A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Delaware to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Delaware CDL fees start at $40 for a 8-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Delaware CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Note: the Delaware Memorial Bridge has specific HazMat restrictions — certain HazMat loads are prohibited from the bridge and must use alternate routing. Essential for chemical industry operations in Delaware's Wilmington chemical corridor.
Required for bulk liquid/gas tank vehicles. Delaware's chemical and pharmaceutical industries (DuPont, AstraZeneca) generate demand for tank vehicle operators in the Wilmington area.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver. Delaware's small size means most passenger CDL operations are regional.
Requires P endorsement. Delaware requires background check for school bus operators.
Required for double and triple trailer combinations on designated routes. Delaware permits standard doubles on designated highways. Class A CDL required.
Combination H and N endorsements for HazMat tank vehicles. TSA background check applies. Delaware Memorial Bridge HazMat restrictions apply — verify permitted loads before routing.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Delaware's small geographic size means most CDL applicants access training providers in nearby Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey. Delaware has registered training providers in the Wilmington and Dover areas. Find providers at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Delaware →Interstate CDL holders must hold a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. MEC valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to Delaware DMV. Delaware aligns with all federal FMCSA medical certification requirements.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Delaware DMV office (main locations in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown) with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Delaware residency. Pass the knowledge tests for your desired class and endorsements, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then pass the CDL skills test. The CDL fee is $40. Visit dmv.de.gov for details.
Delaware CDLs are valid for 8 years — the longest renewal period of any state in the US. This means significantly lower renewal frequency and costs compared to states with 4 or 5-year CDLs. Your DOT Medical Certificate must still be renewed separately, typically every 24 months for interstate drivers.
The Delaware Memorial Bridge (twin spans carrying I-295 and US-40 over the Delaware River) has specific weight limits that may be lower than standard highway limits. Overweight loads require special permits from DelDOT and must be coordinated with the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) which operates the bridge. Verify bridge weight limits for your specific load configuration before routing.
Largely yes — Delaware's small size (96 miles north to south) means most CDL drivers traveling the I-95 Northeast corridor simply transit the state. The Delaware Turnpike (I-95) charges tolls. For through-drivers, the main considerations are the toll plaza at the Maryland border and the Delaware Memorial Bridge crossing to New Jersey.
Despite its small size, Delaware has genuine CDL demand from several sectors: Wilmington port drayage, pharmaceutical and chemical logistics (AstraZeneca, other Wilmington-area employers), retail and grocery distribution serving the densely populated Wilmington/Newark corridor, construction material delivery, and regional LTL carriers using Delaware as a Northeast corridor hub. Delaware's 8-year CDL and no state income tax make it a favorable state for CDL driver registration.
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Delaware CDLs are valid for 8 years — one of the longest renewal periods in the United States. CDL fee is $40 for both original and renewal, making the cost-per-year among the lowest nationally. Knowledge test fees approximately $10 per test. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at dmv.de.gov before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Delaware DE Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026