Delaware Driver Manual: study guide

Key rules by chapter

A few of the rules from each chapter that come up in our practice questions:

2. Driver License Information (documents, GDL, renewals, classes, endorsements, examination, medical, revocation/suspension, point system, impaired driving, DUI laws)

• The GDL program is for anyone at least 16 and under 18, or under 22 receiving special education under an active IEP.
• Participation is optional for anyone 18 or older; opting out means no sponsor but eye, knowledge and road exams at DMV.
• Step-parents cannot act as a sponsor unless the GDL applicant is adopted or the step-parent is appointed guardian.

3. Vehicle Equipment, Titles, Registration and Insurance

• The penalty is a fine of not less than $1,500 nor more than $2,000; subsequent offenses within three years are $3,000-$4,000.
• PIP minimum is $15,000 for any one person and $30,000 for all persons injured in one crash.
• Minimum coverage includes $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person and $50,000 for two or more persons.

4. Rules of the Road (signals, signs, work zones, Delaware laws, traffic control, parking, speed, other highway users)

• All cell phone or electronic device use, including hands-free, is prohibited for drivers with a GDL.
• Left turns on red are permissible after a full stop from a one-way street to another one-way street unless prohibited.
• Turns are permitted in the direction of a flashing red arrow after a full stop, so you can choose a safe gap without waiting for green.

5. Driving Skills and Safety Tips (before you drive, basic driving, communicating, speed, space, fitness, emergencies, crashes)

• On a wet road reduce your speed about 10 mph; on packed snow cut your speed in half; on ice slow to a crawl.
• On packed snow you should cut your speed in half.
• Stopping at 60 mph does not take twice the distance it takes at 30 mph, but over three times.

How to study the handbook

Read one chapter, then take a practice test. Every answer explanation names the handbook section it comes from, so when you get one wrong, go back to that section. Pay most attention to exact numbers and to the rules specific to Delaware, which are where most people lose points.