Delaware DMV Permit Test FAQ

You need 24 of 30 correct — exactly 80%. That means you can miss up to 6 questions and still pass.

If you fail, you can study and return to retake the test at any Delaware DMV facility. Effective September 11, 2023, all applicants must schedule an appointment for in-office services through dmv.de.gov before retesting. There is no published statutory waiting period (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 31).

A Delaware Class D Level 1 Learner's Permit can be issued at age 16. The maximum age to enter the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program is 18 (or 22 if you have an Individual Education Plan). Anyone under 18 must have a sponsor 25 or older who has held a valid Class D license for at least 5 years (p. 18, 24).

Hold the Level 1 Learner's Permit for at least 6 months and log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night). After 6 months on Level 2, unsupervised driving is allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for the next 6 months. ALL cell phone use is banned for permit and Level-2 drivers — even hands-free. Every occupant must wear a seat belt. Violations extend the GDL period (p. 24, 25).

Delaware's Zero Tolerance per-se BAC limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02%. A first violation triggers a 2-month license revocation; second and subsequent offenses bring a 6-month revocation. The under-21 driver does NOT have to be impaired — any measurable alcohol concentration at or above 0.02 is enough (p. 80).

Delaware legal BAC limits: 0.08% (drivers 21+), 0.02% (under 21 — Zero Tolerance), and 0.04% (commercial drivers). A first DUI carries a $500–$1,500 fine plus court costs and up to 12 months in jail. License revocation is 12 months (BAC under .15), 18 months (BAC .15–.19), or 24 months (.20+ or refusal). An Implied Consent refusal also triggers a separate 12-month revocation (p. 80, 81).

Delaware default speed limits: school zones 20 mph; business and residential districts 25 mph; two-lane roads 50 mph; divided 4-lane and controlled-access highways 55 mph; Route 1 and I-495 65 mph. The posted sign is always the maximum, and fines are doubled in active work zones (p. 50, 76, 77).

In Delaware, do not park within: 15 ft of a fire hydrant, 20 ft of a crosswalk, 30 ft of a stop sign or traffic signal, 50 ft of a railroad crossing, and 20 ft of a fire station entrance. When parallel parking, your wheels must be no more than 12 inches from the curb (p. 60, 61).

First Delaware DUI: $500–$1,500 fine plus court costs, up to 12 months in jail. License revocation = 12 mo (BAC < .15), 18 mo (.15–.19), or 24 mo (.20+ or chemical-test refusal). Repeat offenses bring much higher fines, mandatory jail, longer revocation, an Ignition Interlock Device, and possible felony charges. For DUI revocation help call the Delaware DMV at 302-744-2508 (p. 80, 81).

Delaware minimum coverage: PIP $15,000 / $30,000 (Personal Injury Protection per person/per accident), BI $25,000 / $50,000 (bodily injury liability), and $10,000 property damage. Driving uninsured carries a $1,500–$2,000 fine plus a 6-month license suspension. You must carry proof of insurance in the vehicle and present it on demand (p. 70).

Right on red: Allowed in Delaware after a complete stop, unless a sign or police officer prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and any cross traffic. Left on red: Allowed in Delaware only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to all traffic and pedestrians. The city of Wilmington and other municipalities may post additional restrictions (p. 53).

A standard Delaware Class D license is valid for 8 years ($40 renewal fee). You may renew up to 180 days (6 months) before the expiration date at any DMV facility. Eligible drivers can also renew online through dmv.de.gov; otherwise an in-person visit with vision and photo is required. Late renewals add a $10 fee. You must notify DMV of any change of address within 30 days — change of address is no charge (p. 31, 32, 66).