DELAWARE  DRIVER’S EDUCATION

Summary of Delaware Graduated Licensing Law
(detailed chart bottom of this page)
Delaware has a three stage licensing process for minors.
  1. Learner’s License (at least age 15) We recommend our DriverEdToGo Video-to use during the Learner stage. Shows the parent how to teach collision-free driving habits and provides unique teaching tools (mirrors, checklists, videos, audio instruction series, etc.).
  2. Intermediate License (ages 16 - 17)
  3. Regular License (age 17 if has had license at least 6 months).
Delaware License Chart
Level One Learner’s Permit
Age 15 & 10 months - 17

Delaware Driver Education Certificate required.

Restrictions

  1. Permit must be in the possession of the permit holder when driving a motor vehicle.
  2. Supervisor must be a properly licensed parent, guardian or licensed driver (approved by the sponsor) who is at least 25 years of age and has held a Class D license for at least 5 years, seated beside the permit holder in the front seat of the vehicle when it is in motion. No person other than the supervising driver can be in the front seat.
  3. For the first six months after issuance of a Level One Learner's Permit, the permit holder may only drive when supervised.
  4. After the first six months, the permit holder may drive:
    a. Unsupervised between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
    b. The permit holder may drive between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. only when under supervision.
    Exception: The permit holder may travel without supervision during those hours when going directly to and from church activities, work activities, and the permit holder's school.

During the first year, no passengers other than the adult supervisor and two or fewer other passengers may be in the vehicle.

During the second six-month-period of unsupervised driving (second year) when a supervisor is not present, only two other passengers in addition to the driver may be in the vehicle. This passenger limit does not apply to immediate family members.

 
Class D Operator’s License
Age 16 & 10 months
A permit holder who is at least 16 years and 10 months old, but less than 18 years old, may obtain a Class D operator's license when the driver has held a Level 1 Learner's Permit for at least 12 months, the sponsor has not withdrawn his/her endorsement, and the applicant's driving privileges are not suspended, revoked, or canceled.