Delaware motorcycle permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 22 Delaware numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
11 questions a round from the 11 number questions in our Delaware bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
11 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
A rider has seven drinks over three hours. Using the manual's example, at least how many more hours should they wait before considering riding?
Four hours
At about one drink per hour, seven drinks over three hours leaves at least four drinks in your system.
Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 45
Fines, points & penalties
How long is a Delaware temporary motorcycle learner's permit valid, and can it be extended?
Six months, plus one six-month extension for $5
The temporary motorcycle learner's permit is valid for six months and costs $12.00 (for an 8-year license).
Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 4
Distances & following gaps
Under normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance you should keep behind the vehicle ahead?
Two seconds
Normally keep a minimum of two seconds behind the vehicle ahead. Count from when its rear bumper passes a fixed marker; if you reach the marker before "two", you are too close.
Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 18
Every Delaware motorcycle number, by topic
Official Delaware laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
Alcohol & drugs
7 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | delcode.delaware.govQuoteAn amount of alcohol in a sample of a person’s blood equivalent to .08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood |
| 0.02% | BAC limit for underage drivers | delcode.delaware.govQuoteEvidence that there was at the time of the test an alcohol concentration of .02 or more in that person’s blood or breath is per se evidence that the person had consumed alcoholic liquor. |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | delcode.delaware.govQuoteNo person shall drive, operate, or have actual physical control of a commercial motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .04 or more in that person’s blood or breath |
| $500-$1,500, 12 months | Drunk driving (DUI)Fine of $500-$1,500 and/or up to 12 months in jail (may be suspended) | delcode.delaware.govQuoteFor the first offense, be fined not less than $500 nor more than $1,500 or imprisoned not more than 12 months or both. Any period of imprisonment imposed under this paragraph may be suspended. |
| 24 months | Drunk driving (DUI)A refusal also makes a later DUI revocation 24 months | delcode.delaware.govQuote12 months; except that if the person’s blood alcohol concentration was .15 or greater, but less than .20, the revocation period must be 18 months, or if the person’s blood alcohol concentration was .20 or greater, or the person refused a chemical test, the revocation period must be 24 months. |
| Four hours | A rider has seven drinks over three hours. Using the manual's example, at least how many more hours should they wait before considering riding?Answer: Four hours | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 45QuoteYou would need at least another four hours to eliminate the four remaining drinks before you consider riding. |
| two hours | To fight fatigue on a long ride, how often should you stop and get off the motorcycle?Answer: At least every two hours | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 47QuoteStop and get off the motorcycle at least every two hours. |
Fines, points & penalties
4 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $25-$50 | HelmetsPenalty: $25-$50 civil assessment | delcode.delaware.govQuoteis subject to a civil or administrative assessment of not less than $25 nor more than $50. |
| 6-month, $5 | Motorcycle permitOne 6-month extension for $5 | delcode.delaware.govQuoteunless the applicant requests an extension thereof and pays the sum of $5.00. Upon payment of said sum the Division shall immediately issue 1 extension only of the permit for an additional 6 months. |
| Six months, one six-month, $5 | How long is a Delaware temporary motorcycle learner's permit valid, and can it be extended?Answer: Six months, plus one six-month extension for $5 | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 4QuoteOne six (6) month extension is available for $5.00. |
| $25,000, $50,000 | What is Delaware's minimum bodily injury liability coverage for a motorcycle, as listed in the motorcycle manual?Answer: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per crash | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 4QuoteMinimum coverage in Delaware includes bodily injury protection - $25,000 / $50,000, property damage - $10,000, and Personal injury protection - $15,000/$30,000. |
Distances & following gaps
2 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Two seconds | Under normal conditions, what is the minimum following distance you should keep behind the vehicle ahead?Answer: Two seconds | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 18QuoteNormally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead. |
| one second | In a staggered group formation, how far behind the leader should the second rider stay, and in which part of the lane?Answer: At least one second back, in the right side of the lane | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 41Quotethe second rider stays at least one second back and rides in the right side of the lane. |
Ages, permits & the test
7 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $12 | Fee | dmv.de.govQuoteYou must pass a written, eye and road sign test. (a) Note: The DMV knowledge test will contain questions from all sections of this manual. You will be issued a six (6) month temporary motorcycle leaner's permit after passing the preliminary tests and paying a fee of $12.00 (for 8yr license). One six (6) month extension is available for $5.00. |
| 6 months | Motorcycle permit6 months | delcode.delaware.govQuoteA temporary motorcycle instruction permit can be issued to a person age 18 or older after passing a written motorcycle examination. This permit expires in 6 months. |
| under 18 | Motorcycle permitRequired for applicants under 18 (with a parent's or guardian's signature) | delcode.delaware.govQuoteA temporary motorcycle instruction permit can be issued to a person age 18 or older after passing a written motorcycle examination. This permit expires in 6 months. |
| Six months | After an under-18 rider finishes the approved rider course, how long is the Student Completion Card (SCC) valid for getting the endorsement?Answer: Six months from the date of issue | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 4QuoteThe SCC is valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issue. |
| 10 days | After you receive your Delaware motorcycle learner's permit, how soon can you take the motorcycle road test?Answer: After waiting at least 10 days | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 4QuoteYou will be required to wait 10 days before taking the motorcycle road test. |
| 19 years | Setting aside the separate rules for learner's-permit holders and newly endorsed riders, which Delaware riders must WEAR an approved safety helmet because of their age?Answer: Every operator and passenger up to 19 years of age | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 4Quoteevery person up to 19 years of age operating or riding on a motorcycle shall wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the Secretary. |
| at least 45 | A pavement seam runs parallel to your path and you need to cross it. How should you do it?Answer: Cross at an angle of at least 45 degrees, turning deliberately | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 34Quotemove far enough away from tracks, ruts, or pavement seams to cross at an angle of at least 45˚. Then, make a deliberate turn. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
1 number
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 19 years | HelmetsMust wear an approved helmet: operators and passengers up to 19 years of age | delcode.delaware.govQuoteA person up to 19 years of age operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle on the roadways of this State shall wear a safety helmet and eye protection approved by the Secretary. |
Other numbers
1 number
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | About how much of a motorcycle's total stopping power does the front brake provide?Answer: At least 70% | Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), page 15QuoteThe front brake is more powerful and can provide at least 70% of your total stopping power. |
Memory tips
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Delaware motorcycle permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 22 of them for Delaware, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Delaware Motorcycle Operator Manual (MSF Motorcycle Operator Manual, Sixteenth Edition), Delaware statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.