Delaware learner permit and Class D knowledge test
Delaware uses a Class D learner-permit path for new drivers and a Level One Graduated Driver License program for teens. The official Class D knowledge test has 32 questions and requires 26 correct answers.
Independent guide. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by a DMV, DPS or other government agency. Use the official state links below when a rule, fee or procedure matters.
- 32 / 26questions / correct to pass
- 16minimum teen Level One age
- 12 monthsLevel One GDL program
Delaware Class D knowledge-test format
Delaware's Class D knowledge test contains 32 questions; 26 must be answered correctly. The questions come from the Delaware Driver Manual and cover road rules, signs and safe driving.
| questions | 32 |
|---|---|
| correct to pass | 26 |
| minimum correct share | ~81% |
32 questions, 26 correct
The official DMV sample-test page publishes the size and passing requirement for the actual Class D exam.
Questions come from the Driver Manual
Study the whole manual, not only the ten-question sample.
The steps to a Delaware driver license
Delaware's adult learner-permit path and teen Level One GDL path use different steps, but both begin with the state's identity and testing requirements.
- Step 1. Study the current Delaware Driver Manual.
- Step 2. Bring the required identity, legal-presence, Social Security and residency documents for your situation.
- Step 3. Complete the vision and knowledge requirements that apply to your path.
- Step 4. Practice under permit or GDL restrictions before the road test or next stage.
Before you go: requirements and documents
Delaware learner-permit requirements
Delaware learner-permit requirements for adult Class D applicants and teen Level One GDL applicants, including testing, supervision and residency documents.
Open the requirements guide →Documents for a Delaware learner permit
Prepare Delaware DMV documents for a learner permit or Level One GDL application, including identity, legal presence, Social Security and residency evidence.
Open the document checklist →Bring identity and legal-presence documents
Use Delaware DMV's current accepted-document rules rather than relying on an old checklist.
Prepare Delaware residency proof
Teen GDL rules generally call for two proofs of Delaware residency, with a waiver described when the sponsor is a licensed Delaware driver living at the same address.
Fees
Delaware's teen GDL page lists a $40 Class D license fee. DMV notes that driver-license fees include the learner-permit stage that precedes issuance.
| teen GDL Class D license fee | $40 |
|---|---|
| new Class D license term listed | 8 years |
| current DMV fee schedule | Verify |
See the full Delaware fee guide →
Delaware Level One Learner's Permit for teens
Delaware's Level One GDL path gradually expands driving privileges over a 12-month program and uses driver education, a sponsor and supervised practice.
Complete approved driver education
Teen Level One applicants present the Delaware Driver Education Certificate or an approved equivalent.
First six months: supervised driving
The sponsor certifies 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours at night.
Second six months: limited unsupervised driving
Qualifying permit holders may drive unsupervised from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; nighttime exceptions and passenger limits still apply.
First Delaware driver license for adults
Adults obtaining a first Delaware Class D license should follow the current DMV application, testing and learner-permit sequence.
Pass eye screening and knowledge testing
The permit is issued after successful completion of the required screening and Class D knowledge exam.
Practice with an eligible licensed driver
The learner-permit page requires a qualified licensed driver age 21 or older beside the permit holder.
Wait at least 10 days before the road skills exam
Delaware publishes a minimum 10-day wait after the Class D knowledge exam before the road test.
Appointments and office visits
Delaware DMV publishes online services for road-test appointments and separate location information for its driver-service facilities.
Road tests can be scheduled online
Delaware DMV lists Road Test Appointment among its online services.
Check your location before traveling
Confirm the facility, hours and service you need on the official DMV site.
Bring the right documents
Appointment availability does not replace the document and eligibility requirements for the transaction.
Delaware DMV locations for permit and license services
Delaware DMV publishes four main facility locations and contact numbers. Check the official location page for current hours and service information.
Find the right office
Find Delaware DMV driver-service locations in Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover and Georgetown and verify hours and services before visiting.
Open office locations →Check the service first
Office types, appointment rules and testing availability can differ by location. Confirm the exact service before you travel.
Check appointment rules →After the permit: prepare for the road test
The road skills exam comes after the Class D knowledge test and lawful learner practice. Use Delaware DMV online services to schedule when eligible.
Pass the knowledge test first
The Class D process requires knowledge testing before the road skills exam.
Allow at least 10 days
Delaware publishes a minimum 10-day wait after passing the Class D knowledge exam.
Schedule through DMV online services
Road Test Appointment is listed among Delaware DMV online services.
Open the full road-test guide →
Practice for the Delaware knowledge test
Delaware missions are not live in Road to Permit yet. Use the official Delaware Driver Manual and DMV sample exam with these free guides.
Delaware road signs for the Class D knowledge test
Road signs are part of the Delaware Class D knowledge exam. Use the state's manual and sample testing resources to practice recognition and the rule behind each sign.
Study road signs →Delaware Driver Manual for Class D permit-test study
The Delaware Driver Manual is the state's primary study source for the Class D knowledge exam. Delaware also publishes a sample written test.
Open the handbook study guide →What to study
Use the official handbook as the source of truth, then practice the same subjects in short sessions. These are the major study areas covered across the official guide and Road to Permit resources.
- Use the current Delaware Driver Manual
- Use the official sample written test
- Study rules, signs and safe driving together
- Learn signs by shape, color and message
- Connect the sign to the required action
- Use the DMV sample exam after studying
- 32 questions, 26 correct
- Questions come from the Driver Manual
- The road test comes later
Delaware permit test: questions and answers
What is the Delaware knowledge-test format?
Delaware DMV states that the actual Class D knowledge test contains 32 questions and that 26 must be answered correctly to pass.
What do I need before I apply in Delaware?
Delaware's adult learner-permit path and teen Level One GDL path use different steps, but both begin with the state's identity and testing requirements.
Which documents should I prepare?
Delaware DMV requires applicants to prove identity and other eligibility details; teen GDL applicants also have sponsor and driver-education paperwork.
How much does the permit or first license cost?
Delaware's teen GDL page lists a $40 Class D license fee. DMV notes that driver-license fees include the learner-permit stage that precedes issuance.
Where do I make an appointment?
Delaware DMV publishes online services for road-test appointments and separate location information for its driver-service facilities.
Complete Delaware driver guide
Open the exact part of the licensing process you need. Every page below is backed by official state sources.
Delaware Driver Manual for Class D permit-test study
Study from the official Delaware Driver Manual for the Class D knowledge test, road signs, rules of the road and safe-driving topics.
Open guide →Delaware learner-permit requirements
Delaware learner-permit requirements for adult Class D applicants and teen Level One GDL applicants, including testing, supervision and residency documents.
Open guide →Documents for a Delaware learner permit
Prepare Delaware DMV documents for a learner permit or Level One GDL application, including identity, legal presence, Social Security and residency evidence.
Open guide →Delaware DMV appointments and permit visits
Check Delaware DMV online services and locations before a permit or road-test visit; road-test appointments are available through DMV online services.
Open guide →Delaware road signs for the Class D knowledge test
Prepare for Delaware road-sign questions using the official Driver Manual and DMV sample exam.
Open guide →Delaware Class D knowledge-test format
The Delaware Class D knowledge test has 32 questions and requires 26 correct answers. Study from the official Delaware Driver Manual.
Open guide →Delaware Level One Learner's Permit for teens
Delaware teen GDL rules: Level One from age 16, first six months supervised, 50 hours including 10 at night and a 12-month GDL program.
Open guide →First Delaware driver license for adults
Adult first-time Delaware Class D applicants use a learner permit after vision and knowledge testing, practice with an eligible supervisor and later take the road test.
Open guide →Delaware Class D road test
Prepare for the Delaware Class D road test after the knowledge exam. Delaware states a minimum 10-day wait and a 12-month learner-permit validity period.
Open guide →Delaware permit and Class D fees
Delaware GDL materials list a $40 Class D license fee for teen Level One applicants. Verify current fees on Delaware DMV before payment.
Open guide →Delaware DMV locations for permit and license services
Find Delaware DMV driver-service locations in Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover and Georgetown and verify hours and services before visiting.
Open guide →Official sources
Facts on this hub were checked against the linked state sources on September 30, 2026. Procedures and fees can change, so recheck the official page before you apply.