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Delaware driver handbook guide

Delaware driver handbook guide.

Use this guide to navigate the 31 chapters in the handbook edition behind Roadwise’s Delaware course. Read the source, look up a rule in the study app, or work through 60 companion lessons.

Read the handbook in Roadwise Open source PDF
Handbook chapters
31
Source PDF pages
151
Companion lessons
60
Licensing agency
DMV

A way through the handbook

Start with the application and licensing material that applies to your age and license type. Then work through the driving rules, signs, and safe-driving chapters. A rule is easier to remember when you can explain what it asks you to do in a real road situation.

For a quick refresher, use the chapter list below. For a deeper study session, follow a companion lesson and its checkpoint questions. The page numbers refer to this course’s source edition and may differ from the newest agency edition.

Chapter list

  1. Introduction Source p. 1
  2. Introduction & Definitions Source p. 11
  3. Motor Vehicle Fees Source p. 14
  4. Driver License Information Source p. 16
  5. Graduated Driver License Source p. 26
  6. License Renewal & Additional Information Source p. 31
  7. Driver License Classifications Source p. 36
  8. The Driver Examination Source p. 39
  9. Medical Information and Reporting Source p. 42
  10. License Revocation and Suspension Source p. 43
  11. Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program Source p. 45
  12. Impaired Driving Source p. 48
  13. Delaware Drinking and Driving Laws Source p. 53
  14. Vehicle Equipment, Titles, Registration & Insurance Source p. 59
  15. How to Title and Register Your Vehicle Source p. 62
  16. Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way and Signals Source p. 67
  17. Highway Signs Source p. 72
  18. Work Zones Source p. 76
  19. Some Important Delaware Laws Source p. 79
  20. Traffic Control Laws Source p. 81
  21. Parking Source p. 89
  22. Speed Source p. 91
  23. Other Highway Users Source p. 92
  24. Driving Skills and Safety Tips Source p. 103
  25. Basic Driving Source p. 111
  26. Communicating Source p. 118
  27. Adjusting Speed Source p. 121
  28. Sharing Space Source p. 125
  29. Be in Shape to Drive Source p. 131
  30. Vehicle Emergencies Source p. 134
  31. Crashes Source p. 138

What you will find in each chapter

Chapter 1 · source p. 1

Introduction

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Message For Delaware Drivers
  • Shante Hastings
  • Amy Anthony
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 2 · source p. 11

Introduction & Definitions

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Introduction
  • Definitions
  • Section One
  • On-line Services
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 3 · source p. 14

Motor Vehicle Fees

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Cars
  • Farm Trucks (Yearly)
  • (Yearly)
  • Trailers (Yearly)
  • Commercial Vehicles (Yearly)
  • Fees
  • Driver License
  • Notes dmv.de.gov
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 4 · source p. 16

Driver License Information

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Federal Identification Standards
  • Section Two
  • Driver License Requirements
  • Exemptions From Holding A Delaware Driver License
  • Who May Not Be Licensed
  • How Do I Get A License?
  • Ineligible Immigration Status
  • Determine Legal Status/Authorized Length of Stay
  • Acceptable Identification Documents List
  • Foreign Adoption Requirements for Minors
  • Driving Privilege Card Requirements
  • How Do I Get A Driving Privilege Card?
  • DPC Required Documents Tables
  • Provide ONE of the following valid documents
  • *Alternate approved Document for Mexico*
  • Accepted Valid Consular Cards
  • Country Name
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 5 · source p. 26

Graduated Driver License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • (Photocopied or Altered documents will not be accepted)
  • accepted)
  • GDL: Level One Learner’s Permit
  • Eligibility for a Class D Operator’s License
  • Temporary Instruction Permit (Learner’s Permit)
  • Transfer Of Licenses From Other Jurisdictions Into Delaware
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 6 · source p. 31

License Renewal & Additional Information

This chapter’s sections include:

  • License Renewal
  • Permanent License Renewal
  • Exchange Student Licensing Procedures
  • Restricted License
  • Replacement License
  • Name Change
  • Address Change
  • Identification (ID) Card
  • Veteran indicator on Driver License/Identification Card
  • Section Two
  • Voter Registration
  • Office of the State Election Commissioner
  • New Castle County Office
  • Kent County Office
  • Sussex County Office
  • Medical Indicator
  • Visor Communication Card
  • Megan’s Law/Sex Offenders
  • Mandatory Disclosure Of Social Security Numbers
  • Selective Service System Registration
  • Next of Kin Registry
  • Organ And Tissue Donor Program
  • Good Samaritan's Law
  • TAT- Human Trafficking
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 7 · source p. 36

Driver License Classifications

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Class D Operator’s License
  • Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)
  • Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
  • CDL Class A License
  • CDL Class B License
  • CDL Class C License
  • NON - CDL Class A License
  • NON - CDL Class B License
  • Class D & DPC Learner Permit
  • Graduated Driver License Permit
  • Temporary License
  • Conditional, Occupational, and Hardship Licenses
  • Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Endorsement/License
  • Motorcycle Endorsement
  • Motorcycle Rider Classes
  • Motorcycle Learner Permit
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 8 · source p. 39

The Driver Examination

This chapter’s sections include:

  • School Bus Endorsement
  • Taxi/Limo Endorsement The Driver Examination
  • Vision Screening
  • Highway Sign And Signal Test
  • Rules Of The Road Test
  • Road Test
  • Section Two
  • Georgetown DMV
  • Motor Vehicle To Be Driven During Road Test
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 9 · source p. 42

Medical Information and Reporting

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Preparation For The Driver Examination
  • Medical Information And Reporting
  • Self-Reporting Of Medical Conditions
  • Special Examinations
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 10 · source p. 43

License Revocation and Suspension

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Medical Review/Medical Suspension
  • Medical Surrender
  • License Revocation And Suspension
  • Mandatory Revocations
  • Habitual Offender Revocation
  • Suspension Of A Driver License
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 11 · source p. 45

Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Section Two
  • Child Support Delinquency
  • Driver Program
  • Points holders
  • Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program Actions
  • Point Credit
  • Serious Speeding Violations
  • Occupational License
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 12 · source p. 48

Impaired Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Driving During Suspension Or Revocation
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Approved Behavioral Modification/Attitudinal-Driving Courses
  • Defensive Driving Courses
  • Drinking And Driving
  • Section Two
  • Drinking And Blood Alcohol Concentration
  • Crash Risk
  • If You Drink, When Can You Drive
  • Drugs Combined With Alcohol
  • Distracted Driving
  • Drowsy Driving
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 13 · source p. 53

Delaware Drinking and Driving Laws

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Drinking While Driving Is Prohibited
  • Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
  • Implied Consent Law
  • Zero Tolerance Law
  • Underage Consumption Or Possession
  • Delaware Specific Penalties And Procedures
  • Refused chemical test
  • Section Two
  • Loss of license by DMV
  • Sanctions by Court
  • Ignition Interlock Device Program (IID)
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 14 · source p. 59

Vehicle Equipment, Titles, Registration & Insurance

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Registration, And Insurance
  • Required Equipment
  • Additional Equipment
  • Prohibited Equipment
  • Section Three
  • Using Headlights
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 15 · source p. 62

How to Title and Register Your Vehicle

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Using Safety Belts And Child Restrains
  • How To Title/Register Your Vehicle
  • Section Three
  • License Plate Prior To Insurance Cancellation Will Result In Fines.
  • Step 2 – Vehicle Inspection
  • Poor Condition Of Any Equipment Items May Be Cause For Rejection.
  • Step 3 – Title
  • Requirement For Applicants Under 18 Years Of Age
  • Renewing Registration
  • Change Of Address
  • Change Of Name
  • Out-Of-State Inspections
  • Responsibility Of Owner
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 16 · source p. 67

Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way and Signals

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Right-Of-Way
  • Signals And Signs
  • Red Light Reinforcement Program
  • Understanding Traffic Signals
  • Remember The Four Rules
  • Steady Red Light
  • Steady Yellow Light
  • Steady Green Light
  • Flashing Red Light
  • Flashing Yellow Light
  • Dark Traffic Signals
  • Arrows
  • Steady Red Arrow
  • Flashing Red Arrow
  • Steady Yellow Arrow
  • Flashing Yellow Arrow
  • Steady Green Arrow
  • Pedestrian Signals
  • Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
  • High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK)
  • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 17 · source p. 72

Highway Signs

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Bicycle Signals
  • Regulatory Signs
  • Section Four
  • Overhead Lane Signals
  • Warning Signs
  • Other Warning Signs
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 18 · source p. 76

Work Zones

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Guide Signs
  • Information signs
  • Beacons Supplementing Signs
  • Section Four
  • When Approaching Or Driving Through A Work Zone
  • Regulatory Signs
  • Warning Signs
  • Guiding Or Channelizing Devices
  • Flashing Arrow Panels
  • Flaggers
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 19 · source p. 79

Some Important Delaware Laws

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Cell Phone/Hand-Held Electronic Device Use While Driving
  • Signaling
  • Overtaking (Passing) Other Vehicles
  • Responding To Approaching Emergency Vehicles
  • Approaching Stationary Emergency Vehicles
  • Multi-Lane Roadway
  • Two-lane Roadway
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 20 · source p. 81

Traffic Control Laws

This chapter’s sections include:

  • General Laws
  • Emergency Notification System (ENS)
  • Highway–Rail Intersection Signs And Signals
  • Pavement Markings
  • Reversible Lanes
  • Reserved Lanes
  • Roundabouts
  • How to Use a Roundabout
  • How to use a Diverging Diamond Intersection (DDI)
  • Shared Center Lane
  • General Rules
  • Right-Of-Way
  • Section Four
  • Yellow Lights
  • Red Lights
  • Identification of Violators
  • Lights Flashing
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 21 · source p. 89

Parking

This chapter’s sections include:

  • General Parking Rules to right
  • Stopping And Parking Violations
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 22 · source p. 91

Speed

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Section Four
  • General Speed Restriction
  • Speed Limits
  • Speed Limit
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 23 · source p. 92

Other Highway Users

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Minimum Speed
  • Speed Signs
  • Pedestrians
  • Your Responsibility As A Driver
  • Section Four
  • Your Responsibility As A Pedestrian
  • Who Must Yield To Pedestrians
  • Bicycles
  • Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act
  • Bike Box
  • Two-Way Cycle Tracks
  • Your Responsibility As An Adult Cyclist
  • Stop Signs
  • Shared Lane Marking
  • Sharing The Road With Motorcycles
  • Motorcycle Operation And License Endorsements
  • Mopeds And Tripeds
  • Off Highway Vehicles
  • Animal Riders And Animal Drivers And Construction Equipment
  • Who Must Not Use The Highway
  • Slow-Moving Vehicles
  • Sharing The Road With A Truck
  • Passing
  • Near A Truck – No-Zone The Key To Safer Highways: Know The No-Zone
  • Backing Crashes
  • Reporting a Commercial Safety Violation
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 24 · source p. 103

Driving Skills and Safety Tips

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Driving Skills And Safety Tips
  • Before You Drive
  • Trip Planning www.dartfirststate.com www.ridesharedelaware.org
  • Check The Vehicle
  • Section Five
  • Secure Your Load
  • Clean Glass Surfaces
  • Adjust Seat And Mirrors
  • Use Safety Belts
  • �HBucklebear H
  • Use Child Restraints (Car Seats)
  • Proper Restraint of Child
  • Bad Information during a traffic stop a law-enforcement officer
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 25 · source p. 111

Basic Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Starting
  • Accelerating
  • Steering
  • Speeding
  • Stopping
  • Braking
  • Seeing Well
  • Scanning
  • Section Five
  • Using Your Lights
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 26 · source p. 118

Communicating

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Letting Others Know You Are There
  • Section Five
  • Let Others Know What You Are Doing
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 27 · source p. 121

Adjusting Speed

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Adjusting To Road Conditions
  • Adjusting To Traffic
  • Section Five
  • Night Driving
  • Drive Defensively
  • How Well Can You See?
  • Darkness
  • Rain, Fog, Or Snow
  • Hills And Curves
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 28 · source p. 125

Sharing Space

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Parked Vehicles
  • Sight Distance Rule
  • Speed Limits
  • Space Ahead
  • Space Behind
  • Space To The Side
  • Space To Merge
  • Space To Cross Or Enter
  • Section Five
  • Space To Pass
  • Space For Special Situations
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 29 · source p. 131

Be in Shape to Drive

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Be In Shape To Drive
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Fatigue
  • Drinking And Driving
  • Health
  • Emotions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 30 · source p. 134

Vehicle Emergencies

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Steering Wheel Locking Device
  • Brake Failure
  • Running Off The Pavement
  • Tire Blowout
  • Power Failure
  • Headlight Failure
  • Gas Pedal Sticks
  • Fire
  • Stalling On Railroad Tracks
  • Avoiding Collisions
  • Stopping Quickly
  • With ABS
  • Without ABS
  • Turning Quickly
  • Speeding Up
  • Dealing With Skids
  • Protect Yourself In Collisions
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 31 · source p. 138

Crashes

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Hit From The Rear
  • Hit From The Side
  • Hit From The Front
  • At The Crash Scene
  • If Someone Is Injured
  • Reporting Crashes
  • Report an Issue
  • Crash Reporting Form
  • Other Vehicle
  • Driver Of Other Vehicle
  • Registered Owner Of Other Vehicle
  • Passengers In Other Vehicle
  • Witnesses
Open this handbook chapter

Turn the reading into a study routine

The Delaware course groups the source material into 11 units. Each lesson includes handbook page references, examples, and a checkpoint in the study app.

Unit 1 · 8 lessons

Getting Licensed

Documents, DPC, GDL, exams, renewal, classes

  1. License requirements & who may be licensed
  2. ID, residency & legal presence documents
  3. The Driving Privilege Card (DPC)
  4. GDL Level One permit: eligibility & sponsors
  5. GDL restrictions & timeline
  6. Learner's permit, exams & road test
  7. Transfers, renewal, replacement & changes
  8. License classes & endorsements

Unit 2 · 5 lessons

Alcohol, Drugs & Impaired Driving

BAC, implied consent, DUI penalties, IID, distraction

  1. BAC limits, implied consent & zero tolerance
  2. How alcohol & drugs affect your driving
  3. DUI arrest, hearings & penalties
  4. Ignition interlock (IID) program
  5. Distracted & drowsy driving

Unit 3 · 4 lessons

Points, Suspension & Revocation

Points, serious speeding, revocations, reinstatement

  1. The point system & Problem Driver Program
  2. Point credit, serious speeding & driver courses
  3. Mandatory revocations & habitual offenders
  4. Suspensions & reinstatement

Unit 4 · 6 lessons

Vehicle Equipment, Registration & Insurance

Equipment, tint, insurance, inspection, title

  1. Required equipment & lighting distances
  2. Additional & prohibited equipment
  3. Liability insurance & uninsured penalties
  4. Vehicle inspection
  5. Title & registration
  6. Check your vehicle before you drive

Unit 5 · 8 lessons

Signs, Signals & Markings

Signals, sign shapes, work zones, railroads, lanes

  1. Traffic signals & arrows
  2. Pedestrian, crosswalk & bicycle signals
  3. Sign shapes & regulatory signs
  4. Warning signs
  5. Guide signs, beacons & work zones
  6. Railroad crossings
  7. Pavement markings, reversible & reserved lanes
  8. Roundabouts, DDIs & shared center lanes

Unit 6 · 6 lessons

Right-of-Way & Traffic Laws

Intersections, school buses, Move Over, definitions, stops

  1. Right-of-way at intersections
  2. Stopping for school buses
  3. Emergency vehicles & the Move Over law
  4. Lane use, turning & passing rules
  5. Key traffic definitions
  6. Police, traffic stops & general traffic laws

Unit 7 · 3 lessons

Speed & Parking

Speed limits, no-parking zones, how to park

  1. Speed limits
  2. Where you may not stop or park
  3. How to park: parallel, hills & leaving your car

Unit 8 · 6 lessons

Sharing the Road

Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, mopeds

  1. Pedestrians
  2. Sharing the road with bicycles
  3. Bicycle rules for riders & parents
  4. Motorcycles
  5. Trucks & the No-Zone
  6. Mopeds, OHVs, farm & slow-moving vehicles

Unit 9 · 7 lessons

Driving Skills & Safety

Control, scanning, lights, speed, space, passing

  1. Basic vehicle control
  2. Seeing well & scanning
  3. Communicating: lights, horn, signals & breakdowns
  4. Headlights, night driving & stopping distance
  5. Adjusting speed for road & traffic conditions
  6. Following distance & space cushion
  7. Space to merge, cross & pass; defensive driving

Unit 10 · 4 lessons

Safety Belts, Child Restraints & Fitness to Drive

Belts, car seats, vision, fatigue, medical review

  1. Safety belts
  2. Child restraints & car seats
  3. Fitness to drive: vision, fatigue, health & emotions
  4. Medical conditions & license review

Unit 11 · 3 lessons

Emergencies & Crashes

Vehicle failures, skids, crash reporting

  1. Vehicle emergencies
  2. Avoiding collisions, skids & protecting yourself
  3. Crash procedures & reporting