Delaware Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Delaware learner's permit — age, fees, documents for the written test, supervised-hours rules, and what the road test itself checks — summarized from the official DMV pages and linked to the source.
DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official 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.
The Delaware licensing timeline
Each stage below carries what DMV itself publishes, the people it applies to, the page it came from, and the date we last checked it. Where The state agency publishes no figure, the card says so instead of guessing one.
1Eligibility
Minimum permit age16DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
Delaware's GDL Level One Learner's Permit is available at age 16 for applicants under 18
2Documents
DMV lists these for the knowledge-test visit:
- 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 knowledge test and the permit itself are handled in the same visit.
DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
3Required education
Delaware's own published steps name a training requirement:
- At 16+, complete a certified Delaware driver education course and gather identity, legal-presence, Social Security, and Delaware-residency documents
DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
4Application
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
5Knowledge test
Wait before a retakeThe state agency does not publish a verified retake waitDelawareDMVDE official knowledge-test sourceChecked 2026-08-12Official source
State site states 32 questions and a 81% (or equivalent) passing score.
6Permit restrictions
Permit validity12 monthsDelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
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
Restrictions Delaware puts on a new driver:
- 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
DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
7Supervised driving
Supervised driving for applicants under 1850 hours (10 at night)DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
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. That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
8Road test
Minimum permit hold12 monthsDelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
9Full licence
Unrestricted driving age16DelawareDMVDelaware DMV — Graduated Driver License (Under 18)Checked 2026-07-13Official source
After the first 6 months of valid Level One Learner's Permit driving authority, the holder may drive unsupervised between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.; a Class D license auto-converts after 12 months of valid driving authority
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
What is different about Delaware
Rules that are set by Delaware rather than nationally, and where they depart from what most states do. Compared against DMV Prep's verified rules for all 51 jurisdictions — unverified figures are left out of both sides of every comparison.
- Minimum permit age: 16 here. The most common minimum permit age is 15 (25 of 50 states we have verified).
- Minimum permit hold: 12 months here. The most common minimum permit hold is 6 months (33 of 46 states we have verified).
- Passing score: 81% here. The most common passing score is 80% (15 of 26 states we have verified).
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 for applicants under 18, including 10 at night. That is a graduated-licensing rule — an applicant who is already 18 follows a different path, so check the official source below rather than assuming this figure is yours to meet.
Where can I practice for the Delaware permit test?
Right here — take a free Delaware practice test, review every answer, and build readiness in your browser. The free DMV Prep app adds offline study and native reminders.
