Delaware has a two phase commercial driving licensing process.  In the first stage the driver must pass a written test and an eye exam, after which they are issued a temporary permit.  After holding a commercial driving permit for six months the applicant can take a road skills test to get their permanent CDL.

Before taking the written section of the test you must be familiar with the Delaware Commercial Drivers Manual.  The manual is available online (see link) or at any DE DMV office.  All of the information contained is important for passing both the written and skills tests so it is very important to study.  The manual has three main sections:

• Safety – includes sections on cargo and driving safety, road conditions and vehicle fire safety.
• Operation considerations – hazmat, coupling/de-coupling trailers, transporting passengers are covered.
• Skills – covers pre-trip inspection, driving situations and maneuvering, driving laws.

Testing

Written and skills tests are conducted at DMV offices, and skills tests must be scheduled in advance, call the following numbers to schedule a CDL skills test: Dover (302) 744-2505, Georgetown (302) 853-1000, Wilmington (302) 433-3200, New Castle (302) 326-5005.  You must provide a vehicle for the skills test in the class you are testing for.  While there is no formally required training to be licensed its a good idea to take a truck drivers training course before going for your license, and many employers will offer on the job training once an individual has passed the permit section of the testing.

Costs

• $48 written test
• $5 per endorsement