The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Delaware DMV Class D knowledge test is 30 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 24 correct and can miss up to 6.
If you fail, you can study and return to retake the test at any DMV facility. Effective September 11, 2023, all applicants must schedule an appointment for in-office services through dmv.de.gov before retesting.
The test is given in person at any of Delaware's four DMV facilities — Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover, or Georgetown. You will also complete a vision screening (20/40 minimum standard) and, for new drivers, a road skills test on a separate appointment (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 18, 31).
Teens age 16 or 17 must complete a state-approved driver education course before being issued a Class D Level 1 Learner's Permit. The driver-ed course does not waive the DMV knowledge test (p. 24).
Delaware per-se BAC: 0.08% (drivers 21+), 0.02% (under 21 — Zero Tolerance), 0.04% (CDL). You can be arrested for DUI even below the limit if alcohol or drugs impair your ability to drive. Refusing a chemical test under Implied Consent triggers a separate 12-month license revocation (p. 80, 81).
1st DUI: $500–$1,500 fine + court costs, up to 12 months in jail, license revocation = 12 mo (BAC < .15), 18 mo (.15–.19), or 24 mo (.20+ or refusal). Repeat convictions add mandatory jail, longer revocation, an Ignition Interlock Device, and possible felony charges. DUI revocation help: 302-744-2508 (p. 80, 81).
Class D Level 1 minimum age: 16. Hold the Level 1 permit 6 months with 50 hrs supervised driving (10 night). After 6 months on Level 2, unsupervised driving is allowed only between 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. for the next 6 months. Sponsor must be 25+ with a Class D license held 5+ years. ALL phone use is banned for permit/Level-2 drivers — even hands-free (p. 18, 24, 25).
Delaware uses the 3-second rule: pick a fixed point ahead; count the seconds between when the vehicle ahead passes it and when you reach it. Less than 3 = following too closely. Increase the gap in poor weather, behind motorcycles or trucks, when towing, or at higher speeds (p. 51).
Delaware default 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 the maximum, and fines double in active work zones (p. 50, 76, 77).
Signal at least 300 feet before any turn or lane change. Right on red: legal in Delaware after a complete stop unless prohibited. Left on red: legal only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians (p. 53).
You must stop in both directions when a school bus is loading/unloading with red lights flashing — unless you are on the opposite side of a road with 4 or more lanes, in which case you may proceed slowly with caution. Yellow lights flash about 10 seconds before red. Pass-stop violation: $115–$230 fine + 30–60 days jail + 1-month license suspension for a first offense (p. 54, 55).
Headlights must be on whenever your wipers are active or visibility is less than 1,000 feet. High beams reveal 350 ft; low beams 100 ft. Dim high beams within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and 200 ft when following another vehicle. Tail lights must be visible from 500 ft, brake lights from 100 ft (p. 49, 67).
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; 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).
Children under 2 AND under 30 lbs must be in a rear-facing seat. Children under 4 AND under 40 lbs must use a harness restraint. Children must not sit in the front seat if they are under 12 OR under 5'5". Every occupant must wear a seat belt — Delaware Office of Highway Safety offers free car-seat checks at ohs.delaware.gov/carseat.shtml (p. 16).
Delaware requires 80% (24 correct out of 30) to pass. In practice, aim for 90%+ consistently before scheduling — that buffer absorbs test-day nerves and any tricky wording.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Delaware test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the Delaware Driver Manual (July 2025) at https://dmv.de.gov/. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Delaware is unusual for posting Route 1 and I-495 at 65 mph while most other controlled-access highways are 55 mph. School zones are only 20 mph (lower than the 25 mph residential default). Fines double in active work zones, and studded tires are legal only between October 15 and April 15 (p. 50, 76, 77).
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual