Delaware Road Test 2023 (Everything You Need to Know)

Are you nervous about your upcoming Delaware road test?

This is the time when you have to show the examiner that you’re ready (and worthy) of your license. So who wouldn’t be nervous?

Well, we’re here to help get rid of those nerves. 

How?

By telling you everything you need to know about the Delaware road test this 2023. This way, you’ll know what to expect, what to prepare, and much more. 

So are you ready?

Let’s go!

When Can I Take the Road Test in Delaware?

You can only take the road test after you’ve passed the knowledge exam. 

That said, you can’t take them both on the same day. According to Delaware regulations, you must wait at least 10 days after passing the written test before you can apply for the road test. 

Also, the DMV doesn’t administer road tests daily. You can only take it on weekdays, except for Wednesdays.

You need to keep these things in mind when you call the DMV to make an appointment. 

Where Can I Take the Road Test in Delaware? 

There are only 4 locations in Delaware where the DMV administers road tests. These are as follows:

Location: Wilmington DMV

• Address: 2230 Hessler Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720

Location: Delaware City DMV

• Address: 2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, DE 19720

Location: Dover DMV

• Address: 303 Transportation Circle, P.O. Box 698, Dover, DE 19903

Location: Georgetown DMV

• Address: 23737 DuPont Boulevard, Georgetown, DE 19947

If your road test is for a CDL and your vehicle is over 67 feet, choose a facility other than Wilmington. This is because its test pad cannot accommodate you.

How Can I Schedule My Road Test in Delaware?

There are 2 ways you can schedule your Delaware road test. 

The first option is to schedule it online. Here are the steps:

1. Go to the DMV website.
2. Click on Online Services.
3. Look for the link that says “Road Test Appointment.”
4. Create an account (if you don’t already have one)
5. Follow the online prompts to schedule your driving test.

Another option is to call the DMV office of your preferred location. Here are their phone numbers:

• Wilmington: Phone: (302) 434 3220
• Delaware City: (302) 832 5176
• Dover: (302) 744 2515
• Georgetown: (302) 853 1003

Do I Need to Bring My Own Vehicle for the Road Test in Delaware?

Yes. This is an advantage because you can use the car you’ve been (hopefully) practicing on since you received your learner’s permit. 

However, be sure that your vehicle meets the DMV’s standards. If not, your test may get rescheduled.

Here are some things to look into:

• Ensure that your car has at least half a tank full of gas. If you’re up for a CDL, your commercial vehicle’s diesel exhaust fluid indicator must be at an acceptable level. Usually, this is the 8th of the tank.

• The car you intend to use for your road test must be registered and insured. Make sure you bring documents to prove these. 

• The vehicle must represent the license class of your application. For example, you cannot bring a sedan if you’re getting your CDL.

Now, the examiner conducts a physical inspection of your car to ensure it’s safe to use for the road test. Check the following before your schedule so you won’t run into challenges:

• Your windshield must be clean and intact. It shouldn’t have any cracks or debris that could obstruct your view.
• Your tires shouldn’t be flat or have too much air.
• You should be able to open and close your doors from inside or outside your car.
• All your lights must work. These include your headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights. 
• Your side and rearview mirrors must be clean and devoid of cracks.

If your car doesn’t meet those standards, arrange to borrow someone else’s. However, its owner must accompany you to your road test.

We know that some cars have newer technology installed, such as Intelligent Parking Assist. But, applicants cannot use it during the test.

Finally, a licensed driver who’s 21 or older must accompany you to your road test and must remain on-site for the entire duration. They can drive you home if you don’t pass your driving test.

What Documents Should I Bring to the Road Test in Delaware?

Prepare the following for your Delaware road test:

• A valid learner’s permit
• The valid driver’s license of the person accompanying you (this does not apply if your road test is for a motorcycle endorsement)
• The valid registration card of the vehicle you’re using
• A valid insurance card, whether electronic or original

What Should I Expect from the Road Test in Delaware?

On the day of your road test, it’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you’re late, the DMV is likely to reschedule it.

Plus, there are perks to arriving early. 

Any exam usually causes stress and anxiety, so you could use the extra time to calm yourself down. It ensures you’re in the right headspace when you get behind the wheel.

And, of course, there are the other things you need to do, like checking in. 

After that, the licensed driver accompanying you brings you to where you’ll conduct the road test. An examiner comes out to meet you and verifies the vehicle’s license and insurance. 

You’ll also have to show your permit at this point. Once that’s all sorted, the licensed driver leaves the car, and you’ll move to the driver’s seat.

Then the actual test begins.

The entire road test will take around 30 minutes, but it doesn’t begin with you operating the car. It starts with a vehicle safety check. 

The driving portion itself takes about 15 minutes. The examiner will be inside the car with you the entire time.

Here are the things that you’ll be expected to do during the road test: 

• Parallel parking
• Changing lanes properly
• Using right-of-way rules
• Backing up 50 fee
• Turning (left and right turns and a three-point turn)
• Maintaining proper speed
• Entering intersections
• Merging with traffic
• Following and overtaking other vehicles
• Responding to being overtaken

So you should practice all these areas before you do the actual road test. This way, you’ll know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. 

And in turn, you’ll be able to pass your road test with flying colors. 

How Long Before You Can Take Another Road Test in Delaware? 

What if you fail your road test?

In the unlikely scenario that you don’t pass your road test on your first try, remember that you can always retake it.

However, it means scheduling another road test, which must be at least 10 days after. Look on the bright side — you can use this time to prepare.

The Wrap Up

So that was everything you need to know about the Delaware road test. 

If you want to pass on your first try, you just need a lot of practice. Plus, you need to make sure that you schedule the test, bring the necessary documents, and all that.  

Good luck!