Delaware permit test: vehicle equipment and checks
Required, additional and prohibited equipment, headlights, checking the vehicle, securing loads and clean glass. 17 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key vehicle equipment and checks rulesShow the rules
- All vehicles must have a muffler in good working order and in constant operation. (p. 61, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A vehicle's horn must make a sound that can be heard at least 200 feet away under normal conditions. (p. 61, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Headlights must be on any time you cannot see beyond 1000 feet, as well as from sunset to sunrise and when using wipers. (p. 62, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Studded tires are legal in Delaware from October 15 to April 15 and illegal from April 16 to October 14. (p. 62, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- When a chain, rope or cable is used for towing, a red flag at least 12 inches square must be attached. (p. 62, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- The draw bar or other connection between a towing vehicle and the vehicle it tows must be no more than 15 feet long. (p. 62, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- Switch to low beams 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle, and when you are within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following. (p. 62, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- If the tread doesn't reach at least to Abe's head, the tire is unsafe and should be replaced. (p. 106, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- A load is secure only when nothing can slide, fall, shift onto the road or become airborne. (p. 107, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
- The horn is a warning device. (p. 107, Delaware Driver Manual (JULY 2026) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample vehicle equipment and checks questions
1.You are driving at night with high beams on. An oncoming car approaches. When must you switch to low beams?
- AWhen it is 200 feet away
- BWhen it is 500 feet away
- CWhen it is 1,000 feet away
- DOnly if the other driver flashes their lights
Show the answer
✓ B. When it is 500 feet away
Switch to low beams 500 feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle, and when you are within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following.
2.How far away must a Delaware car's horn be heard under normal conditions?
- AAt least 500 feet
- BAt least 50 feet
- CAt least 200 feet
- DAt least 100 feet
Show the answer
✓ C. At least 200 feet
A vehicle's horn must make a sound that can be heard at least 200 feet away under normal conditions.
3.Your muffler rusts through and the car gets very loud. Is that allowed in Delaware?
- ANo, a working muffler is required
- BYes, if the engine runs well
- CYes, during daytime only
- DOnly on rural roads
Show the answer
✓ A. No, a working muffler is required
All vehicles must have a muffler in good working order and in constant operation. Loud or excessive noise is not permitted.
4.According to the handbook, when should you use your horn?
- AOnly as a warning to others
- BWhenever you are annoyed
- CTo greet friends you pass
- DTo tell others to hurry
Show the answer
✓ A. Only as a warning to others
The horn is a warning device. Only use your horn as a warning to others.