What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DMV office — start to finish.
A Delaware temporary motorcycle learner's permit lets you practice riding under set restrictions while you prepare for the motorcycle road test. You must already be a Delaware licensed driver before you can apply for the motorcycle endorsement.
The steps below follow the official Delaware DMV process for applicants 18 and older. Riders under 18 take a different route — they must complete the State-approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course. Confirm current fees with the Delaware DMV before you go.
You must already hold a valid Delaware driver license before applying for a motorcycle endorsement. Applicants under 18 must complete the State-approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course and need a parent's signature for the 'M' endorsement.
Study the Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual — the Sixteenth Edition of the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual. The 25-question knowledge test contains questions from all sections of the manual.
Visit one of the four Delaware Motor Vehicle facilities — Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover or Georgetown. Applicants 18 and older must pass a written knowledge test (20 of 25 correct to pass), an eye test, and a road-sign test.
After passing the preliminary tests and paying the $12.00 fee (for an eight-year license), you are issued a six-month temporary motorcycle learner's permit. One six-month extension is available for $5.00.
With the learner's permit you may not carry passengers, may not operate the motorcycle between sunset and sunrise, must wear an approved safety helmet and eye protection, and may not ride on the federal interstate highway system.
You must wait 10 days after the permit is issued before taking the motorcycle road test. After that you may take the test any time during the rest of the six-month permit period, at the lane where the permit was issued. Completing a State-approved Motorcycle Rider Education Course waives the knowledge and skills tests.
Check the official DMV page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details are confirmed on the official agency page. Both the 25-question count and the 80% passing score (20 correct) are confirmed on the official Delaware DMV page. The knowledge test contains questions from all sections of the Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual, and applicants 18 and older also take an eye test and a road-sign test. Delaware uses the Sixteenth Edition of the MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual.