Get your first driver's license in Delaware

Online or in person

No, in person · At least two visitsYou must apply in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. Road tests can be scheduled online with My Road Test or by phone. One visit for the eye and knowledge exams and the learner's permit, then the road test at least 10 days later. Road tests are scheduled online or by phone and given weekdays except Wednesday.

You leave with

Learner's permit, then a Class D licenseThe learner's permit is valid for 12 months.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Proof of identity and legal presence
     Must show your full name and date of birth and be verifiable. A U.S. birth certificate must be an original or certified copy with a raised seal; wallet cards, birth registrations and hospital records are not accepted. For applicants under 18, the birth certificate must list the birth parent(s). The DMV also asks for one secondary document from its list but doesn't say which documents count as secondary; its list also includes a court order, an official letter issued by vital statistics, certified school records or transcripts, and a state-issued photo driver license or ID card.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • U.S. birth certificate
     • Consular report of birth abroad
     • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
     • Valid U.S. passport (a foreign passport also needs the appropriate immigration document)
     • Resident Alien Card or Employment Authorization Card
   • Social Security number
     If you are eligible for one. Medicare and Medicaid cards are not accepted.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2
     • SSA-1099
     • Pay stub showing your full number
   • Two proofs of Delaware residency · 2 different documents
     From separate sources, showing your physical address (not a P.O. box), postmarked or received within the last 60 days. Photocopies or printouts of bills are not accepted. Under 18: not needed if your sponsor is a licensed Delaware driver at the same address.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill
     • Credit card statement
     • Auto or life insurance policy
     • Voter registration card
     • Bank account records
     • Employment records
     • Rental agreement
     • USPS change of address confirmation
     • Other non-personal mail postmarked within the last 60 days
   • Payment · all that apply
     Show accepted documents

     • License fee (payment is due when you apply)

2. Study the Delaware Driver Manual

   The exam has a vision screening and a highway sign and signal test. The manual is free at any Division facility.

   Delaware driver manuals ↗

3. Pass the eye and knowledge exams and get your learner's permit

   Apply in person at a DMV office. Payment is due when you apply, and you must pass all exams within twelve months. The permit is issued after you pass the eye screening (20/40 minimum) and knowledge exams, and is valid for 12 months.

   Apply for a license, over 18 ↗

4. Practice with a licensed driver

   Drive only with a licensed driver over 21, qualified for the vehicle class, sitting beside you. No more than 2 other passengers.

5. Schedule and pass the road test

   You can take the road test 10 days after you pass the knowledge exam. Schedule with My Road Test online or call a DMV office. Bring your permit, a vehicle with at least a half tank of gas, its registration and insurance card, and a licensed driver at least 21 who stays on site to drive the car away if you don't pass.

   Road test scheduling on dmv.de.gov ↗

6. Get your Class D license

   If you don't pass the road exam within twelve months, you must reapply for the learner's permit and complete all required testing. New Class D licenses are 8-year licenses.