Applying for a New License

Qualifying for a New Driver's License

As a permanent resident of Delaware, you are entitled to apply for a driver's license. You are a Delaware resident if you have lived here for 60 days.

If you are a new resident, you have 60 days upon moving to Delaware to obtain a Delaware license.

The minimum age in Delaware is 16 years when applying for a driver's license; however, if you are under the age of 18 you must follow the steps of the Graduated Driver's License Program. This basically means you'll need to have your Level One learner's permit for a certain amount of time before getting your Class D license.

There will also be conditions you have to meet before you receive a Level One learner's permit; for example you must graduate from an approved course in driver education.

Do you speak and read English well enough to understand the road signs? This is a requirement for obtaining a Delaware driver's license. If you are a Spanish-speaking Delaware resident, the Drivers Manual is available in Spanish. For driver safety and to qualify for a driver's license, you will need to read road signs in English.

Classes of Drivers Licenses

The Delaware DMV issues the usual Class D operator's license, as well as Commercial Driver Licenses. As a first time driver, your Class D license will begin as a learner's permit.

The Class D operator's license allows you to drive:

• Passenger cars

• Utility vehicles

• Pickup trucks

• Panel trucks weighing less than 26,000 pounds

Because Delaware recognizes the value of experience and safe driving, all new drivers are issued learner's permits before getting a regular Class D operator's license.

The typical Level One learners permit is issued to first-time drivers younger than 18. Of course, there are other first-time drivers who might be over 18 years old. For these drivers, a temporary instruction permit is available.

To get a temporary instruction permit, complete the driver's license application at any DMV office. You'll have to pay the $12.50 fee, which covers your learner's permit and the driver's license, pass the eye screening exam, and the written knowledge test.

The temporary instruction permit allows you to drive with a licensed driver older than 21 in the front passenger seat. After 60 days you can return to the same DMV office to finish the road test and receive your regular Class D operator's license.

Fees

In Delaware you can get a Class D operator's license, with a five-year expiration, for only $12.50.

Documents and Locations

In Delaware, there are four DMV licensing locations. When you are ready to complete the application and take the tests you can visit any of the DMV offices:

• Wilmington DMV

• Dover DMV

• Georgetown DMV

• New Castle DMV

All offices have very convenient hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday's are special because the offices stay open late so they can help citizens up until 8 p.m.; however, there are no road tests offered on Wednesdays. Arrive in plenty of time to wait in line and to complete whatever process you need―application, written test, or road test.

The state requires two forms of identification that will prove your age, your identity, and your residency: one primary, which will include your full name and date of birth, and one secondary, which is usually less formal, such as an employee ID card. Refer to Delaware's online Required Documentation Table.

Testing

The DMV office will test your vision, written knowledge, and road skills before issuing you a driver's license. The process is a little different for drivers under 18 because they must get a Level One learner's permit before earning a Class D operator's license.

Eye Screening Exam

In Delaware, your eyesight will be screened to be sure you see well enough to drive both day and night. Everyone gets the eye test and you will be tested each time you visit the DMV for a driver's license renewal.

For Class D operators, your vision must be 20/40 with both eyes. If you wear contacts or glasses and use these to meet the 20/40 vision requirement then you will have a restriction for this on your driver's license. Once the restriction is on your license it becomes illegal for you to drive without your eye glasses or contact lenses. Some drivers have a daylight restriction because their eye screening results are 20/50.

Written Test

The written exam is also known as the Delaware "Rules of the Road Test." This exam quizzes you on highway signs and signals, safe driving practices, and Delaware Motor Vehicle Laws.

If you are under 18 and applying for a Level One learner's permit, you won't take the written test until you return to the DMV for your Class D operator's license. If you are over 18 and getting a temporary instruction permit―an adult learner's permit―you will have to pass the written test now and the road test later.

If you fail the written test you can retake it 10 days after your last test. Study the Drivers Manual and any other resources you might have to learn the rules of the road.

Road Test

The Delaware DMV doesn't allow you to take the road test on the same day you pass the written test. You must return to the DMV office where you passed the written test.

Road tests are only given between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., or 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Remember, no road tests are offered on Wednesdays.

Being prepared is more than just showing up with your car. You will have to bring the proper documents:

• Your learner's permit or temporary instruction permit

• Vehicle insurance card

• Vehicle registration

• Driver's license for driver accompanying you

The licensing official will ride with you in your car for 30 minutes. During the half-hour road test you will be assessed on your knowledge and skills of:

• Following distance

• Turns, lane changes, and right-of-way rules

• Knowledge of and ability to operate vehicle

• Vehicle safety inspection

• Speed and passing

• Merging, intersections, and parking

Even the most skilled and experienced driver may be nervous when driving for a licensing official. The best way to boost your confidence and likelihood of passing the road test is to prepare.

The Delaware DMV has issued you a learner's permit so that you may practice driving while being supervised by a more experienced driver. Take advantage of your learners permit and practice, practice, practice.

If you do fail the road test don't worry; after waiting 10 days you are eligible for a retake. Return to the same DMV office where you last took the road test and take it again.

Restrictions

You may already be familiar with the corrective lens restriction, but there are other restrictions, too. Some unique situations exist for disabled drivers. To qualify for a driver's license you must be physically and mentally capable of operating a vehicle. Any special equipment you need must be part of your vehicle the day you show up for the road test; mechanical devices become restrictions on your driver's license.

For example, you might be restricted to using special mechanical devices if you are missing a limb. Be sure to consistently comply with the restrictions on your driver's license; it is against the law to violate your license restrictions.

Renewal

Once you have passed the eye screening exam, written test, and road test you will be issued a Delaware Class D operator's license. Five years from the date of issue, on the month you were born, your drivers license will expire. Be sure to renew your driver's license on time.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

You may drive in Delaware with a valid driver's license issued in your home country, if you're at least 16 years old. Always have your license with you when driving.

If you become a Delaware resident, you must convert your license to a Delaware license within 60 days to keep your driving privileges. However, you can still keep your foreign-issued license.

To become a licensed Delaware driver, you'll need to pass the written and road tests mentioned above. Drivers with a current German license do not need to take these tests.