Delaware Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Delaware learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Delaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18) ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Delaware
- At 16+, complete a certified Delaware driver education course and gather identity, legal-presence, Social Security, and Delaware-residency documents
- Apply for the GDL Level One Learner's Permit with a sponsor present, pay the $40 Class D fee, and pass the eye screening
- Drive only with an approved supervisor for the first 6 months while logging 50 practice hours including 10 at night
- After the first 6 months, drive unsupervised only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless using one of Delaware's listed exceptions
- Complete a full 12 months of valid driving authority to have the permit automatically convert to a Class D operator's license if the sponsor has not withdrawn endorsement
Delaware GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit device rule: The permit holder may not operate a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone, text messaging device, or similar electronic device
- Permit passenger rule: During the first 12 months, no passengers other than the adult supervisor and one other passenger may be in the vehicle; immediate family members are allowed when the adult supervisor is in the car
- Permit supervision: When supervision is required, the supervisor must be a properly licensed parent, guardian, or sponsor-approved licensed driver who is at least 25 years old, has held a Class D license for at least 5 years, and is seated beside the permit holder
- First six months: For the first 6 months after issuance, the Level One Learner's Permit holder must be supervised at all times
- Second six months: After the first 6 months, the permit holder may drive unsupervised from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. the permit holder may drive only under supervision except when going directly to or from church activities, work activities, or school activities on school property
Documents you'll need
- Delaware Driver Education Certificate or approved out-of-state course documentation
- Proof of identity
- Proof of legal presence in the United States
- Social Security number proof if eligible
- Two proofs of Delaware residency unless the sponsor is a licensed Delaware driver at the same address
- Sponsor signature on the GDL application in the presence of a DMV licensing employee
The details
- Permit eligibility: Delaware's GDL Level One Learner's Permit is available at age 16 for applicants under 18
- Permit fee details: GDL applicants must pay the $40 Class D fee at application; Delaware's fee page states the driver's-license fee includes the Class D learner's permit that precedes issuance
- Permit validity: 12 months — The Level One Learner's Permit automatically converts to a Class D license after a full 12 months of valid driving authority if the applicant remains eligible
- Practice hour details: During the first 6 months, the sponsor must certify 50 driving hours including 10 hours of night driving before the permit holder gains the second-stage driving authority
- Knowledge test: 30 questions; 80% to pass; Web search: 30-question knowledge test, 24 correct (80%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Delaware?
You can get a learner's permit in Delaware at 16. Delaware's GDL Level One Learner's Permit is available at age 16 for applicants under 18.
How much does a Delaware permit cost?
The Delaware permit fee is $40. GDL applicants must pay the $40 Class D fee at application; Delaware's fee page states the driver's-license fee includes the Class D learner's permit that precedes issuance.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Delaware?
You must hold your Delaware permit for at least 12 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Delaware require?
Delaware requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 10 at night.
Where can I practice for the Delaware permit test?
Right here — take a free Delaware practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DMV-format experience with a readiness score.
