What you need to get a Delaware learner's permit

A Delaware learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test for a full license. You must be at least 16 years old, pass a written knowledge test, and bring specific documents to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The permit is valid for two years and costs $20.

You cannot get a learner's permit if you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country. If you have an out-of-state license, you can go straight to the road test instead — you do not need the permit step.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and bring proof of age, identity, and Delaware residency to the DMV to get a learner's permit.
  • The written knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Delaware Driver's Manual, available free online or at any DMV office.
  • A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for two years from the date of issue.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times.
  • You can take the road test for a full license once you have held the permit for at least 10 days and have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving.

Documents to bring to the DMV

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need proof of age and identity in one document, proof of Delaware residency in a separate document, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

For proof of age and identity combined, bring a passport, a certified birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, or a Delaware ID card. If you bring a birth certificate, the photo ID must be from a government source — a school ID does not count.

For proof of Delaware residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and current Delaware address. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it is dated within 60 days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you have neither, you can still get a learner's permit, but you will need to complete additional paperwork at the DMV office.

The written knowledge test

The test has 30 multiple-choice questions covering Delaware traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and results are available when ready.

Study using the Delaware Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DMV website or in print at any DMV office. The manual covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website to see the types of questions you will face.

You get one free attempt at the test when you explore for your permit. If you fail, you can retake it, but each additional attempt costs $10. Most people pass on the first try if they study the manual.

Where and when to explore

Go to any Delaware DMV office in person. You cannot get a learner's permit by mail or online. Bring all required documents and the $20 fee in cash or card. The DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

DMV offices are located in Wilmington, Newark, and Dover. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some offer Saturday hours. Check the DMV website for the office nearest you and current hours before you go.

Bring a completed process for a Delaware Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), which you can read from the DMV website or fill out at the office. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you pass the test on your first attempt.

Restrictions while you hold a learner's permit

You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat with you at all times. That driver must hold a valid driver's license from any state. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age.

You cannot use a cell phone or any handheld device while driving, even at a red light. This rule applies to all new drivers in Delaware, not just permit holders. 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.

Violating permit restrictions can result in a fine and may delay your road test. Your permit can also be suspended if you accumulate too many violations.

Moving from learner's permit to road test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 10 days before you can take the road test. You also need to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Keep a log of your driving hours to show the examiner or bring a signed statement from the adult who supervised your driving.

Schedule your road test through the DMV website or by calling the office where you want to test. Road tests are available Monday through Friday and some Saturday mornings. The test costs $10 and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive a vehicle — usually your own — while an examiner watches and scores your performance on parking, turns, lane changes, and following traffic laws.

Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are using, and the keys. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week and pay the $10 fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am under 16?

No. Delaware law requires you to be at least 16 years old. If you are younger, you cannot get a learner's permit or a driver's license. Some states allow younger teens to get a permit, but Delaware does not.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. Each retake costs $10. Most people pass after studying the Delaware Driver's Manual. If you fail multiple times, ask the DMV staff for extra study materials or consider taking a driver education course.

Do I need to take a driver education course to get a learner's permit?

No. A course is not required for the permit itself. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved driver education course, and some parents require it before letting their teen drive.

Can I drive a motorcycle with a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit for a regular car does not cover motorcycles. You need a separate motorcycle learner's permit, which has different age and testing requirements. Contact the DMV for details on motorcycle permits.

What happens if I move out of Delaware while I have a learner's permit?

Your Delaware permit is no longer valid once you establish residency in another state. You will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. If you move back to Delaware, you can reapply for a Delaware permit.