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Division of Motor Vehicles

Drivers License/Identification Cards


Class D Instructions

If you have a disability and need a special accommodation in order to take an exam, please call and make an appointment prior to coming to a DMV site: for Delaware City call 302-326-5000; for Wilmington call 302-434-3200; for Dover call 302-744-2500; and for Georgetown call 302-853-1000. Audio tests (with headphones) are available upon request.


Class D License:

Information for Those Applying for a Class D Driver License or Learner's Permit:


Class D Learners Permit:

The purpose of the Learner’s Permit is to enable you to drive the class of motor vehicle for which you want a driver license. There is a Delaware Class D Driver Manual which covers rules of the road, road signs and the basic knowledge required to obtain a Class D driver license. The manual is available for no cost at any Division facility or can be downloaded from the DMV website at www.dmv.de.gov

Payment is due upon application and you must pass all exams within six months. The permit is issued after successful completion of the eye screening and knowledge exams. After you pass these exams and pay the required fee, a learner’s permit will be issued for six months. While you are learning to drive you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is qualified to drive the class of vehicle in which you are training, and he/she must be at least 21 years of age.

  1. The permit holder may drive during this six month period only when accompanied by a licensed operator over the age of 21 who is actually occupying a seat beside the driver.
  2. There can be no more than 2 other passengers in the vehicle.
  3. The permit holder can only operate the type and class (including endorsements) of the motor vehicle described on the permit.
  4. Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in your license being suspended.

To obtain your license, you must take a road exam. After passing the Class D knowledge exam, you must wait a minimum of 10 days before you can take the road skills exam. If you do not pass the road exam within a six-month period, you are permitted one extension of the learner’s permit for an additional six months, provided application is made and a second fee of $5.00 is paid before the original permit expiration date.


Motorcycle Endorsement:

Any person who operates a motorcycle, motorbike, or other two or three-wheeled motor-driven vehicle on the highways shall have a driver license with a motorcycle endorsement. There is a Delaware Motorcycle Manual which covers preparation, guidance and general knowledge in order to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. The manual is available for no cost at any Division facility or can be downloaded from the DMV website at www.dmv.de.gov

The fee for the motorcycle endorsements is $12.00. There are two methods to obtain a motorcycle endorsement; complete a knowledge and skills exam with the Division of Motor Vehicles or complete Motorcycle Rider Education Program approved by the Division.

A person who passes a knowledge and skills examination on a three-wheeled motor vehicle shall have a restriction placed on his or her driver license, in addition to the motorcycle endorsement, limiting him or her to the operation of three-wheeled motor vehicles.

Persons under the age of 18 must have the motorcycle application signed by their parents or duly appointed legal guardian. They must complete the Motorcycle Rider Education Program approved by the Division.


Motorcycle Rider Classes:

New Castle County...... 302-832-5163
Kent County……………302-744-2658
Sussex County………...302-853-1030

Once you have passed the knowledge exam, you will be issued a motorcycle permit which is valid for six months. You can only extend the permit once for an additional six months. You must apply for an extension at the DMV before the expiration date and pay a $5.00 fee. The following restrictions apply when operating a motorcycle with a temporary instruction permit:

  1. No passengers shall be allowed on the motorcycle.
  2. Operating a motorcycle between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.
  3. Approved safety helmet and eye protection must be worn.
  4. Operation is not permitted on the federal interstate highway system.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP):

There is a Delaware Commercial Driver Manual which covers the CDL requirements, CDL procedures, testing requirements and the basic knowledge required to obtain a CDL license. The manual is available for no cost at any Division facility or can be downloaded from the DMV website at www.dmv.de.gov

After passing the knowledge exams and paying a $5.00 fee, you may be issued a CLP which will allow you to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), but only with another licensed CDL holder. You may only drive the class of vehicle specified on your CLP and you may drive only with a CDL holder qualified in the same type of CMV.

  1. A CLP will allow you to drive a CMV, accompanied by another licensed driver.
  2. You may only drive the type vehicle for which you have tested and only with a CDL holder qualified in the same type CMV.
  3. You must hold your CLP for minimum of 14 full days before you are able to perform the CDL skills exam.

Permit expiration and extension:

Your Class D, motorcycle and CDL learner's permit is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Permits can only be extended once and must be done prior to the permit’s expiration date for a $5.00 fee.


Road Exams:

Road exams are given on every weekday, except Wednesday. They will not be conducted during inclement weather (rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, wind, etc.). Contact the facility that you obtained your permit for additional road test information. DMV offers 2 easy and convenient options for you to schedule your road exam when you feel you are ready. You may use DMV’s online My Road Test Scheduler or call your local DMV office to speak with a DMV Associate.

  1. Visit the DMV website at www.dmv.de.gov
    1. Select "Online Services"
    2. b. Select “My Road Test” and follow the online instructions
  2. Call a DMV office of your choosing:
    1. Delaware City ………302-832-5176
    2. Dover ………………..302-744-2515
    3. Georgetown …………302-853-1003
    4. Wilmington …………..302-434-3220
    5. Select "My Road Test" and follow the online instructions

Upon arriving for your ROAD EXAM you must have the following in your possession:

  • Valid Learner’s Permit.
  • Valid Licensed of the accompanying driver who is at least 21 years of age (excludes motorcycle skills exam).
  • Valid registration card for the vehicle you will be using (and trailer if applicable).
  • Valid insurance card (original or electronic) for the vehicle you will be using.

If you fail any part of the road exam, you should prepare yourself thoroughly to take it again at a later date.


Ignition Interlock (IID) Endorsement/license:

Those drivers holding either an IID license or IID endorsement may operate a vehicle with full Class D operators driving privileges only when the vehicle is equipped with an ignition interlock device.


Megan's Law/Sex Offenders:

By signing the driver license application form I acknowledge that the Division of Motor Vehicles has notified me that registration in compliance with Section 4120 of Title 11, Delaware law, is mandatory for any person who has been convicted in any state of any offense which if committed or attempted in this state, would have been punishable as one or more of the offenses referenced in Section 4120 (a) of Title 11, and that such registration must occur within 7 days of coming into any county, city or town in which he/she temporarily resides or is domiciled for that length of time. This form will be permanently retained.


Mandatory disclosure of Social Security Numbers.

Disclosure of the applicant's social security number is mandatory if eligible. Federal law authorizes such disclosure. See 42 U.S.C. Section 405(c) (2) (1). The Division will use social security numbers solely for the administration of the driver's license program to ensure accurate identification. Social security numbers will not be released to business or private individuals, but may be released to State agencies to carry out their governmental functions.


Males Only:

Male Applicants are to understand that their signature on license or identification card applications constitutes consent to be registered with the Selective Service System, if so required.


Telephone Assistance:

Georgetown 302.853.1000 or 1004; New Castle 302.326.5000 or 5005; Dover (302) 744-2500 or 2506, Wilmington 302.434.3200 or 3204.