Delaware Learner's Permit Requirements and Age

Delaware issues a learner's permit to drivers aged 16 and older who have not yet passed their road test. The permit allows you to drive under supervision — you must have a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat beside you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present.

If you are under 18, you must also complete a state-approved driver education course before you can take the road test. This course is not required for applicants 18 and older, but many people complete it anyway because insurance companies often offer discounts for completion.

You do not need a learner's permit if you are 18 or older — you can go directly to the road test. However, most people under 18 use the permit period to practice before testing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a Delaware learner's permit, and a licensed driver aged 21 or older must sit in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • Drivers under 18 must complete a state-approved driver education course before taking the road test; drivers 18 and older do not.
  • Your learner's permit is not valid between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot drive alone at any time while the permit is active.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of Delaware residency, and a completed process form to obtain your permit.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices specific to Delaware; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DMV

Bring your original or certified birth certificate, or a valid passport. If you do not have either, you can use a combination of documents — ask the Delaware DMV which secondary documents they will accept. You will also need proof of Delaware residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A school ID or report card showing your current address also works.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that displays your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a learner's permit. You will also need to complete the process for Instruction Permit (Form DL-44), which you can obtain at any Delaware DMV office or read from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Bring payment for the permit fee. As of 2024, a learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for two years. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit the DMV.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 24 correctly — that is 80 percent — to pass. The test covers Delaware traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about speed limits, seat belt laws, distracted driving, and how to handle emergency vehicles on the road.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. The DMV provides study materials free of charge, including a Delaware Driver's Manual that covers everything on the test. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before testing. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times; if you fail, you must wait one day before retesting.

The test is administered on a computer at the DMV office. You will receive your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit the same day.

How Long You Can Hold a Learner's Permit

Your learner's permit is valid for two years from the date of issue. During this time, you must practice driving and then schedule a road test. You can take the road test anytime after you have held the permit for 30 days, but you must still be under 18 to use the permit — once you turn 18, the permit expires and you must take the road test or explore for a regular license without the permit step.

If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to reapply and retake the written test. There is no grace period — the permit stops being valid on the expiration date. If you move out of Delaware while holding a permit, you should contact the DMV to find out whether you can transfer it or whether you need to explore in your new state.

Restrictions That explore While You Hold a Learner's Permit

You cannot drive alone at any time. A licensed driver aged 21 or older must be in the front seat beside you. This person is responsible for helping you learn and for taking over if necessary. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver present — this is a hard stop, not a guideline.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency. This rule is stricter for permit holders than for licensed drivers. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts. You cannot tow a trailer or carry more passengers than there are seat belts in the vehicle.

Some insurance companies impose additional restrictions on permit holders — for example, limiting the number of teenage passengers or requiring a certain grade point average. Check with your family's insurance company to understand what they require.

Driver Education Course Requirements for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a state-approved driver education course before you can take the road test. This course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. The classroom portion covers traffic laws, hazard recognition, and vehicle operation. The behind-the-wheel portion is usually six hours of supervised driving with an instructor.

Delaware approves driver education courses offered by public schools, private driving schools, and online providers. The course must be approved by the Delaware Department of Education or the DMV. When you complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate when you go to take your road test — you cannot take the test without it.

The cost of driver education varies by provider. Public school courses are often free or low-cost for students enrolled in the school. Private driving schools typically charge $300 to $600 for the full course. Online classroom instruction combined with in-person driving lessons is also available. Check with schools and driving schools in your area for current pricing and schedules.

What Happens After You Pass the Written Test

Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit when ready. You can then begin practicing with a supervising driver. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. During this time, practice in different weather and traffic conditions — residential streets, highways, and busy intersections.

When you are ready, contact the DMV to schedule your road test. Road tests are administered at DMV offices and by third-party examiners in some locations. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making on the road.

If you pass the road test, you will receive a regular driver's license. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting one day. You can take the road test as many times as you need, but each attempt may have a fee — confirm the cost with the DMV when you schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am 18 or older?

No. Delaware does not issue learner's permits to people 18 and older. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can take the written test and road test without a permit. You do not need to complete driver education, though some insurance companies offer discounts if you do.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test after waiting one day. You can take it up to three times before you must wait longer or reapply. Each retake may have a fee — check with your local DMV office. Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the Delaware Driver's Manual more thoroughly.

Can my supervising driver sit in the back seat instead of the front?

No. The supervising driver must sit in the front seat beside you. This is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. If you are stopped by police and the supervising driver is not in the front seat, you may be cited for violating learner's permit restrictions.

What if I move to another state while holding a Delaware learner's permit?

Your Delaware permit is no longer valid in another state. Contact the DMV in your new state to find out what documents you need to obtain a permit there. Some states honor out-of-state permits for a short time, but Delaware does not have reciprocal agreements with most states.

Do I need insurance to get a learner's permit?

You do not need insurance to obtain the permit itself, but you must have insurance before you drive. Most insurance companies require you to be listed on a parent's or guardian's policy. Contact your family's insurance agent before you start driving to make sure you are covered.