Delaware Permit Test FAQ

16. The Level One Learner's Permit is for teens from 16 up to 18 (or up to 22 for students with an active IEP), and you first need a Delaware Driver Education Certificate from an approved course. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 28)

A properly licensed parent or guardian, or a licensed driver your sponsor approves, who is 25 or older and has held a Class D license for at least five years. They sit next to you in the front, and nobody else rides up front. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 29)

After the first six months of the permit, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. still needs a supervisor, unless you are going straight to or from work, church activities or your school's activities on school grounds. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 30)

Besides the adult supervisor, only one other passenger during the whole 12 months, though immediate family may also ride while the supervisor is present. When driving alone in the second six months, you may carry just one passenger. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 29–30)

The sponsor (usually a parent) signs the application in front of a DMV employee, shares liability for damage the new driver causes through negligence, decides who may supervise, and can withdraw their endorsement, which cancels the driving privilege. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 28–29)

No. From 18 it is optional. Without it you need no sponsor, but you pass the eye, knowledge and road skills exams at the DMV and practice on a learner's permit with a licensed driver at least 21 years old. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 30)

Two parts: a highway sign and signal test (naming signs by shape, color or symbol and explaining signs, signals and pavement markings) and a rules of the road test on Delaware laws and safe driving, such as speed limits and how far to park from a hydrant. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 41)

32 questions, and you need 26 right to pass. The manual doesn't give the test size; this is from the DMV's written test page. (Delaware DMV: Sample Written Test)

At least 20/40, with or without glasses or contacts. Between 20/40 and 20/50 you may be allowed to drive in daylight only, and if you need lenses your license says so. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 40–41)

Your valid learner's permit, the license of the driver who came with you (at least 21), and the registration and insurance card for the vehicle you test in. The vehicle must pass a basic safety check first. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 42)

Prepare well and try again later: the manual says you wait at least 30 days before retaking it. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 43)

Unless signs say otherwise: 20 mph in school zones, 25 mph in business and residential districts, 50 mph on two-lane roads, 55 mph on divided or four-lane roads and expressways, and 65 mph on Route 1 and I-495. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 93)

Only hands-free: hand-held phone use and texting are banned for all drivers. Drivers on the graduated license may not use a phone at all, not even hands-free. Reporting an emergency is allowed. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 81)

Points count fully for 12 months and at half value for the next 12. At 8 calculated points the DMV sends an advisory letter, at 12 you must take a behavior modification course, and from 14 points suspensions start at 4 months. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 47)

Drivers under 21 who drive after drinking any alcohol lose their license for 2 months on a first offense and 6 to 12 months for each later one. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 54)