How to get a Delaware Driver's License
- Delaware Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
DE Drivers License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your DE drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the Delaware Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your DE Driver's Permit
If this is your first driver's license, and you are at least 16 but less than 18 years old, you will need to apply for a Delaware learner's permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive a DE drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 12 months before taking the road skills test.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
The Delaware DMV requires that all applicants must pass a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques. If you fail the exam, some states require you to wait until at least the next day to take the test again and charge a re-examination fee.
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the Delaware practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New Delaware Residents
If you move into Delaware from another State, you must apply for a Delaware driver's license within 60 days after becoming a resident. You must turn in your previously issued out-of-state driver's license, fill out an application and pass an eye screening test. Written and road test may be given, but they are normally waived if your license is valid. Suspended and revoked licenses cannot be transferred until the withdrawal action is cleared.
If you are under 18 years old, you'll need to pass a written and road examination conducted by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles and an eye screen.
International Drivers
Nonresident drivers over the age of 16 years who have a valid driver's license issued by their home country may operate motor vehicles upon the highways of this State when their license is in their immediate possession. Sixty days after the nonresident driver becomes a Delaware resident, he/she must apply for a Delaware driver's license and pass all of the required tests including the written exam, vision screening and road skills test.
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the Delaware DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Restricted Driver's License (16 years and 6 months to 17 years of age).
- Full Driver's License (18 years of age and older).
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
