Delaware · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in Delaware

Delaware's CDL written tests are free and walk-in only at any DMV office, and the CLP costs just $5. You need at least one year of driving experience before you apply.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free Delaware permit classroom Official Delaware CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $5
Permit valid for: Up to 1 year
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a valid driver license and have at least one year of driving experience.
2Get a DOT medical exam and self-certify your type of driving.
3Walk in to any DMV office. No appointment is needed for written tests.
4Pass the General Knowledge test plus any Air Brakes, Combination or endorsement tests.
5Pay $5 and receive your CLP. Always drive with a licensed CDL holder.
6Finish federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a school on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before you take the skills test.
7After holding your CLP 14 full days, book a skills test appointment with the DMV or a third-party tester.

What to bring

Your valid driver license
Your Social Security number (required if you are eligible for one)
Standard Delaware driver license documents for identity and residency
For the skills test: your CLP, your accompanying driver's CDL, and the truck's registration and insurance cards

Medical card

Every CLP and CDL holder self-certifies one of four driving categories. Since June 23, 2025, your medical examiner sends your exam results electronically.

Fees

Commercial learner's permitPaid when the permit is issued.	$5
Written tests	Free
CDLGood for 8 years.	$55

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests if you want them (for example Passenger, School Bus, Tank)

Testing in Delaware

Written tests are free and walk-in only at any DMV office.
Skills tests are by appointment. Approved third-party testers also give them.
Delaware has used the modernized skills test since February 26, 2025, with four backing maneuvers and a shorter inspection.

Study for these tests in the Delaware classroom

Good to know in Delaware

The DMV posts a Spanish-language CDL manual.
Your CLP can't be issued or extended past one year from its issue date.
Only Passenger, School Bus and Tank endorsements can go on a CLP.
CDL questions: DOT_DMV_Dover_CDL@delaware.gov or (302) 608-3058.

Non-domiciled applicants

Delaware marks non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs as such on the card. Federal rules in effect since March 16, 2026 limit eligibility to H-2A, H-2B and E-2 visa holders.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The skills test fee, including third-party tester prices.
Retest fees and how long you wait after failing.
Which languages the written tests are offered in.
The exact ID and residency documents required.
The vision standard and whether you need a REAL ID.
How the DMV currently handles non-domiciled applicants.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.