Delaware driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Delaware asks, answered in two or three sentences from Delaware’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Delaware law says you must carry your license whenever you drive and show it when an officer asks, so you can be charged without it. If you bring your license to court, valid at the time you were stopped, that is a defense to the charge.
Sources: 21 Del. C. § 2721 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
Delaware bans texting and hand-held phone use while you drive. On a permit, you can't use a phone or texting device at all, even hands-free.
Sources: Delaware driver’s manual p. 81 · Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles — Drivers License/Identification Cards - Division of Motor Vehicles · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
With a permit, you may drive between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. only with supervision. Breaking a Level One permit restriction counts as driving without a license. That's a 2-month suspension the first time, and 4 months for later offenses.
Sources: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles — Drivers License/Identification Cards - Division of Motor Vehicles · Delaware driver’s manual p. 30 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
For your first 12 months of driving, you can have the adult supervisor plus just 1 other passenger. Once you drive without a supervisor, you can carry only 1 passenger besides yourself.
Sources: Delaware driver’s manual p. 29 · 21 Del. C. § 2710 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail any part of the road exam, Delaware's DMV says you must wait at least 10 days before taking it again.
Sources: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles — Drivers License/Identification Cards - Division of Motor Vehicles · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
In Delaware, you can take the road test 30 days after you pass the knowledge test.
Sources: Delaware driver’s manual p. 41 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
You need liability coverage of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 per crash, plus $10,000 for property damage. You also need Personal Injury Protection of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per crash.
Sources: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles — Vehicle Services Registration - Division of Motor Vehicles · Delaware driver’s manual p. 63 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
Under Delaware law, your parents' insurance covers you if you drove their car with their permission. It pays for injuries or damage you cause to others, at least $25,000 for 1 person hurt and $50,000 for 2 or more. It also pays at least $10,000 for damage to other people's property.
Sources: 21 Del. C. § 2902 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't stop or park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Delaware driver’s manual p. 92 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, not in your hand: Delaware bans hand-held phone use and texting while driving. Without a GDL you may talk only hands-free; with a GDL you can't use a phone at all.
Sources: Delaware driver’s manual p. 81 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Delaware law, a first speeding ticket is $20, and a repeat one is $25. Going more than 5 mph over adds $1 for each mile over the limit, and more if you're going faster or it's a repeat.
Sources: 21 Del. C. § 4169 · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Breaking your permit's rules counts as driving without a license under Delaware law. You lose your permit for 2 months the first time, 4 months after that. You can also be fined $50 to $200 the first time, and $100 to $500 or up to 6 months in jail after that.
Sources: 21 Del. C. § 2701 · Delaware driver’s manual p. 30 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Delaware driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Delaware’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question