Booking Your Delaware Road Test: A Step-by-Step Scheduling Guide
You've completed your driver education, filled out your 50-hour driving log, and held your permit for at least six months. The final step to earning your Delaware driver's license is scheduling and passing your behind-the-wheel road test.
In Delaware, you cannot simply show up at the DMV to take your skills test; an appointment is always required. Due to high demand, securing an appointment needs to be done in advance. This guide will walk you through the process of booking your test through the official DMV online system.
Before You Schedule: Confirm Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the state's requirements before you attempt to book an appointment. For most teen drivers, this means you must:
- Be at least 16 years and 6 months old.
- Have held your Level One Learner's Permit for at least six consecutive months. [1, 3]
- Have completed your mandatory 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 at night), and have your parent/sponsor ready to certify this. [1, 2]
The Online Scheduling System: Your Only Option
The only way to book a road test appointment is through the official Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online scheduling portal. The DMV does not take road test appointments over the phone.
Step 1: Navigate to the Official Delaware DMV Website
You will need to go to the official website for the Delaware DMV. A quick search for "Delaware DMV appointments" will lead you to the correct portal. Ensure you are on the official dmv.de.gov
website to avoid any confusion.
Step 2: Select "Schedule an Appointment"
On the DMV homepage, look for the large, clear link or button to schedule an appointment. This will take you to the main scheduling system.
Step 3: Choose the Correct Service and Location
- Service: The system will ask you to choose the type of service you need. It is crucial that you select "Class D Road Skills Test" from the menu. Do not select other options like "Permit Test" or "License Renewal."
- Location: You will then see a list of the four DMV locations in Delaware: Delaware City, Dover, Georgetown, and Wilmington. Select the location where you wish to take your test.
Step 4: Enter Your Information
The system will require you to enter specific information to book the appointment. Have this ready:
- Your full first and last name.
- Your date of birth.
- A valid email address (this is where your confirmation will be sent).
- A valid phone number.
- Your Level One Learner's Permit Number.
Step 5: Select an Available Date and Time
The scheduler will display a calendar. Dates with available appointments will be shown in bold or be clickable.
- Select a date, and the system will show you all the open time slots for that day.
- Be Patient and Plan Ahead: Road test appointments are in very high demand and are often booked up for several weeks or even months in advance. It is highly recommended that you start looking for an appointment as soon as you are eligible.
- Check Multiple Locations: If the DMV office closest to you has no openings, go back and check the calendars for the other three locations. Being willing to drive to a different county might get you a much earlier test date.
Step 6: Confirm Your Appointment and Save the Confirmation
After selecting your time, you will be taken to a confirmation page. Double-check all the information: your name, the location, the date, and the time. Once you confirm, you will be sent a confirmation email. You must save this email. Print it out or have it readily available on your phone on your test day. The DMV may need to see it when you check in.
What if You Can't Find an Appointment?
This is a common issue due to the high volume of applicants.
- Check Regularly: People cancel their appointments. Check the portal frequently, especially early in the morning or late at night, as new slots can open up unexpectedly.
- Book Far in Advance: As soon as you hit your 5-month mark of holding your permit, start looking for appointments that fall after your 6-month eligibility date.
By following these steps and being persistent, you can successfully navigate the Delaware DMV scheduling system and secure the appointment that stands between you and your driver's license.