Driving Tests

Delaware Permit Test: Written Test Content and Traffic Stop Questions

informational·how to guide·Published September 22, 2026

What is on the Delaware permit test, and what are the traffic stop questions?

The Delaware driver exam has four parts: vision screening (20/40 minimum), a highway sign and signal test, a rules of the road test and a road test. Delaware law also requires at least 2 questions on traffic stops by a law-enforcement officer. Teens in driver education can take the written and road skills tests with a certified teacher or at DMV. Adults 18 or older take them at DMV.

Where the Delaware test rules come from

Delaware sets the exam rules in Title 21, section 2713 of the Delaware Code. The Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026) describes the four parts of the exam and what to do at a traffic stop. Driver education teachers certify traffic stop knowledge under Title 14, section 4125. Sections 2707, 2710 and 2712 of Title 21 give the English sign, permit and adult rules. If the Manual and the law differ, the law wins. The traffic stop points are study material, not legal advice. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Delaware DMV (dmv.de.gov) before you drive.

What are the four parts of the Delaware driver exam?

The Delaware Driver Manual lists four parts.

1. Vision screening. You need at least 20/40 vision, with or without glasses or contacts.

2. Highway sign and signal test. You name some signs from their shape, color or symbol alone, and you explain signs, signals and pavement markings.

3. Rules of the road test. The questions cover Delaware traffic rules, motor vehicle laws and safe driving. Sample topics: the speed limit for cars on two-lane roads, a flashing red signal ahead, when not to pass, skids and parking near a fire hydrant.

4. Road test. The guide to the Delaware road exam skills covers the skills and the vehicle check.

What are the Delaware traffic stop questions?

Under 21 Del. C. section 2713(e), the DMV must test applicants on traffic stops by a law-enforcement officer, with at least 2 questions on the topic. The DMV must also put the traffic stop information in any document that teaches Delaware driving rules, so the Manual has its own traffic stop section. A driver education teacher may not certify a student for a permit until the student shows this knowledge. The law names five topics.

The five traffic stop topics in Delaware law

Your rights: your constitutional and other legal rights during a stop, such as rights on searches and seizures, the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
Questioning and detention: the laws on questioning and detention by an officer, any law that requires you to show proof of identity, and what happens when a person or an officer does not follow those laws.
The officer's role: what an officer does in general and during a stop, and the procedures the officer must follow.
How to interact: how to deal with an officer during a stop.
Complaints and compliments: how and where to file a complaint about an officer, or a compliment for one.

What to do when an officer stops you in Delaware

1
Pull over to the right
An officer starts a stop with emergency lights, a siren or another signal. Stay calm, use your turn signal and pull off the road, to the right side when you can, as soon as it is safe.
2
Turn off the engine and stay inside
Turn off the ignition and the radio. Stay in the vehicle unless the officer tells you to get out. At night, the officer may shine a spotlight at your vehicle after you stop.
3
Keep your hands on the wheel
Keep your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them. Ask passengers to stay calm, stay inside and keep their hands in view. Nobody in the car should use a phone or other mobile device.
4
Tell the officer about any weapon
If there is a weapon in the vehicle, tell the officer at first contact.
5
Give your information and documents
Give your name, your address, why you are driving and where you are going. The officer will ask for your license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Do not make sudden moves or search for these documents. Wait for the officer to give you instructions.
6
Wait while the officer checks
The officer may ask you a series of questions and may go back to the patrol vehicle to make inquiries. You and your passengers stay in your vehicle at all times unless the officer tells you otherwise.

What are your rights at a Delaware traffic stop?

According to the Manual, an officer may search your vehicle on the scene with consent, with probable cause, or as an inventory of a towed vehicle. You have no right to an attorney at the roadside; that right comes later. A person who gives no ID or explanation may be detained. A detention is not an arrest and may not exceed two hours. Passengers must give their information or get out if the officer asks. You may ask officers to identify themselves and their agency. For a complaint or a compliment, contact the officer's agency as it directs.

Practice with our free questions on the detention limit and officer complaints.

Who gives your Delaware written test?

You are under 18 (or under 22 with an active IEP) and in a driver education course

Your certified driver education teacher gives the written and road skills exams, or you take them at DMV. Before the teacher can certify you, you must finish both parts of the course (classroom, and behind-the-wheel instruction and observation) and show traffic stop knowledge. The High School Driver Education Certificate replaces the DMV tests for 6 months. A Level 1 Learner's Permit also needs a sponsor's signature.

You need specialized training or equipment because of a disability

Your driver education teacher identifies the need, and DMV gives the tests.

You are under 18 and move to Delaware with an out-of-state license

DMV gives you a written test and a road test.

You are 18 or older

You pass the eye screening and the written exam at DMV, then get a Class D Temporary Instruction Permit. You pass the road skills exam before you get the Class D license.

How to prepare for the Delaware written test

Study the Manual first: it says you cannot pass the knowledge exams unless you know its information. Read it carefully, and ask the examiner about anything unclear before the exam. Delaware may not license a person who cannot understand highway warning or direction signs in English. Our free practice tests and question pages are in English only.

If you fail any part of the road exam, wait at least 30 days before you try again. The guide to Delaware license costs and retest waits has the details.

Key takeaways

The Delaware driver exam has four parts: vision screening (20/40), a highway sign and signal test, a rules of the road test and a road test.
The exam must include at least 2 questions on traffic stops, from five topics in the law: your rights, questioning and detention, the officer's role, how to interact, and complaints or compliments.
Teens in driver education can test with a certified teacher, and the certificate replaces the DMV tests for 6 months. Adults 18 or older test at DMV.
At a stop, pull over to the right, keep your hands on the steering wheel and tell the officer about any weapon.
Next step: practice on the free Delaware Class D practice test.

Delaware written test: common questions

How many questions are on the Delaware permit test?

Delaware law fixes one number: at least 2 questions on traffic stops by a law-enforcement officer. The rest of the knowledge test covers highway signs, signals and pavement markings, and Delaware rules of the road. For the current number of questions and the pass mark, ask the examiner at your DMV office.

What happens if my driver education certificate expires?

The High School Driver Education Certificate replaces the DMV written and road tests for 6 months from the date of issue. While it is valid, DMV needs no more testing. After it expires, full testing is required.

What if I need glasses to pass the Delaware vision test?

You may wear glasses or contact lenses for the screening; the minimum is 20/40 with or without them. If you need them, your license is marked to show that you cannot drive legally without them. Vision between 20/40 and 20/50 may still allow daylight-only driving.

Where do I take the Delaware permit test?

You apply in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office in Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown or Wilmington. Adults take the eye screening and the written exam there. A teen in driver education can take the written and road skills tests with a certified teacher instead of at DMV.

How long is the Delaware adult permit good for?

A Class D Temporary Instruction Permit lasts 12 months. You may drive only with a licensed driver over 21 in the seat beside you and no more than 2 other people in the vehicle. If you do not pass the required exam in the 12 months, the permit is void and you lose the fee.