What the DDS learner's permit form is and where to get it

The DDS learner's permit form is the official document Delaware uses to issue a learner's permit. The actual form is called the process for a Delaware Learner's Permit, and you fill it out at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or read it from the DMV website before you go.

You can get the form in two ways: walk into any DMV office and ask for it, or visit the Delaware DMV website and print it at home. If you print it at home, bring the completed form with you when you go to the office — this saves time because the staff won't have to hand you a blank one and watch you fill it out in the waiting area.

The form itself is short, usually one or two pages. It asks for your personal information, your address, your Social Security number, and details about your vision and driving history. You will also declare whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The DDS learner's permit form is available at any Delaware DMV office or on the DMV website, and printing it ahead of time speeds up your visit.
  • You must provide your Social Security number, current address, date of birth, and information about your vision and any medical conditions.
  • The form requires you to truthfully report any suspensions, revocations, or traffic convictions you may have had in Delaware or another state.
  • You cannot submit the form by mail — you must bring it in person to a DMV office along with proof of identity and residency.
  • After you submit the form, you will take a written test and a vision screening before the permit is issued.

What information you need to bring and fill in

Before you sit down to fill out the form, gather your Social Security number, your current address, and your date of birth. The form will ask for all three, and you cannot leave any of them blank.

You will also need to report your vision information. The form asks whether you wear glasses or contacts, and whether you have any vision problems. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during your vision screening at the DMV, and your permit will be marked to show that you must wear them while driving.

The form includes a section for medical history. You must report any condition that could affect your ability to drive safely — this includes seizure disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, or any medication that causes drowsiness or impairs judgment. Lying on this section can result in your permit being denied or revoked later if the DMV discovers the truth.

Reporting your driving history on the form

The form asks whether you have ever had a driver's license suspended or revoked in Delaware or any other state. You must answer honestly. If you have had a suspension or revocation, write down the state where it happened, the reason, and the year it occurred.

You will also report any traffic convictions — not just moving violations, but any conviction related to driving. This includes DUI, reckless driving, or hit-and-run. The DMV uses this information to decide whether you are may be able to access for a learner's permit. Some convictions may disqualify you or require you to wait a certain amount of time before you can get a permit.

If you are unsure whether something counts as a conviction or suspension, ask the DMV staff when you arrive. It is better to ask than to guess and fill out the form incorrectly.

How to sign and submit the form

The form must be signed and dated by you. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the form. The signature section is usually at the bottom of the last page, and both signatures must be in ink — not printed or digital.

You cannot mail the form to the DMV. You must bring it in person to a Delaware DMV office, along with your proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, a birth certificate, or a school ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, or a bank statement with your current address.

When you arrive at the DMV office, give the completed form to the staff member at the counter. They will review it for completeness and accuracy. If anything is missing or unclear, they will ask you to correct it before you proceed.

What happens after you submit the form

Once the DMV accepts your form, you will take a written test about Delaware traffic laws and road signs. The test is usually 25 to 30 questions, and you must answer at least 80 percent correctly to pass. You can study for this test using the Delaware Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DMV website.

After you pass the written test, you will have your vision screened. The DMV will check your eyesight to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during this screening.

If you pass both the written test and the vision screening, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is valid for two years and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

Common mistakes to avoid on the form

The most common mistake is leaving a section blank or writing "N/A" instead of answering the question. Every question on the form must be answered, even if the answer is "no" or "none." If you have no medical conditions, write "none." If you have never been suspended, write "no." Blank spaces can cause the DMV to reject the form and ask you to come back.

Another mistake is providing an address that does not match your proof of residency. If your form says you live at 123 Main Street but your utility bill shows 123 Main Avenue, the DMV will catch the discrepancy and may ask you to clarify or bring updated documents.

Do not guess about your driving history. If you are unsure whether you had a suspension in another state, call that state's DMV before you fill out the form. The DMV can find out anyway through the National Driver Register, so lying will only delay your permit and may result in denial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fill out the form online instead of printing and bringing it in?

No. Delaware requires you to submit the form in person at a DMV office. You can print it at home to save time, but you must bring the printed, signed copy with you.

What if I make a mistake while filling out the form?

If you make a small error, you can cross it out neatly and write the correct information above it, then initial the change. If the form becomes too messy or hard to read, ask the DMV for a fresh copy and start over. It is better to take a few extra minutes than to submit a form the staff cannot read.

Do I need to bring the form if I explore in person at the DMV office?

You do not have to print it ahead of time, but it saves time if you do. If you arrive without it, the DMV will give you a blank form to fill out while you wait. Printing it at home and filling it out before you go means you can move through the process faster.

What if I have a suspension from another state — will Delaware still issue me a permit?

It depends on the reason for the suspension and how long ago it happened. Delaware checks the National Driver Register, which tracks suspensions across all states. Some suspensions disqualify you temporarily; others may disqualify you permanently. The DMV staff can tell you whether your specific suspension affects your Delaware permit.

Can my parent fill out the form for me if I am under 18?

Your parent or guardian must sign the form, but you should fill in your own information. The form asks questions about your medical history and driving history that only you can answer accurately. Your parent can help you understand the questions, but the answers must come from you.