Delaware permit test: safe driver habits
Distracted and drowsy driving, safety belts, child restraints, law enforcement stops, and being in shape to drive. 29 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
- At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for 3-4 seconds means your vehicle travels the length of a football field without you watching. (p. 53, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Delaware law requires every occupant to be properly restrained, and the driver gets the ticket for any unrestrained or improperly restrained occupant. (p. 63, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Your Delaware Insurance Identification Card must be carried in the vehicle at all times. (p. 63, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A child who has outgrown a belt positioning booster seat and is under 16 must wear a properly secured seatbelt in all seating positions. (p. 109, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A child under 12 or shorter than 5'5" should not sit in the front passenger seat, with only limited exceptions in state law. (p. 109, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Children under age 4 and under 40 pounds must ride in a harnessed car seat. (p. 109, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Seat belts must be worn even with air bags. (p. 109, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Never put a rear-facing car seat in front of an active frontal air bag; a deploying air bag can seriously injure the child. (p. 110, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Stay calm, avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers, stay away from erratic drivers and report aggressive driving by calling 911 with their tag number. (p. 115, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- You need at least 20/40 in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses, for an unrestricted license. (p. 133, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample safe driver habits questions
1.You take an allergy medicine and need to drive soon. What should you do first?
- APlan to drive a little slower than usual
- BNothing, since it was sold without a prescription
- CCheck the label and ask a pharmacist if unsure
- DDrink coffee to cancel out any drowsiness
Show the answer
✓ C. Check the label and ask a pharmacist if unsure
Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including allergy medicines, can make you drowsy. Check the label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects if you're not sure.
2.Which of these is a warning sign that you are too drowsy to drive?
- AYou can't recall the last few miles
- BYou feel a little hungry on the trip
- CYou keep a steady speed on the road
- DYou keep checking all of your mirrors
Show the answer
✓ A. You can't recall the last few miles
Signs of drowsiness include not remembering the last few miles, missing your exit, drifting out of your lane, heavy eyelids, constant yawning and changing speed.
3.A person who won't identify themselves to an officer is detained. How long may that detention last?
- AAs long as the officer wants
- BUp to 30 minutes
- CUp to two hours
- DUp to 24 hours
Show the answer
✓ C. Up to two hours
A detention is not an arrest. It may not exceed two hours; then the person is released or arrested and charged.
4.Your 13-year-old has outgrown the booster seat. What does Delaware law require until age 16?
- ANo restraint in the back seat
- BA seat belt in every seating position
- CA seat belt only in the front seat
- DA booster until age 16
Show the answer
✓ B. A seat belt in every seating position
A child who has outgrown a belt positioning booster seat and is under 16 must wear a properly secured seatbelt in all seating positions.