How many Delaware drivers have failed their license test? New data shows high rates of failure
Molly McVetyIf you’ve ever questioned whether the person who cut you off on Route 202 failed their driver’s test, you might be on to something.
Delaware has one of the highest rates of driver’s test failure in the United States, according to a new report.
The report from USA Today analyzed state driver’s license test result data from the Department of Transportation to evaluate which states have the best drivers. Around 35% of people in the United States failed either their written or skills test in their driver’s examination between 2020 and 2023.
More:New Grotto Pizza in Dewey Beach is ready for summer visitors as company unveils new look
The study also found that more people nationwide pass the skills test (driving on the road) easier than the written exam.
Indiana, Missouri and Wyoming take the top three spots for the states with the highest rates of failure for the skill and knowledge driver’s license tests. Delaware came in fourth, showing that just above 49% of participants fail their driver’s test.
The report also found that Delaware residents had the worst performance rate in the country on the skills portion of the test, with only 41% of people passing.
The high rates of failure could also have to do with Delaware’s higher rates of licensed drivers. The First State showed the second-highest rate of licensed drivers in proportion to its population in the country, with 83,548 drivers per 100,000 residents.
States with the lowest percentage of passing results for skills and knowledge driver's license tests
- Indiana, 48.1% pass rate
- Missouri, 48.7% pass rate
- Wyoming, 49% pass rate
- Delaware, 50.6% pass rate
- California, 52.6% pass rate
- Oklahoma, 51.2% pass rate
- Nevada, 55.8% pass rate
- Virginia, 57.8% pass rate
- Alabama, 61.9% pass rate
- Minnesota, 62.3% pass rate
Delaware’s Department of Motor Vehicles website lists the requirements for passing the skills and knowledge exams in Delaware, which are relatively standard.
A sample exam of the “Rules of the Road Test” can be found online for first-time test takers or people interested in testing their own knowledge. Questions relate to speed limit requirements on two-lane roads, what actions to take when you see a red signal ahead, how far away to park from a fire hydrant and more.
Driving tests in Delaware require drivers to operate the vehicle for around 30 minutes and demonstrate various skills like parallel parking, three-point turns, changing lanes and showing general knowledge of safe driving skills.
Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.