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Original questions based on the latest DelawareDE Driver Handbook Expert-reviewed by S. Litvintchouk, M.S. (MIT), Chief Educational Researcher

Free Delaware DMV Permit Practice Test 2026

Avg. pass rate on our DE tests: 50%.
Average pass rate for this test: 51%.
Moderate
6 min
Score distribution:
90-100=>9%
80-89=>15%
70-79=>23%
60-69=>25%
<60%=>27%
Avg. first-try score: 65%
Perfect for:
Learner’s permit applicants
First‑time adult applicants

To get your Delaware DMV Level One Learner’s Permit, you must be at least 16 years old and pass a vision screening and the written permit knowledge test. The permit test consists of multiple-choice questions based on the state’s DMV 2026 Driver’s Manual.

Our free online Delaware DMV permit practice test mirrors the official exam. It is up to date as of May 2026 and based on the state manual, providing you with questions and answers to help you study. Immediate feedback is provided on any missed questions instead of at the end of the assessment.

Once you’re ready to apply for the permit, go to the DMV with proof of identity (birth certificate, passport), Social Security card, two proofs of residence (utility bill, bank statement), and, if not a US citizen, proof of legal residence and sponsorship identification. If under 18, you’ll need your Delaware Driver Education Certificate and signed consent (in person) from a parent or legal guardian. Submit the documents, pass a vision screening, pay the fee, and pass the official written test.

If you fail, you must wait several days and pay a retest fee upon the third attempt.

The Level One Learner’s Permit is the first phase of Delaware’s Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program for drivers under 18 (up to 22 for those with an Individualized Education Program (IEP)). At age 16, after completing Driver Education, you can apply for this permit. For the first six months, you must drive with a licensed adult (age 25+ with five years of licensure). You can’t drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for work, school, or church. No phone or electronic device use is allowed while driving. After six violation-free months, you may start driving unsupervised but with nighttime restrictions. Once you’ve held your permit for a year with no violations, you’re free to drive unsupervised. At age 18, you can apply for an unrestricted license after completing the GDL program with no violations.

If you’re 18 or older, the GDL phases do not apply. Once you satisfy the requirements for your Level One Learner’s Permit and have practiced, you can take the road skills test to apply for an unrestricted license.

Free Delaware DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
DE DMV driver's license
Last verified:
Tricky exam topics covered here:
DE implied consent
Dui & Alcohol Limits
Parking Rules
Road Signs
6 DE students practicing right now 6 DE students online now
28 tests completed today statewide

Delaware permit test: quick facts

What to expect at the DMV

Questions
30 multiple-choice
Passing score
24 correct (80%)
Time limit
None
Fee
$40 (knowledge test)
If you fail
Retake 10 days
Supervised hours
50 hours (10 at night)
Where
Any Delaware DMV office (find locations)
What to bring
ID + SSN + residency proof + permit/license fee (see checklist)
Minimum age
16
Test languages
English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Nepali, Portuguese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Yoruba and more (17 languages)
Online testing
No (in-person only)
Did you know?
Delaware offers the test in 17 languages, including Yoruba - reflecting the state's growing West African community.

Where Delaware test-takers struggle most

Based on 745 Delaware learners who practiced on our site in the last 30 days. 49% pass our practice tests, with an average first-try score of 66%.

37.4 % miss
Vehicle Equipment

Every vehicle must have functioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

34.8 % miss
Traffic Signals

A flashing red signal is treated the same as a stop sign: come to a complete stop and yield before proceeding. A flashing yellow signal means slow down and proceed with caution, yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic.

31.9 % miss
Intersections

At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle that arrived first. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the driver on your right. When turning left, yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the turn.

30.9 % miss
Turning & U-Turns

Signal your intent to turn at least 300 feet before turning in Delaware. After turning, move into the nearest lane going in your direction, then change lanes if needed - you cannot swing wide into a far lane.

30.8 % miss
Impaired & Distracted Driving

Delaware's legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21. Texting while driving carries fines starting at $100 for a first offense.

Data updated daily from our practice test results

First-try score distribution

How Delaware learners score on their first practice test attempt

90-100
39%
80-89
25%
70-79
14%
60-69
9%
<60
13%

Delaware-specific rules you must know

Rules that are unique to Delaware or differ from most other states

Joint liability for sponsoring parents

When a parent or guardian signs the GDL application sponsoring a teen driver, they assume joint legal liability for any damages caused by the teen's negligence while driving. This financial exposure persists throughout the GDL period or until the minor turns 18.

Sponsor withdrawal authority

A sponsoring parent or guardian can revoke their endorsement at any time before the minor turns 18, which immediately cancels the teen's permit or GDL license. This authority exists independently of any violation or court action.

Permit auto-conversion

After completing the full 12-month GDL program without disqualifying violations, Delaware automatically converts the learner's permit to a full Class D license. There is no separate application step required for the conversion.

Volunteer firefighter exemption

Teen drivers who are active volunteer firefighters or EMTs are fully exempt from all GDL restrictions - including nighttime curfew and passenger limits - when responding to emergency calls. This exemption applies during both transit to and from the call.

1,379 practice tests completed by Delaware learners this month

Reviewed for legal and handbook accuracy

Steven Litvintchouk

M.S. (MIT, Columbia), Chief Educational Researcher. ACES member (Society for Editing). Verifies all 50 state tests against official handbooks weekly.

Test design and learning experience oversight

Andrei Zakhareuski

Co-founder & CEO, Driving-Tests.org

Questions are created and maintained by the Driving-Tests.org content team following our multi-layer editorial process and updated whenever the Delaware DMV changes its handbook or website information. Official sources we check: 

How to study for the Delaware permit test

  1. Start here. One of 4 free online Delaware tests. ~6 min. Read explanations as you go.
  2. Cover more ground. All tests have different questions - no repeats.
  3. Finish strong. Try the Exam Simulator for a full-length run.

Why this works

  • Exam-like questions from the current handbook + questions most people get wrong. Explanations cite the manual.
  • AI Assistant explains like a friend.
  • Performance Insights shows where you need work.
  • Challenge Bank™ saves your mistakes for targeted practice.
  • Proven Progress Students improve from 66% → 72% after just 3 tests.

Sample Delaware permit test questions

7 questions written and verified by our content team against the current Delaware Driver Handbook

  1. Question 1 of 7

    When approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane road in Delaware, what must you do?

    • A. Stop completely until the emergency vehicle moves
    • B. Make an appropriate lane change away from the vehicle when possible
    • C. Flash your headlights to alert other drivers
    • D. Reduce speed to 15 mph and continue in the same lane
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B - Make an appropriate lane change away from the vehicle when possible

    This law covers more than just police cars. When you approach a stationary emergency vehicle, a DelDOT vehicle with flashing amber lights, or a tow truck with flashing lights, make a lane change away from them if possible. On a two-lane road where changing lanes isn't an option, slow down below the posted speed limit until you've completely passed.

    Source: DE Driver Manual, Section Four - Move Over Laws, p.79
  2. Question 2 of 7

    In Delaware, what happens if you refuse to submit to a chemical test when an officer suspects you of driving under the influence?

    • A. You receive a written warning but keep your license
    • B. Your license may be revoked for one to two years depending on prior offenses
    • C. You are automatically charged with a DUI
    • D. You face a 30-day license suspension and a $100 fine
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B - Your license may be revoked for one to two years depending on prior offenses

    By holding a Delaware license, you have already given implied consent to chemical testing. If you refuse, the arresting officer will deliver a refusal report to the Division of Motor Vehicles, which may revoke your license and driving privileges for one to two years. The length depends on prior DUI offenses, prior refusals, and probable cause. Reasonable steps can also be taken to conduct tests without your consent.

    Source: DE Driver Manual, Section Two - Implied Consent Law, p.52
  3. Question 3 of 7

    When is it legal to use studded tires in Delaware?

    • A. November 1 through March 31
    • B. October 15 through April 15
    • C. December 1 through March 1
    • D. Year-round with no restrictions
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B - October 15 through April 15

    Studded tires are permitted only from October 15 through April 15 in Delaware. Outside that window, they are illegal. Keep in mind that other states have different time periods for studded tires, and a few states ban them entirely. If you plan to drive through another state while studded tires are on your vehicle, check that state's laws first.

    Source: DE Driver Manual, Section Three - Studded Tires, p.60
  4. Question 4 of 7

    What is the minimum fine for operating an uninsured motor vehicle in Delaware?

    • A. $500
    • B. $1,000
    • C. $1,500
    • D. $2,000
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C - $1,500

    Operating without insurance carries a fine of not less than $1,500 and not more than $2,000 for the first offense. On top of the fine, the DMV will impose a mandatory suspension of your driver license and driving privileges for six months. Providing false proof of insurance adds another $500 fine or 30 days in jail, plus a six-month license suspension.

    Source: DE Driver Manual, Section Three - Liability Insurance, Financial Responsibility and Penalty, p.62
  5. Question 5 of 7

    Under Delaware law, when must you turn on your headlights (not just parking lights)?

    • A. Only between sunset and sunrise
    • B. Whenever you use your windshield wipers, cannot see beyond 1,000 feet, or drive between sunset and sunrise
    • C. Only when visibility drops below 500 feet
    • D. Only during heavy rain, snow, or fog conditions
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: B - Whenever you use your windshield wipers, cannot see beyond 1,000 feet, or drive between sunset and sunrise

    Headlights are required in three situations: driving after sunset or before sunrise, anytime you cannot see beyond 1,000 feet, and whenever your windshield wipers are in use. Parking lights alone don't count. You must also switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet of a vehicle you're following.

    Source: DE Driver Manual, Section Three - Using Headlights, p.60
  6. Question 6 of 7

    On a highway with four or more lanes, if a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing on the opposite side of the road, are you required to stop?

    • A. Yes, you must always stop regardless of how many lanes there are
    • B. Yes, but only if there is no physical median separating the lanes
    • C. No, opposite-side drivers on a highway with four or more lanes are not required to stop
    • D. No, but you must reduce speed to 15 mph
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C - No, opposite-side drivers on a highway with four or more lanes are not required to stop

    On a highway with four or more lanes, drivers on the opposite side of the road are not required to stop for a school bus, though the handbook advises you should still proceed slowly. On roads with fewer than four lanes, drivers traveling in both directions must stop. Passing a stopped school bus with overhead and stop arm red lights flashing carries a fine between $115 and $230, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both for the first offense, plus a one-month license suspension.

    Source: DE Driver Manual, Section Four - Stopping For School Buses, pp. 86-87
  7. Question 7 of 7

    In Delaware's point system, how many points are assigned for speeding 10 to 14 mph over the posted limit?

    • A. 2 points
    • B. 3 points
    • C. 4 points
    • D. 5 points
    Show answer & explanation

    Correct answer: C - 4 points

    Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit is 2 points. 10-14 mph over is 4 points. 15-19 mph over is 5 points. At 20 mph or more over the limit, you face 5 points plus possible additional action including suspension. Hit 14 or more calculated points and you get a mandatory four-month license suspension.

    Source: DE Driver Manual, Section Two - Delaware Point System, p.45-46

Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S. (MIT), Chief Educational Researcher, on .

Real Delaware drivers who passed first try

Verified student reviews • Shared with permission

Helped me get my license!
The freedom, spontaneity and power that being able to drive gives someone is un measurable, As Stan Lee would say With great power comes great responsibility Stay safe out there everyone and God speed!
M
Perfect crash course..
The 7-Day crunch test, was perfect for me. I actually studied for 4 days, and passed my permit test on the first attempt. So happy that my mom introduced me to this, Driving Test, program. It was the crash course that I needed
LM
Awesome sauce.
I had my exam in less than 4 days and I had not studied at all. Using driving-tests.org got me to pass on the first attempt of my written test. They literally went over everything that would be on the test and more!
PW

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