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The Delaware DMV road test takes about 30 minutes. You must show parallel parking, a three-point turn, backing 50 feet, merging, lane changes, turns and right-of-way, plus a vehicle safety check and knowing the controls. The July 2026 manual says you can take it 30 days after passing the knowledge exam (the DMV road test web page still says 10), on any weekday except Wednesday. This guide is for drivers testing at the DMV, mainly adults 18 and older. Teens on the GDL route usually take their road test with their driver education teacher.
Key facts (Delaware DMV, checked November 2026)
- Earliest test: 30 days after you pass the knowledge exam, per the July 2026 manual. The DMV road test page still says 10 days, so confirm when you book.
- Test days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. No road tests on Wednesday.
- Book online with My Road Test (under Online Services on the DMV website) or by phone.
- You bring the car. It must be registered, insured, safe, clear of cargo and at least half full of gas.
- Fail any part and you wait before retesting: at least 30 days in the July 2026 manual, 10 days on the DMV road test page. Check with the DMV when you rebook.
- You must pass within the 12 months your learner’s permit is valid.
What you must demonstrate on the Delaware road test
The DMV says it won’t ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe, and won’t play tricks. You will be asked to:
| Skill | What to get right |
|---|---|
| Inspect vehicle for safety | Check lights, signals, brakes, mirrors and wipers beforehand. The manual lists these as common inspection failures, and the examiner checks the car before you start. |
| Know vehicle controls | Be ready to use the headlights, wipers, hazards and horn without searching for them. |
| Respond to signs, signals and markings | Full stops at stop signs and red lights, behind the stop line or crosswalk. |
| Parallel parking | Finish no more than 12 inches from the curb, in park, with the brake set. |
| Three-point turn | Turn sharp left almost to the curb, back right almost to the other curb, then pull away in the opposite direction. |
| Back 50 feet | Look back over your shoulder, go slowly and stay straight. |
| Right and left turns | Signal 300 feet ahead, use the correct lane, and yield to pedestrians. |
| Change lanes | Mirror, signal, shoulder check for the blind spot, then move. |
| Use right-of-way rules | At intersections, crosswalks and four-way stops. |
| Maintain proper speed | At or under the limit, and slower in bad conditions. |
| Merge with traffic | Match the traffic speed and find a gap. |
| Follow and overtake vehicles | Keep at least a 3-second gap and pass only where it’s legal. |
| Be overtaken | Keep right and don’t speed up while someone passes you. |
| Enter intersections | Only enter if you can clear it without stopping inside. |
How to parallel park the Delaware manual way
- Check your mirror. If someone is close behind, don’t stop suddenly. Signal.
- Stop with your rear bumper level with the back of the car in front of the space.
- Back slowly, turning the wheel right to aim at the front of the car behind.
- When your front clears the car ahead, turn sharply left and keep backing slowly.
- Straighten up and pull forward to center the car, no more than 12 inches from the curb.
- Put it in park, set the brake and turn off the engine.
To leave, signal, check traffic and steer toward the open lane.
How to book the Delaware road test
- Online: the DMV website, then Online Services, then My Road Test.
- By phone: call the office where you want to test.
| DMV office | Address | Road test phone |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 2230 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720 | (302) 434-3220 |
| Delaware City | 2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720 | (302) 832-5176 |
| Dover | 303 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19903 | (302) 744-2515 |
| Georgetown | 23737 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947 | (302) 853-1003 |
What to bring to the Delaware road test
- Your valid learner’s permit.
- A licensed driver aged 21 or older and their valid license. They must stay on site so they can drive the car home if you don’t pass.
- The car’s valid registration card (and the trailer’s, if you’re towing one).
- A valid insurance card for the car, original or electronic.
Delaware rules for the road test car
- It must be within the license class you’re applying for, registered, insured and able to pass the examiner’s safety check.
- No debris or cargo inside.
- At least half a tank of gas, or the test may be rescheduled.
- Parking assist features must be turned off. Intelligent Parking Assist can’t be used.
- No smoking, no cell phone use and no music during the test.
Teen road tests in Delaware
Under the GDL law, a teen’s written and road skills tests can be given by the DMV or by a driver education teacher. In practice the GDL handout says teens pass both with their driver education teacher, and the DMV examines minors with disabilities. The teacher then certifies you as qualified. Teens practice to the same skills list, so this checklist still applies. See Delaware driver’s ed and the Blue Certificate and Delaware GDL rules.
If you fail the Delaware road test
- Wait at least 30 days (July 2026 manual; the DMV web page says 10), then check with the DMV and book again.
- Practice the parts you got wrong. The national list of common reasons people fail the driving test is a good checklist.
- Keep track of your permit date. Miss the 12-month window and you reapply and redo every test.
Common questions
Can I take the Delaware road test on a Wednesday?
No. Road exams run every weekday except Wednesday.
How long is the Delaware road test?
About 30 minutes of normal driving.
Is parallel parking on the Delaware road test?
Parallel parking is on the DMV road test page’s list, but the July 2026 manual’s list leaves it out. Practice it anyway. The three-point turn and backing 50 feet are on both lists.
Can I use a backup camera or self-parking feature?
Self-parking is not allowed. Intelligent Parking Assist must be switched off for the test. Ask your examiner whether you may use a backup camera. Being seen looking over your shoulder is the safe habit.
Who has to come with me?
A licensed driver aged 21 or older, unless you can already legally drive alone in Delaware. They must stay until the test is over.
How soon after the permit can I take the road test?
30 days after passing the knowledge exam under the July 2026 manual. The DMV road test page still says 10 days, so check when you book.
How other states compare: US road test by state. Back to the Delaware learner driver guide, or prepare with the Delaware knowledge test guide.
Sources
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Rules of the Road Test and Road Test” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026)” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Apply for License (Over 18)” (dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, “Graduated Driver Licensing handout” (services.dmv.de.gov)
- Delaware General Assembly, “Delaware Code Title 21, Section 2710” (delcode.delaware.gov)