Delaware Commercial Driver License (CDL) Requirements

Obtaining a Commercial Driver License (CDL) in Delaware requires compliance with both Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards and Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations under Title 21 of the Delaware Code. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate commerce or 21 years old for interstate commerce. The process involves passing a series of knowledge tests, obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), and successfully completing a three-part skills test. Per the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) mandate, new applicants must also complete a registered training program before taking their skills test. Managing these regulatory deadlines and maintaining compliance is critical for Delaware-based drivers and small fleets. DispatchTool helps owner-operators track document expiration dates and manage IFTA reporting requirements directly from their mobile devices. By consolidating load documents and driver records in one platform, you can ensure your Delaware operation stays compliant with state-specific roadside inspections and record-keeping audits. Create a DispatchTool account to start organizing your fleet’s compliance data today.

Age and Residency Qualifications

To apply for a CDL in Delaware, you must provide proof of residency, a valid Social Security number, and a current Class D operator's license. Under Delaware DMV rules, drivers aged 18 to 20 are restricted to intrastate operations, meaning they cannot cross state lines or transport hazardous materials. Once a driver reaches 21, they may apply for interstate authority. Applicants must also provide two forms of residency, such as utility bills or bank statements dated within 60 days. Non-U.S. citizens must provide valid USCIS documentation showing legal presence for a minimum of six months beyond the date of application.

Medical Certification and Self-Certification

Delaware requires all CDL holders to self-certify their type of commercial operation. Drivers must fall into one of four categories: Non-Excepted Interstate (NI), Excepted Interstate (EI), Non-Excepted Intrastate (NA), or Excepted Intrastate (EA). If you select Non-Excepted Interstate, you must provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) issued by a provider on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. The physical exam typically costs between $75 and $150 and is valid for a maximum of 24 months. Failure to maintain a current medical certificate on file with the DMV will result in the downgrading of your CDL to a Class D license within 60 days.

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Process

Before taking a road test, you must obtain a CLP by passing written knowledge exams at a DMV location in Wilmington, Delaware City, Dover, or Georgetown. The general knowledge test consists of 50 questions, and you must achieve a score of 80% or higher. Additional tests are required for endorsements such as Tanker (N), Double/Triples (T), or Hazardous Materials (H). The CLP is valid for 180 days and can be renewed for an additional 180 days. You must hold the permit for at least 14 days before you are eligible to schedule your CDL skills test, allowing for supervised practice on public roads.

Delaware CDL Fees and Costs

The cost for a Delaware CDL varies based on the duration of the license and the endorsements selected. A five-year CDL carries a fee of $30.00, while an eight-year license costs $48.00. The Commercial Learner’s Permit fee is $5.00. If you are adding an endorsement to an existing license, a $5.00 fee applies for each change. Additionally, the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement requires a federal background check and fingerprinting through TSA, which currently costs approximately $86.50. These fees are non-refundable and must be paid at the time of the knowledge test or license issuance.

Required Skills and Road Testing

The Delaware CDL skills test is divided into three segments: the Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Vehicle Control, and the On-Road Test. During the Pre-Trip, you must identify and explain the condition of at least 50 different vehicle components, including the air brake system. The basic control section requires maneuvers such as straight-line backing, offset backing, and parallel parking. Finally, the road test evaluates your ability to navigate real-world traffic in Delaware. You must provide a vehicle of the same class for which you are testing; for example, a Class A test requires a tractor-trailer combination with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Compliance

As of February 7, 2022, all Delaware CDL applicants must comply with the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. This applies to those seeking a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, upgrading an existing CDL, or seeking a school bus (S), passenger (P), or hazardous materials (H) endorsement. Training must be completed through a provider listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR). The DMV will electronically verify that you have completed both the theory and behind-the-wheel portions of the training before allowing you to sit for the skills test. Training programs in Delaware typically range from 160 to 200 hours of instruction.

Sources

Delaware DMV - Commercial Driver License Manual (2024) — https://www.dmv.de.gov/DriverServices/drivers_lic/index.shtml?dc=dr_lic_cdl FMCSA - Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) (2024) — https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/ Delaware Code Title 21 - Motor Vehicles (2024) — https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c026/index.html

Frequently asked

How much does a CDL cost in Delaware?

A standard 8-year Delaware CDL costs $48.00. Additional costs include a $5.00 permit fee, roughly $86.50 for HazMat background checks, and the cost of private ELDT training, which can range from $3,000 to $7,000.

What is the minimum age for a CDL in Delaware?

The minimum age is 18 for intrastate driving within Delaware borders. You must be at least 21 years old to drive interstate (across state lines) or to transport hazardous materials.

How many questions are on the Delaware CDL permit test?

The general knowledge exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly (80%) to pass and receive your learner's permit.

Where can I take the CDL road test in Delaware?

Road tests are conducted by appointment at DMV hubs in Delaware City, Dover, Wilmington, and Georgetown. You must wait 14 days after receiving your permit before taking the test.

Do I need a medical card for a Delaware CDL?

Yes, unless you are in an 'Excepted' category, you must have a Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) signed by a professional on the National Registry, usually valid for 2 years.