CDL state guide
Delaware CDL Requirements ? Complete Guide (2026)
Delaware CDL age rules, CLP timing, fees, and official source links were reviewed for this guide.
Use this Delaware CDL guide to plan the Commercial Learner’s Permit, knowledge tests, skills test, fees, and official source checks before you visit Delaware DMV.
Quick answer
Delaware CDL requirements at a glance
Most Delaware CDL applicants need a valid regular driver license, a DOT medical certification when required, passing CDL knowledge-test scores, a CLP held for at least 14 days, and a passing CDL skills test in the correct vehicle class.
Delaware applicants should use the DMV CDL page and manual together because the state page explains administrative steps while the manual explains test knowledge.
At a glance
Delaware CDL at a glance
| Minimum age | 18 for intrastate commercial driving; 21 for interstate driving, hazmat, and many passenger or cross-state jobs. |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge test | Plan for 50 questions with an 80% passing score unless Delaware DMV lists a different current testing format. |
| CLP fee | Delaware CDL permit and test fees are paid through DMV; verify class and endorsement totals before applying |
| CDL fee | Delaware CDL license fee depends on the credential transaction and endorsements |
| CLP holding period | 14 days minimum before the CDL skills test. |
| CDL valid for | Usually 5 years |
| Issuing agency | Delaware DMV |
Classes
CDL classes available in Delaware
Delaware follows the federal CDL class structure. Class A generally covers combination vehicles such as tractor-trailers. Class B covers heavy single vehicles such as straight trucks and many buses. Class C applies when the vehicle does not meet Class A or B weight thresholds but carries placarded hazardous materials or enough passengers to require a CDL.
Endorsements can still change what you must test for. Passenger, school bus, tanker, hazmat, air brakes, and combination-vehicle work may require extra knowledge tests or restrictions to be removed.
Process
How to get your CDL in Delaware
- Confirm eligibility with Delaware DMV and make sure your regular driver license is valid.
- Complete DOT medical certification if your CDL driving type requires it.
- Study the official CDL manual or Delaware DMV testing guidance.
- Pass General Knowledge plus any class or endorsement tests needed for your CLP.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
- Complete the skills test in a vehicle matching the CDL class and endorsement path you need.
Confirm Delaware DMV eligibility, complete medical certification if required, pass General Knowledge and endorsement tests, hold the CLP for at least 14 days, then schedule the DMV skills test or approved testing route.
Knowledge tests
CDL knowledge tests in Delaware
| Test | When it applies | Passing target |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Required starting point for CDL applicants. | 80% |
| Air Brakes | Needed when the vehicle uses air brakes and you do not want an air-brake restriction. | 80% |
| Combination Vehicles | Class A combination vehicle applicants. | 80% |
| Hazmat | Placarded hazardous materials; TSA/security steps also apply. | 80% |
| Passenger / School Bus | Passenger vehicles and school bus routes. | 80% |
| Tanker | Tank vehicles and liquid cargo where endorsement rules apply. | 80% |
Endorsements
CDL endorsements in Delaware
Delaware applicants can need federal CDL endorsements including H hazardous materials, N tank vehicles, P passenger, S school bus, T double/triple trailers, and X tanker plus hazmat. Check Delaware DMV before testing because some endorsements require background checks, extra forms, or a specific vehicle for the skills test.
Fees
Delaware CDL fees
| CLP application fee | Delaware CDL permit and test fees are paid through DMV; verify class and endorsement totals before applying |
|---|---|
| CDL application/license fee | Delaware CDL license fee depends on the credential transaction and endorsements |
| Skills test / endorsement fees | Delaware has a compact DMV system, but CDL costs can still vary by original issue, renewal, endorsement, and duplicate transactions. Check the DMV page and bring payment for each required test. |
Fees can change and may be listed separately for testing, permit issue, license issue, endorsement, duplicate, renewal, and third-party skills testing. Verify the final amount on the official Delaware source before your appointment.
Other state CDL guides
Compare nearby state CDL rules
Commercial driver license fees, testing offices, and skills-test scheduling can differ across state lines. Use these related state pages when comparing CDL paths.
Official resources
Official Delaware CDL resources
Study path
Next steps for Delaware CDL prep
FAQ
Delaware CDL questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Delaware?
Plan for 18 for intrastate commercial driving and 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials, and many cross-state jobs. Verify final restrictions with Delaware DMV.
How long do I need to hold a CLP in Delaware?
Federal CDL rules require at least 14 days between CLP issuance and the CDL skills test. State scheduling, paperwork, and testing availability can add more time.
What score should I aim for on Delaware CDL knowledge tests?
Use 80% as the planning target for CDL knowledge tests unless the official testing system says otherwise. Study the state manual and practice before test day.
Where should I verify Delaware CDL fees?
Use Delaware DMV because fees may be split across permit, license, endorsement, renewal, duplicate, retest, and skills-test transactions.
US Permit Prep is independent from Delaware DMV and FMCSA. This guide organizes official-source planning points for study use; always verify final CDL rules and fees with the official state source before testing.
