Delaware permit test: basic driving skills
Starting, accelerating, steering, stopping, braking, scanning, using lights and communicating with other road users. 25 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key basic driving skills rulesShow the rules
- Make sure the parking brake is on before you start. (p. 113, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Driving with headphones or earphones that cover or go in both ears is illegal in Delaware, because you may not hear horns or sirens. (p. 116, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Don't slow down to look at crashes or roadside activity (rubbernecking). (p. 116, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Look at least 10 seconds ahead. (p. 116, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Blind spots near your rear corners can't be seen in mirrors. (p. 118, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Look at the far lane too. (p. 118, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Use low beams in fog or heavy rain or snow. (p. 119, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Never drive with just parking lights. (p. 119, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Never stand in the roadway or change a tire if it means standing in a traffic lane. (p. 121, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- If you'll slow or stop where others don't expect it, tap the brake pedal three or four times quickly to warn those behind you. (p. 122, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample basic driving skills questions
1.Safer drivers look at least 10 seconds ahead. About how far is that on the highway?
- AAbout one car length
- BAbout one city block
- CAbout two full miles
- DAbout a quarter mile
Show the answer
✓ D. About a quarter mile
Look at least 10 seconds ahead. In the city that's about one block; on the highway it's about four city blocks, or a quarter of a mile.
2.At dusk, may you drive with only your parking lights on?
- AYes, until it is fully dark out
- BNo, parking lights are for parking
- CYes, as long as you drive slowly
- DYes, on streets with street lights
Show the answer
✓ B. No, parking lights are for parking
Never drive with just parking lights. They exist for parked cars; turn on your headlights whenever you need lights.
3.You finish a sharp turn. How should you straighten the steering wheel?
- AStraighten it by hand
- BUse one finger
- CLet it slip back through your fingers
- DLet go of the wheel briefly
Show the answer
✓ A. Straighten it by hand
Turn sharp corners hand-over-hand and straighten the wheel by hand afterward. Letting it slip through your fingers could be dangerous.
4.You plan to stop at a spot where drivers behind won't expect it. How can you warn them?
- AStop suddenly so they notice you
- BTap the brake pedal several times
- CTurn on hazard lights and stop
- DHonk the horn twice
Show the answer
✓ B. Tap the brake pedal several times
If you'll slow or stop where others don't expect it, tap the brake pedal three or four times quickly to warn those behind you.