Delaware Motorcycle Knowledge Test — FAQ

The Delaware DMV motorcycle knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. The questions are drawn from all sections of the Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual.

You must answer at least 20 of the 25 questions correctly — an 80% passing score.

You need a motorcycle endorsement (the 'M' endorsement) on a Delaware driver license. You must already be a Delaware licensed driver before you can apply for the motorcycle endorsement.

Applicants 18 and older must pass a written knowledge test, an eye test, and a road-sign test. After passing those preliminary tests you are issued a six-month temporary motorcycle learner's permit, and you later take a motorcycle road test.

Riders under 18 must complete the State-approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course. The course includes a knowledge and skills test, and on successful completion you receive a Student Completion Card (SCC). You present the SCC at the DMV, pay the fee, pass an eye test, and the motorcycle endorsement is issued. A parent's signature is required for the 'M' endorsement.

The temporary motorcycle learner's permit is valid for six months. One six-month extension is available for a $5.00 fee.

You must wait 10 days after the temporary learner's permit is issued before taking the motorcycle road test. After the initial 10-day period you may take the road test any time during the remainder of the six-month permit period, at the lane where the permit was issued.

With a temporary motorcycle learner's permit you may not carry passengers, you may not operate the motorcycle between sunset and sunrise, you must wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection, and you may not ride on the federal interstate highway system.

Yes. If you complete a State-approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course, the knowledge and skills test — along with the six-month learner's permit requirement — is waived upon successful completion of the course.

Every person operating or riding on a motorcycle must have an approved safety helmet in their possession and must wear approved eye protection. In addition, every person up to 19 years of age operating or riding on a motorcycle must wear an approved safety helmet.

Riders 19 and older are not required by Delaware law to wear a helmet, but they must still carry an approved safety helmet in their possession and must wear approved eye protection. The helmet and eye protection must be approved by the Office of Highway Safety.

The motorcycle endorsement fee is $12.00 for an eight-year license. One six-month extension of the temporary learner's permit is available for $5.00. Confirm current fees with the Delaware DMV before your visit.

You can apply at one of the four Delaware Motor Vehicle facilities: Wilmington (2230 Hessler Blvd), Delaware City (2101 Mid County Dr), Dover (303 Transportation Circle), or Georgetown (23737 DuPont Blvd).

Yes. To earn the endorsement you must pass an on-cycle skills test (the motorcycle road test). The skills test checks basic vehicle control and crash-avoidance — accelerating, braking, turning, and completing normal and quick stops and swerves. It can be waived by completing a State-approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course.

Yes. Liability insurance is compulsory. Minimum Delaware coverage includes bodily injury protection of $25,000/$50,000, property damage of $10,000, and personal injury protection of $15,000/$30,000. Failure to insure your motorcycle can lead to a fine and a license suspension.

Delaware riders who successfully complete the approved Basic Rider Course are eligible for a 10% liability insurance premium reduction by presenting their Student Completion Card to their insurer. Completing an Experienced or Advanced Rider Course can qualify a rider for a 15% reduction.

The annual fee for a Delaware motorcycle registration (license plate) is $15.00.

Study the Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is the Sixteenth Edition of the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual published by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. Every knowledge-test question is drawn from it.