What you need to know about Delaware's learner's permit

Delaware's learner's permit, called a Learner's License, lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs. The permit is valid for two years, and you'll need it before you can move on to a full driver's license.

The permit comes with restrictions: you cannot drive alone, you must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front passenger seat, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These rules exist because new drivers have the highest crash rates, and the restrictions lower your risk while you're learning.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and pass the written knowledge test at a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office to get your Learner's License.
  • You need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number when you visit the DMV.
  • The written test covers Delaware traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Delaware Driver's Manual.
  • Your Learner's License is valid for two years and requires a licensed driver 21 or older to be in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • After holding your permit for at least 30 days and practicing, you can schedule your road test to earn your full driver's license.

Age requirements and when you can start

Delaware requires you to be at least 16 years old to get a Learner's License. You can explore as soon as you turn 16; there is no waiting period before you can take the written test. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process.

Once you have your permit, Delaware law requires you to hold it for a minimum of 30 days before you can take your road test. This waiting period is designed to give you time to practice and build confidence behind the wheel. Many new drivers use this time to log 50 to 100 hours of practice, though Delaware does not require a specific number of hours.

Documents to bring to the DMV

When you go to a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office, bring the following documents:

  • A valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or state ID)
  • Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address)
  • Your Social Security number or Social Security card
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with a valid ID

Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted. If your proof of residency is in someone else's name, bring a document showing your relationship to that person, such as a birth certificate or lease with both names.

The written knowledge test

The written test has 30 questions about Delaware traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you receive your score when ready.

You can study using the Delaware Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Delaware DMV website. The manual covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions. Most people spend a few hours studying before taking the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

Restrictions that come with your Learner's License

Your Learner's License comes with rules you must follow while driving. A licensed driver who is 21 years old or older must be in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive other passengers under 18 unless a licensed adult 21 or older is also in the car.

You cannot use a cell phone, text, or any handheld device while driving, even at a red light. This rule applies to all new drivers in Delaware. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and you must have a parent or guardian in the car.

How to renew or replace your permit

Your Learner's License is valid for two years from the date you receive it. If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you can renew it at any Delaware DMV office. Bring your current permit, your ID, and proof of residency. You do not have to retake the written test if you renew before it expires.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the DMV. Bring your ID and proof of residency. There is a fee for a replacement permit, which varies; check the Delaware DMV website for the current cost. A replacement permit has the same expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time on your two-year validity period.

Moving from your permit to your full driver's license

After you have held your Learner's License for at least 30 days, you can schedule your road test. The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes driving in different conditions—residential streets, busier roads, and possibly highways. A DMV examiner sits in the car and watches how you handle steering, braking, parking, and following traffic laws.

To schedule your test, contact the Delaware DMV office where you got your permit or use their online scheduling system. Bring your Learner's License, your ID, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you pass, you will receive your full driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after a waiting period, usually a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Learner's License online or by mail?

No. You must visit a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles office in person to take the written test and receive your permit. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Find the DMV office nearest you on the Delaware DMV website and check their hours before you go.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another time. There is no waiting period between attempts. Study the Delaware Driver's Manual again before your next try, focusing on the areas where you struggled. Most people pass on their second attempt.

Can I drive with a permit from another state?

If you are a new resident of Delaware, you may be able to use your out-of-state permit for a limited time while you transfer your license. Contact the Delaware DMV to find out how long you have to exchange it for a Delaware permit. You will likely need to pass Delaware's written test.

Do I have to practice a certain number of hours before my road test?

Delaware does not require a minimum number of practice hours, but the 30-day waiting period gives you time to build skills. Most driving instructors recommend 50 to 100 hours of practice, including time in different weather and traffic conditions, before you take your road test.

What if I turn 18 while I have a Learner's License?

Your Learner's License remains valid until it expires, even after you turn 18. However, once you turn 18, you no longer need a parent or guardian to sign documents or be present at the DMV. The driving restrictions on your permit stay in place until you pass your road test and receive your full driver's license.