Photo: Brett A, Pexels
The Delaware DMV knowledge exam comes in two parts: a highway sign and signal test, then a rules of the road test. This practice set follows the same split, with 12 sign questions and 28 rules questions built around the figures in the Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026). Every question is original and unofficial; none is copied from the DMV.
Delaware knowledge test format
| Item | What the DMV says |
|---|---|
| Parts | Signs and signals (shapes, colors and symbols with the words removed), then rules of the road |
| Length and pass mark | The Sample Written Test page says 32 questions, 26 to pass. The DMV FAQ says 30 questions, 24 to pass. Both work out at about 80%. |
| Vision | 20/40 or better; between 20/40 and 20/50 you may be limited to daylight driving |
| Who takes it at the DMV | Mainly adults 18 and older. Most teens on the GDL route take the written test with their driver education teacher. |
Aim for 26 or more correct on your own practice, so the stricter figure never catches you out. More on who tests where: the Delaware DMV knowledge test guide.
Part 1: signs and signals (questions 1 to 12)
On the real Part 1 the words are removed from the signs, so you must know each one from its shape, color or symbol alone. Read these with that in mind.
1. A sign with eight sides, words removed, means:
- A. Railroad ahead
- B. Stop
- C. Yield
- D. School crossing
Answer: B. The octagon is used only for STOP. Manual topic: Section Four, signs.
2. A downward-pointing triangle, red and white, means:
- A. Stop
- B. Do not enter
- C. No passing
- D. Yield
Answer: D. Yield signs are the only inverted triangles. Slow down and give way. Manual topic: signs by shape.
3. The school sign has which shape?
- A. Five sides (pentagon)
- B. Rectangle
- C. Diamond
- D. Round
Answer: A. The pentagon marks school zones and crossings. The manual lists stop, yield and school shapes as the ones to know. Manual topic: signs by shape.
4. A round yellow sign with an X and two Rs warns of:
- A. Reduced speed ahead
- B. A crossroad
- C. A railroad crossing ahead
- D. Road closed
Answer: C. The round advance warning sign is placed before a railroad crossing. See railroad crossings. Manual topic: signs.
5. Orange diamond-shaped signs usually mean:
- A. A hospital nearby
- B. A school zone
- C. A work zone ahead
- D. A scenic route
Answer: C. The manual says work zone warning signs are usually orange. See work zone driving rules. Manual topic: work zones.
6. A black-on-yellow sign shows a curve arrow and “30 mph”. That speed is:
- A. The speed for trucks only
- B. An advisory speed for the curve
- C. The legal speed limit
- D. A minimum speed
Answer: B. Black-on-yellow speed plates are advisory. Legal speed limit signs are black on white. Manual topic: signs.
7. A symbol sign shows a U-shaped arrow with a red circle and slash. It means:
- A. No U-turn
- B. Dead end
- C. U-turn lane ahead
- D. Winding road
Answer: A. The red circle and slash prohibit the movement shown. The manual uses no U-turn, keep right and no right turn as symbol examples. Manual topic: signs.
8. A white rectangular sign shows an arrow curving to the right of a center island. It tells you to:
- A. Merge right
- B. Exit right only
- C. Turn right at the next road
- D. Keep right of the island or divider
Answer: D. The keep right sign directs traffic to the right of an obstruction or median. Manual topic: regulatory signs.
9. A green traffic light means:
- A. Stop, then go
- B. Proceed with caution, yielding to anyone still in the intersection
- C. Go without looking
- D. Turn only
Answer: B. The manual says green means proceed with caution. Pedestrians and late cars may still be crossing. Manual topic: traffic signals.
10. In Delaware, a flashing red light means you must:
- A. Wait for it to turn green
- B. Treat it like a stop sign: stop fully, then go when safe
- C. Slow down and go through
- D. Stop only if cross traffic is coming
Answer: B. The manual lists a flashing red signal as a sample test topic: it works like a stop sign. Manual topic: traffic signals.
11. A traffic signal is completely dark because of a power cut. The Delaware manual says to:
- A. Drive through at normal speed
- B. Sound your horn and continue
- C. Treat it like a green light
- D. Slow down and prepare to yield to vehicles in or approaching the intersection
Answer: D. That is the Delaware manual’s wording for a dark signal. Go only when the way is clear. See traffic signals in the US. Manual topic: traffic signals.
12. A solid yellow line runs on your side of the center line, with a broken yellow line on the other side. You:
- A. May pass if the road looks clear
- B. Must turn left
- C. May not pass
- D. May pass only at night
Answer: C. A solid line on your side means no passing. A double solid line means neither side may pass. Manual topic: pavement markings.
Part 2: rules of the road (questions 13 to 40)
13. Unless a sign shows otherwise, what is the speed limit on a Delaware two-lane road?
- A. 45 mph
- B. 50 mph
- C. 55 mph
- D. 65 mph
Answer: B. 50 mph on two-lane roads. The manual names this as a sample test topic. See speed limits and the basic speed law.
14. What is the default speed limit in a Delaware school zone?
- A. 15 mph
- B. 20 mph
- C. 25 mph
- D. 30 mph
Answer: B. School zones are 20 mph unless posted. Business and residential districts are 25 mph.
15. On a divided highway or a road with four or more lanes, the Delaware default limit is:
- A. 45 mph
- B. 50 mph
- C. 55 mph
- D. 65 mph
Answer: C. 55 mph, unless posted. Route 1 and I-495 are 65 mph.
16. How close to a fire hydrant may you park in Delaware?
- A. No closer than 20 feet
- B. No closer than 15 feet
- C. No closer than 30 feet
- D. No closer than 10 feet
Answer: B. 15 feet. The manual gives this as a sample test topic. See US parking rules.
17. You may not park within how many feet of a stop sign, traffic signal or flashing beacon?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 20 feet
- C. 30 feet
- D. 50 feet
Answer: C. 30 feet. The other Delaware figures: 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection and 50 feet from a railroad crossing.
18. When parallel parking in Delaware, your wheels must be within how far of the curb?
- A. 6 inches
- B. 12 inches
- C. 18 inches
- D. 24 inches
Answer: B. Within 12 inches. See how to parallel park.
19. How far ahead must you signal before turning, stopping or changing lanes in Delaware?
- A. 50 feet
- B. 100 feet
- C. 200 feet
- D. 300 feet
Answer: D. Delaware sets 300 feet, more than many states. Manual topic: Section Four, signaling.
20. When passing a bicycle, you must leave at least:
- A. 2 feet
- B. 3 feet
- C. 5 feet
- D. 6 feet
Answer: B. At least 3 feet, and change lanes on multi-lane roads when you can. See sharing the road.
21. Which of these is NOT a time Delaware law requires headlights?
- A. When you cannot see 1,000 feet ahead
- B. Whenever your wipers are on
- C. Sunny midday on a dry road with clear visibility
- D. From sunset to sunrise
Answer: C. Lights are required at night, when visibility drops below 1,000 feet, and whenever wipers are on.
22. You must dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:
- A. 200 feet
- B. 300 feet
- C. 500 feet
- D. 1,000 feet
Answer: C. 500 feet for oncoming traffic, and 200 feet when you follow another vehicle. See night driving and high beams.
23. In fog, you should drive with:
- A. No lights, to avoid glare
- B. High beams
- C. Parking lights only
- D. Low beams
Answer: D. High beams reflect off fog back into your eyes. Low beams are one of the DMV’s sample question topics. See driving in snow, fog and rain.
24. What minimum following distance does the Delaware manual recommend in good conditions?
- A. 1 second
- B. 2 seconds
- C. 3 seconds
- D. 4 seconds
Answer: C. At least 3 seconds, and 4 seconds on slippery roads and in other risky conditions. See following distance.
25. In winter, which part of the road usually freezes first?
- A. Uphill sections
- B. Freshly paved roads
- C. Roads in towns
- D. Bridges and overpasses
Answer: D. Bridges lose heat from above and below, so ice forms there first. Manual topic: Section Five, driving skills and safety.
26. You park downhill next to a curb. Turn your front wheels:
- A. Straight ahead
- B. Away from the curb
- C. Toward the curb
- D. Toward the road center, then straighten
Answer: C. Downhill, wheels toward the curb or road edge. Uphill with a curb, turn them away from the curb.
27. You are turning left at a green light (no arrow). An oncoming car is coming straight through. Who has the right of way?
- A. You, if you signaled
- B. Whoever is faster
- C. The oncoming car
- D. You, because you were there first
Answer: C. Left-turning drivers yield to oncoming traffic. See left-turn yield rules.
28. Traffic is merging onto the highway from a ramp beside you. What should you do?
- A. Sound your horn
- B. Stop in your lane
- C. Make room by adjusting speed or moving over if safe
- D. Speed up to block the gap
Answer: C. Making room for merging traffic is one of the DMV’s sample topics. See freeway driving for new drivers.
29. When may you turn left on a red light in Delaware?
- A. Never
- B. Only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping
- C. Any time the road is clear
- D. Only at night
Answer: B. Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign or red arrow prohibits it. Left on red is allowed only from one-way into one-way. See right on red in the US.
30. A school bus stops with red lights flashing. You are coming the other way on a two-lane road. You must:
- A. Stop only if a child is crossing
- B. Stop
- C. Slow to 10 mph and pass
- D. Continue, because only traffic behind must stop
Answer: B. In Delaware both directions stop, unless you are on the opposite side of a road with four or more lanes. See school bus stopping laws.
31. What happens to speeding fines in a Delaware work zone?
- A. They are waived for first offenses
- B. Only trucks pay more
- C. They are doubled
- D. They are the same as anywhere else
Answer: C. The manual says work zone speeding fines are doubled.
32. Your car starts to skid on a wet road. What should you do?
- A. Ease off the gas and steer where you want the car to go
- B. Turn the wheel hard the other way
- C. Slam on the brakes
- D. Accelerate out of it
Answer: A. How to handle a skid is a named sample topic. Smooth inputs let the tires grip again. See vehicle emergencies.
33. When must a crash in Delaware be reported to police?
- A. Only if the other driver asks
- B. Only if a car must be towed
- C. If anyone is hurt or killed, or there is apparent damage of $500 or more on a public highway
- D. Only if someone is taken to hospital
Answer: C. The manual sets the reporting rule at any injury or death, or $500 or more in apparent property damage. See what to do after a crash.
34. A Delaware driver under 21 breaks the law at what BAC?
- A. 0.00%
- B. 0.02%
- C. 0.05%
- D. 0.08%
Answer: B. Zero tolerance applies at 0.02 for drivers under 21. Adults are limited to 0.08. See zero tolerance laws.
35. When may studded tires be used in Delaware?
- A. October 15 to April 15
- B. Only during a snow emergency
- C. December 1 to March 1
- D. All year
Answer: A. The manual allows studded tires from October 15 to April 15 only.
36. Who may supervise a teen on a Delaware GDL Level One permit?
- A. A licensed parent, guardian or sponsor-approved driver aged 25 or older who has held a Class D license for 5 years
- B. Any passenger with a learner’s permit
- C. Any licensed driver aged 18 or older
- D. Any licensed driver aged 21 or older
Answer: A. The GDL law sets 25 and 5 years of Class D. The “21 or older” rule is for the adult learner’s permit. See Delaware GDL rules for teens.
37. How many supervised practice hours must a Delaware GDL driver complete in the first 6 months?
- A. 30, with 5 at night
- B. 40, with 10 at night
- C. 50, with 10 at night
- D. 60, with 15 at night
Answer: C. 50 hours, 10 of them at night, certified by a parent or guardian. See supervised driving hours by state.
38. From month 7 of the GDL permit, when may a Delaware teen drive alone?
- A. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- B. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- C. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- D. Any time
Answer: B. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus direct trips to or from church, work or school activities on school property.
39. A Delaware GDL driver wants to use GPS on a phone through a hands-free mount while driving. Is that allowed?
- A. Yes, after month 6
- B. No. GDL drivers may not use a cell phone or similar device at all, even hands-free
- C. Only on highways
- D. Yes, hands-free is legal for everyone
Answer: B. Every Delaware driver is banned from hand-held use. GDL drivers may not use one at all while driving. Set the route before you move. See hands-free and texting laws.
40. A Delaware GDL driver breaks a permit restriction for the first time. What is the penalty?
- A. A warning letter only
- B. A 1-year revocation
- C. A $25 fine and no suspension
- D. A 2-month suspension
Answer: D. 2 months for a first offense, 4 months for each later one. The suspended time is added to the end of the 12 months.
Check your score
| Correct out of 40 | Where you stand |
|---|---|
| 34 to 40 | Above the stricter DMV standard (26 of 32 is about 81%) |
| 32 to 33 | Borderline. Review your misses. |
| Under 32 | Not yet. Reread Sections Two and Four of the manual. |
Also check yourself on Part 1 alone: if you missed more than 2 of the 12 sign questions, drill sign shapes and colors before anything else.
Common questions
Are these the real Delaware DMV questions?
No. They are original, unofficial practice. The DMV’s free sample test has 10 questions, and the DMV says it does not include every question on the real exam.
How many questions can I miss on the Delaware permit test?
The DMV sample test page allows 6 misses (26 of 32). The FAQ also allows 6 (24 of 30). Confirm the current format at the DMV.
Do 16-year-olds take this test at the DMV?
Usually not. On the GDL route your driver education teacher gives the written and road tests. See Delaware driver’s ed and the Blue Certificate.
Can I take the test in audio form?
The manual says audio tests with headphones are available on request. Ask your DMV office about languages. See permit test accommodations.
When can I take the road test after passing?
For adults, no sooner than 30 days after the knowledge exam under the July 2026 manual (the DMV road test web page still says 10), within the 12-month life of the permit. See the Delaware road test guide and the full Delaware learner driver guide.
Where are practice tests for other states?
See US permit practice tests by state.
Sources
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Delaware Driver Manual” (July 2026) (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Sample Written Test” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Frequently Asked Questions” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver License” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Code, “Title 21, Section 2710, Graduated driver licensing” (delcode.delaware.gov)