behalf.
• The appropriate fee.

At this appointment, you'll also need to successfully pass a vision exam.

Once the tests are passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you'll be issued your Delaware learner's permit.

The Delaware written driver's exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions, split into two major sections, including:

• Delaware highway signs and signals, which tests you on:
  • Identifying traffic signs by their:
    • Shape.
    • Color.
    • Symbol.
  • Understanding the meaning of each sign or pavement marking.
• DE rules of the road, which tests you on:
  • Speed limits.
  • Motor vehicle laws.
  • What to do in different driving scenarios.

All questions will be sourced directly from the Delaware Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes.

You'll need to complete a state-approved Driver's Ed course before you can apply for your DE learner's permit.

Reading the Delaware Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your DE learner's permit.

No. A medical physical exam is not required to get a regular Delaware driver's license.

At your initial learner's permit appointment, you'll have to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Delaware address.
  • Social Security number.
• The appropriate fee.

If you're under 18, you'll also need to bring:

• Your Driver's Ed completion certificate.
• A parent or legal guardian.
  • They must sign a consent form on your behalf.

If you're 18 or older, you must arrive with someone who's at least 21 and has their full Class D license.

You can contact the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles by email, phone, or regular mail. Details can be found on the DE Division of Motor Vehicles's website.

Where do I go to apply for my driver's license in DE?

You'll have to apply at a participating Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.

You can apply for a learner's permit in Delaware when you're 16 years old.

When driving on your Delaware learner's permit, you must:

• Have your permit in the vehicle at all times.
• NOT use a cell phone or other communication device while driving.
• Have a fully-licensed adult supervisor, who is at least 25 years old, in the car for the first 6 months.
  • Only one other passenger allowed, unless members of your immediate family.

When driving on your Unsupervised Level 1 learner's permit, you'll be able to drive unsupervised, but you may NOT:

• Drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. UNLESS going to:
  • Church.
  • School.
  • Work.
• Have more than 1 passenger in the car, unless also accompanied by a licensed adult 25 or older.

Once you turn 18, all restrictions on your license are lifted.

When driving on your Delaware learner's permit, you must:

• Have your permit in the vehicle at all times.
• NOT use a cell phone or other communication device while driving.
• Have a fully-licensed adult supervisor, who is at least 25 years old, in the car for the first 6 months.
  • Only one other passenger allowed, unless members of your immediate family.

When driving on your Unsupervised Level 1 learner's permit, you'll be able to drive unsupervised, but you may NOT:

• Drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. UNLESS going to:
  • Church.
  • School.
  • Work.
• Have more than 1 passenger in the car, unless also accompanied by a licensed adult 25 or older.

To get your DE driver's license, you'll have to have a parent or legal guardian sign a consent form on your behalf.

If you're under 18 years old and using Delaware's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, you'll have to pass a vision exam. It is not necessary to take the written and driving skills exams.

If you're 18 or older, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

To apply for a Delaware learner's permit, you'll need to pass a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

Before you can apply for your Delaware instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

To be eligible for a Delaware instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Pass a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity and age.
  • Legal status in the United States.
  • Delaware residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Pay the permit fee.

If you're under 18 and using the state's Graduated Driver's License program, you'll also have to pass a vision test.

If you're 18 or over, you'll need to pass a vision test and written exam to earn your learner's permit.

No. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be eligible to take the DE road test.

During your Delaware road test, you'll drive through a variety of traffic situations with an examiner. The examiner will ride in the passenger seat and give you verbal instructions.

You'll be observed and graded on your ability to:

• Respond appropriately to road signs, traffic signals and pavement markings.
• Parallel park.
• Make three-point turns.
• Safely make right- and left-hand turns.
• Change lanes.
• Understand and use right-of-way rules.
• Maintain proper speed.
• Back up at least 50 feet.
• Follow and overtake vehicles.
• Enter and navigate intersections.
• Know various vehicle controls.

The examiner may also ask you to perform additional tasks. The test will last approximately 30 minutes.

Make sure to bring the following documents with you:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• The valid driver's license of the person accompanying you.
• Valid registration and insurance cards for the vehicle you're driving.

During the test, the following are also prohibited:

• Smoking.
• Listening to music.
• Using a cell phone.
• Using any parking assist technology.

You must be accompanied by a fully-licensed adult who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your Delaware road test must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully-functioning:

• Brakes and brake lights.
• Speedometer.
• Turn signals.
• Seat belts.
• Tires.
• Front driver- and passenger-side doors.
• Front driver- and passenger-side windows.
• Windshield. (No cracks or major chips that obstruct your view allowed.)
• Horn.
• Rear view mirrors.

The vehicle must also have up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Vehicle tags.
• Insurance.

Take your road test at your closest participating Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Currently, the cost of driving permits and licenses in Delaware are:

• Driver's license: $40.
• License renewal: $40.
• Duplicate license: $20.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information.

The Delaware Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local DE DMV office for a copy.

In Delaware, you must be at least:

• 16 years old to apply for your learner's permit.
• 18 years old to apply for your full Delaware driver's license.

Delaware utilizes a Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program for anyone under 18.

Through the GLD program, you will only technically have to apply for your DE learner's permit. After successfully following the GLD rules on your learner's permit for 12 months, you will automatically be eligible to upgrade to your full Class D license.

If you're 18 or older, applying for your Delaware license involves (in order):

• Passing a written and vision exam.
• Waiting at least 10 days (but no more than 6 months).
• Passing a driving exam.
• Paying the driver's license fee.

At that point, your license will be issued, with no restrictions.

You'll have to apply at a participating Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Delaware DMV.

If you're over 18, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identification and age.
• Lawful status in the U.S.
• Delaware address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your initial learner's permit when you're under 18 in Delaware, you'll need:

• Proof of your:
  • Identification.
  • Lawful status in the U.S.
  • Delaware address.
  • Social Security number.
• A certificate of completion from an approved Driver's Ed course.

A parent or legal guardian must also be present to sign a consent form for you.

To upgrade to your Unsupervised Level 1 learner's permit, you'll need to return to the DMV with a driving log certifying:

• 50 hours of practice time.
• 10 hours of night driving practice.

To qualify for your Delaware driver's license if you're under 18, you must:

• Have your Learner's permit for at least 12 months.

AND

• Have a clean driving record, with no:
  • Accidents.
  • Traffic violations.
  • License revocations, restrictions, or other issues.

You'll also have to follow all the rules of the Graduated Driver's License system, including various license restrictions throughout the process.

To get your driver's license in Delaware if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 18 years old, it's not necessary to take your road test in order to obtain your Class D driver's license.

If you're 18 years old or older, you can take your road test 10 days after passing your written exam.

Delaware does not allow for anyone with a suspended license to drive for any reason. Unfortunately, if your license is revoked or suspended in Delaware, you'll have to find alternative transportation for the duration of the suspension period.

In Delaware, a Level One Learner's Permit (often referred to as a restricted license) is part of the state's graduated driver's license program. A person with a Level One Learner's Permit is required to hold the permit for at least 12 months. During the first six months after the permit has been issued, the driver is not allowed to have any passengers other than a supervising driver, who must be a parent, guardian, or a licensed driver approved by the parent or guardian.

After the initial 6-month period, the driver may transport up to one passenger other than immediate family or a supervising driver. There are also restrictions on driving between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or a licensed adult aged 25 years or older.

Yes. Delaware uses a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which gives you certain driving privileges over a period of time.

If you're 16 or 17 and driving on your learner's permit, you must:

• Have your permit in the vehicle at all times.
• NOT use a cell phone or other communication device while driving.
• Have a fully-licensed adult supervisor, who is at least 25 years old, in the car for the first 6 months.
  • Only one other passenger allowed, unless members of your immediate family.

If you're 16 or 17 and driving on your Unsupervised Level 1 learner's permit, you'll be able to drive unsupervised, but you may NOT:

• Drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. UNLESS going to:
  • Church.
  • School.
  • Work.
• Have more than 1 passenger in the car, unless also accompanied by a licensed adult 25 or older.

Once you turn 18, all restrictions on your license are lifted.

After you pass your Delaware road test, you'll be granted your full Class D driver's license.

However, if you're under 18 and using Delaware's Graduated Driver's License system, it's not necessary to take a road test to earn your full license.

During the first six months of holding your permit, you'll have to drive with:

• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 25 years old.
• Only one additional passenger, unless they're members of your immediate family.

During the second six months of holding your permit, you will be able to drive unsupervised, but NOT:

• Have more than 1 passenger, unless a licensed adult 25 or older is present.
• Drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless going to:
  • School.
  • Work.
  • Church.

No. Your photo will be taken at whichever DE DMV office you go to when you're issued your permit.

Once you get your Delaware instruction permit, you will be able to drive with anyone who is at least 25 years old and fully licensed.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the Delaware Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The Delaware written exam consists of 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 30 total questions on the Delaware permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

Delaware requires all motorists are required to carry:

• Bodily injury liability insurance that covers at least:
  • $25,000 per person.
  • $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability coverage for at least $10,000.
• Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, for at least:
  • $25,000 per person.
  • $50,000 per accident.

The Delaware written knowledge exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 6 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

You'll have to apply at a participating Division of Motor Vehicles office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.