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  • 16Youngest age, after driver educationp. 28
  • 50 hoursSupervised practice, 10 of them at nightp. 29
  • 6 monthsFully supervised before driving alonep. 29
  • 12 monthsUntil the permit becomes a Class D licensep. 30

Step by step

  1. Finish driver education

    Pass a Delaware Department of Education approved driver education course and get your Driver Education Certificate (the Blue or White Certificate). An out-of-state course needs the Department of Education's approval. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 18, 28)

  2. Gather your documents

    Bring original or certified documents; photocopies and expired or altered papers are refused. The two residency proofs are waived if your sponsor is a licensed Delaware driver living at your address.

    • One proof of identity and legal presence, such as a U.S. birth certificate that names your parents
    • Proof of your Social Security number, if you are eligible for one
    • Two proofs of your Delaware address from different sources, mailed within the last 60 days

    (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 21–23, 28)

  3. Bring your sponsor

    A parent, guardian or other approved sponsor signs your application in front of a DMV licensing employee. The sponsor shares liability for damage you cause through negligence and decides who may supervise you. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 28–29)

  4. Pass the eye screening and pay the fee

    Pass the eye screening when you apply and pay the Class D license fee (it covers the permit). Every applicant is subject to written and road exams. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 14, 21, 29)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website before you go.

Rules while you have a Level One Learner's Permit

  • Carry the permit whenever you drive. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 29)
  • You and every passenger wear a seat belt or ride in a child safety seat or booster seat. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 29)
  • No cell phone, texting device or similar electronic device while driving, hands-free included. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 29, 81)
  • For the first six months, always drive with your supervisor in the front passenger seat, and log 50 hours (10 at night). (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 29)
  • After six months you may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; later hours need a supervisor unless you go straight to or from work, church activities or school activities on school property. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 30)
  • Carry only the supervisor and one other passenger (immediate family may also ride while the supervisor is present); alone, just one passenger. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 29–30)

If you don't pass

If you fail any part of the road exam, prepare thoroughly and take it again later: you must wait at least 30 days. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 43)

What comes next

The permit converts to a Class D operator's license on its own once you have completed 12 full months of valid driving authority, as long as your sponsor hasn't withdrawn and your privilege isn't suspended. Time under a suspension doesn't count. (Delaware Driver Manual, p. 30)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Delaware practice exam: 32 questions, 26 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you go. Page numbers are the ones printed on the handbook pages; tap one to open the official PDF at that page.