Updated for 2026

Delaware Delaware DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$40.00 (Class D License Fee)

Testing System

touchscreen computer

Critical Failure Factors

A frequent reason for failure in Delaware is the inability to perform the parallel parking maneuver within a single attempt without hitting the curb, as well as misunderstanding the 'Move Over' law's specific requirement to slow down by 20 mph if a lane change is impossible.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Delaware's traffic regulations are codified in Title 21 of the Delaware Code and are strictly enforced to ensure safety on its busy corridors like I-95 and Route 1. A cornerstone of Delaware's driving laws is the Level One Learner's Permit, part of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. This is mandatory for all applicants under the age of 18 (starting at age 16). During the first six months of holding this permit, the teen driver must be supervised at all times by a licensed parent or guardian seated in the front passenger seat. Crucially, the permit holder is strictly prohibited from driving between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM unless traveling directly to or from church activities, work, or school events. Furthermore, during this period, only one passenger (other than the supervisor) is allowed in the vehicle. Delaware also enforces a robust 'Move Over Law'. This law mandates that any driver approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, roadside assistance vehicle, or even a civilian vehicle displaying hazard lights must change lanes into a lane not adjacent to the stopped vehicle. Unique to Delaware, if changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, the driver must reduce their speed to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit. For example, if the limit is 65 mph, you must slow to 45 mph. Regarding school buses, the law is specific: you must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. You must remain stopped until the lights are deactivated. The only exception—and a frequent test question—is if you are on a roadway with four or more lanes; in this case, only traffic following the bus must stop. Traffic approaching from the opposite direction on a 4-lane road proceeds with caution but does not stop. Delaware also has a 'Zero Tolerance' statute for underage drinking and driving. Any driver under 21 found with a BAC of 0.02% or higher will have their license revoked for two months for a first offense. Additionally, Delaware is a 'hands-free' state; holding a cell phone while driving is a primary offense, meaning police can pull you over solely for that reason.

Statistical Realities

Delaware, often called the 'First State', presents a surprisingly dense and fast-paced driving environment that requires sharp situational awareness. A critical fact for test-takers to remember is the danger associated with Route 13 and Route 1, which are statistically some of the deadliest roads in the state due to high speeds and frequent intersections. The Delaware driver's manual places significant emphasis on 'defensive driving' to combat this risk. In fact, Delaware offers a unique incentive: drivers who voluntarily complete an approved defensive driving course can receive a 10% discount on their auto insurance liability premiums for three years, and a 15% discount upon completing a refresher course. This is not just a perk but a state-sanctioned program to improve road safety. Another distinct feature of the Delaware test is the mandatory inclusion of parallel parking in the road skills exam. Unlike some states that have removed it, Delaware examiners strictly grade this maneuver; hitting a cone or the curb often results in an automatic failure. Environmentally, drivers must be aware of the state's coastal geography which leads to frequent fog and sudden localized flooding during storms, requiring the use of low-beam headlights. It is also important to note that Delaware uses a point system to penalize bad driving. Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit incurs 2 points, but speeding 15-19 mph over results in 5 points. However, the state has a 'good behavior' credit: for every 12 months of violation-free driving, points on your record are halved. Regarding the written test itself, it consists of 30 questions, and you must answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. The questions are randomly selected from a pool covering road signs, traffic laws, and safety rules. A little-known fact is that if you are under 18 and applying for your GDL, your parent or sponsor is legally required to certify that you have completed 50 hours of driving practice, 10 of which must be at night, before you can advance to unsupervised driving. Finally, always remember the specific 'Stopping Distance' rule mentioned in the manual: at 50 mph, it takes about 268 feet to react and stop a vehicle safely, a statistic that often appears in the safety section of the exam.