Delaware Motorcycle Practice Test 2025

Delaware § 4185 requires helmets for two groups: (1) motorcycle operators and passengers age 19 and under, and (2) 'newly-endorsed' riders who received their endorsement after July 30, 2023, who must wear a helmet for their first 2 years regardless of age. Riders outside these groups are not legally required to wear a helmet, though all safety organizations recommend wearing one on every ride. The civil penalty for a violation is $25–$50.

Effective July 30, 2023, Delaware amended § 4185 to add a 'newly-endorsed' category: any person who received their motorcycle endorsement after that date must wear an approved helmet and eye protection for their first 2 years of operation, regardless of their age. This is in addition to the pre-existing under-19 requirement. The purpose is to ensure new riders — who face the highest crash risk in their first two years — are protected during the highest-risk period.

Eye protection is required for the same two groups as the helmet requirement under § 4185: operators and passengers age 19 and under, and newly-endorsed riders in their first 2 years. Approved eye protection includes goggles, a face shield, or a full-face helmet visor. Riders not in those groups are not legally required to wear eye protection, but it is strongly recommended to prevent vision impairment from wind, debris, and insects.

No. Lane splitting is not authorized in Delaware. Delaware Code Title 21 contains no provision permitting motorcycles to ride between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Without explicit statutory authorization, the practice is not legal. Motorcyclists in Delaware must occupy a full lane. Lane splitting is illegal in Delaware and most other U.S. states.

Delaware's DUI law (§ 4177) applies fully to motorcycle operators. Adult riders (21 and older): 0.08% BAC. Riders under 21: 0.02% BAC under § 4177L. Commercial vehicle operators (including motorcycles used commercially): 0.04% under § 4177M. Delaware also has aggravated DUI tiers at 0.15% and 0.20% BAC with enhanced mandatory sentencing.

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Delaware, you must pass a motorcycle knowledge test at a Delaware DMV office. You then either pass a motorcycle riding skills test at a DMV testing site, or complete an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse, which waives both the knowledge and skills tests when completed through the DMV. The endorsement is added as an 'M' designation to your Delaware driver's license.

Delaware § 4350 requires motorcycle riders (and all drivers) to dim high beams when following another vehicle within 200 feet. This is distinctive — most states use a 300-foot threshold for the following-vehicle rule. For oncoming vehicles, the dimming requirement applies within 500 feet, which is standard. Failing to dim creates dangerous glare in another driver's mirrors.

Under § 4185: (1) At least one hand must be on the handgrip at all times while moving; (2) Operators must ride astride the permanent seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side; (3) No packages may be carried that prevent the operator from keeping both hands on the handlebars when needed (§ 4185(e)); (4) Passengers must not be positioned in a way that interferes with operation, control, or the operator's view (§ 4185(f)).

Yes. Delaware's lighting code permits modulating headlights on motorcycles as a presence warning device. The pulsing light draws the attention of other drivers who might otherwise fail to notice a motorcycle. Conspicuity is a major motorcycle safety concern since motorcycles are frequently struck because car drivers did not see them.