US driving theory test practice

Delaware DMV Cheat Sheet

A condensed study guide for the Delaware DMV written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the Delaware-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official Delaware driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just Delaware? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.

30Questions
80%To Pass
$40.00 for a Class D license (GDL or 8-year first license).Fee

Delaware-Specific Rules

Minor & Provisional Licensing

  • GDL eligibility: at least 16 and under 18, or under 22 on an active IEP; requires a Delaware Driver Education Certificate.
  • Every GDL application needs a sponsor, jointly liable for damages, who can withdraw their endorsement any time until the minor turns 18.
  • GDL fee is $40.00 for a Class D license plus an eye screening; all new licenses are 8-year licenses.
  • Level One permit holders: no cell phone/device use at all; only an adult supervisor plus one other passenger for the first 12 months.
  • Supervising driver: parent/guardian/approved driver at least 25 years old, licensed at least 5 years, seated in the front seat.
  • First six months: supervised at all times; sponsor certifies 50 hours driving including 10 hours at night.
  • After 6 months: unsupervised 6am-10pm; 10pm-6am needs supervision except direct travel to church/work/school.
  • Level One violations: a two-month suspension for a first offense, a four-month suspension for subsequent offenses.
  • The GDL permit auto-converts to a Class D license after 12 months of valid driving authority.
  • Adult Temporary Instruction Permit (18 or older): valid twelve months, requires a licensed driver at least 21 years old, road exam no sooner than 10 days after issuance.

Licensing Procedure & Documents

  • New residents have 60 days to apply for a Delaware license, with proof of legal presence, SSN, and two proofs of residency.
  • Licenses are valid 8 years; renew during the 180-day window before expiration (CDL: 30 days before).
  • The two-proofs-of-residency requirement is waived if the GDL sponsor is a licensed Delaware driver at the same address.
  • Written/road exams are normally waived when transferring a valid out-of-state license.
  • Motorcycle, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, and Passenger endorsements transfer for a fee; Taxi/Limousine doesn't transfer.
  • Address changes must be reported within 30 days.
  • New residents must title/register their vehicle within 60 days.
  • The Insurance ID Card must be carried in the vehicle at all times and is re-issued every six months.

Rules of the Road

  • Speed limits: 20 mph school zones, 25 mph business/residential, 50 mph two-lane roads, 55 mph divided roads and roads with four or more lanes, 65 mph Route 1 and I-495.
  • Stop for a school bus loading/unloading from either direction, except on the opposite side of a highway with four or more lanes (then proceed slowly).
  • Passing a stopped school bus: $115.00 to $230.00 fine and/or 30 to 60 days jail (first offense); $115.00 to $575.00 and 60 days to six months (repeat within three years).
  • Headlights required after sunset/before sunrise, when visibility drops below 1,000 feet, and whenever wipers are on.
  • Signal at least 300 feet before stopping, turning, or changing lanes.
  • Children under 2 and under 30 lbs ride rear-facing; under 4 and under 40 lbs ride in a harnessed seat.
  • A child who's outgrown a booster seat but hasn't turned 16 must wear a seatbelt -- a primary enforcement law.
  • All occupants must be properly restrained; officers may stop a vehicle solely for an unbuckled occupant.
  • Adults may use hands-free devices, but GDL drivers face a total ban on all cell phone/device use, even hands-free.

DUI & Alcohol Laws

  • It's unlawful to consume alcohol while driving on Delaware's highways.
  • Refusing a chemical test can revoke a license for one to two years, depending on prior offenses.
  • Zero Tolerance (under 21): license revoked two months for a first offense, six to 12 months for subsequent offenses.
  • Underage possession/consumption: $100 fine for a first offense, $200-$500 for each subsequent offense.
  • First DUI: 12/18/24-month license loss by BAC tier, plus a $500-$1,500 fine and up to 12 months in prison.
  • First Offender Election with an IID: remain on the device for four months from issuance, plus a $200.00 reinstatement fee.
  • A juvenile's DUI revokes their license until they turn 21, Delaware's legal drinking age.

Crashes, Insurance & License Actions

  • Minimum insurance: PIP $15,000/$30,000, plus liability $25,000/$50,000/$10,000.
  • Driving uninsured: a fine of $1,500.00 to $2,000.00 plus a mandatory six-month suspension; a repeat offense within three years is $3,000.00 to $4,000.00.
  • False proof of insurance adds a $500.00 fine and/or 30 days in jail.
  • 8+ points in 2 years can trigger DMV action; points count full value for 12 months, half value the next 12.
  • 12 calculated points requires a behavior course or 2-month suspension; 22 points means a mandatory 12-month suspension.
  • Passing a stopped school bus or reckless driving each add 6 points -- among the heaviest on the point schedule.
Want the core rules and road signs that apply everywhere, not just Delaware?General cheat sheet →

Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with Delaware DMV before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-07.