Delaware CDL Requirements

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.

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.

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.