What's the Passing Score on Delaware's CDL General Knowledge Test?
40 out of 50 — 80% — passes Delaware's CDL General Knowledge test. The threshold is federal; the walk-in testing and year-long permit are Delaware's own.
A federal bar, a flexible testing process
49 CFR Part 383 sets the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and 80% nationwide, and Delaware administers that standard on a walk-in basis at any Division of Motor Vehicles facility.
Once you pass, the $5 commercial learner's permit stays valid for a full year, giving more breathing room than the 180-day window many other states use.
What passing gets you, and what still waits after
Passing earns you the CLP, though federal rule still requires entry-level driver training (ELDT) through an authorized provider before your first CDL, regardless of how quickly you passed the written portion.
A skills test — a pre-trip inspection and an on-road evaluation — still comes after the knowledge test, for whichever class (A, B, or C) you're pursuing.
The material that actually costs points
A specific air brake PSI figure or hours-of-service cap either matches the manual exactly or it doesn't — there's no partial credit for landing close to the right number.
The cargo securement recheck sequence trips up plenty of otherwise well-prepared test takers, since the mile and time thresholds are easy to swap under pressure.
Treat every practice question as a chance to read the reasoning behind it, not just confirm the letter you picked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Delaware require a higher passing score than 80% for the CDL test?
No. 49 CFR Part 383 fixes the CDL general knowledge test at 50 questions and an 80% passing threshold nationwide.
How long is a Delaware CLP valid after passing?
One year, longer than the 180-day validity many other states use.
What score should I aim for on practice tests?
A consistent 90% or better gives you a real margin above the 80% minimum, since nerves on the actual test day tend to cost a few points that don't show up in relaxed practice.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free Delaware cdl practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-24