Delaware CDL Requirements

How to get a CDL in Delaware through the Division of Motor Vehicles, including fees, testing, and training options.

CDL Classes and Eligibility

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues CDLs in three classes. Class A covers combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs towing over 10,000 lbs. Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 lbs. Class C covers hazmat or passenger vehicles. Applicants must be 18 for intrastate or 21 for interstate. Delaware requires a valid Delaware driver license, Social Security card, two proofs of Delaware residency, and US citizenship or legal presence documentation. ELDT requirements apply. Delaware has a smaller number of FMCSA-registered ELDT providers (approximately 10-15) given the state's small population, but nearby providers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland are easily accessible given Delaware's compact geography.

Testing and Fees

The Delaware CDL costs $60.50 for a 5-year license. The CLP costs $35.50 and is valid for 180 days. Knowledge tests are administered at DMV locations in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown at no additional charge beyond the CLP fee. Skills tests are $75 at DMV or through authorized third-party testers at $200-$400. Delaware's DMV CDL testing is available at limited locations, so scheduling can take 2-4 weeks. Third-party testing providers offer faster scheduling. Knowledge tests are available in English and Spanish. Delaware allows three skills test attempts before a waiting period. Given the small state, some applicants test in neighboring states if they complete training at an out-of-state school.

Training and Endorsements

Delaware offers limited CDL training options within the state due to its small size. Delaware Technical Community College (Dover, Georgetown, Stanton, Wilmington) offers CDL programs at $3,000-$5,000. Private schools within Delaware charge $4,000-$7,000. Many Delaware residents train at schools in nearby Philadelphia, Baltimore, or South Jersey, which have more options and competitive pricing. Endorsements available include H (Hazmat with TSA check), T (Double/Triple), N (Tank), P (Passenger), S (School Bus), and X (Combined). The most in-demand endorsements in Delaware are N and H, serving the chemical industry legacy and fuel distribution. The Delaware transit system (DART First State) creates demand for P-endorsed drivers. Veterans at Dover Air Force Base can access transition CDL training programs.

FAQs — Delaware CDL Requirements

The Delaware CDL is $60.50 for 5 years. CLP is $35.50. Skills testing is $75 at DMV or $200-$400 at third-party testers. CDL school costs $3,000-$5,000 at Delaware Tech or $4,000-$7,000 at private schools. Many residents train at nearby Philadelphia or Baltimore schools for more options.

DMV locations in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown offer CDL testing. Skills test scheduling takes 2-4 weeks at DMV. Third-party testers offer faster scheduling at $200-$400. Given Delaware's small size, some applicants test at out-of-state locations near the border.

Tank (N) and Hazmat (H) are most valuable given Delaware's chemical industry legacy (DuPont corridor) and fuel distribution needs. The combined X endorsement serves fuel tanker operations. Passenger (P) supports DART First State transit. Chemical and fuel hauling from the Wilmington-Delaware City area pays premium rates.