Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Delaware. Delaware follows a graduated driver license program. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 16 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Delaware, who has been licensed in another state and/or your driver's license has expired.

HOW TO OBTAIN A GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSE

If you are at least 16 years of age and under 18, you are eligible to apply for the Level One Learner's Permit.

1. Download a copy of the Delaware Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local DMV office.
2. Visit your local DMV office to submit the application. You application must by signed by parent/guardian. You must bring with you:
   • A Delaware Driver Education Certificate to prove you passed a certified driver education course.
   • Proof of identity, age and two proofs of Delaware residency, as specified by the DMV.
   • Your Social Security card, if eligible.
   • The correct fee payable in cash, check or money order. Some offices also accept credit cards.
3. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a Level One Learner's Permit.

The level one learner's permit in Delaware includes the following restrictions:

1. The permit should be in the vehicle when the permit holder is driving.
2. When driving with a level one learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 25 or older, for the first six months. This person must sit beside you and have a Class D license at least 5 years old.
3. After the first six months of driving with a level one permit, you need your sponsor to certify to the Department of Education that you have had at least 50 hours of hands-on driving experience, including 10 hours of difficult driving experience like driving in unpleasant weather or in the night.
4. Level one permit holders are not permitted to drive between 10 pm and 6 am (unless going to or from work, school event, religious event or an emergency; or accompanied by a parent or a guardian with a license) after the first six months. Junior drivers are not permitted to drive between 11 pm and 5 am. They can drive without supervision between 6 am and 10 pm.
5. Unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, a level one permit driver cannot take more than one passenger (other than his/her family members) while driving.
6. All drivers, including level one permit drivers, must ensure that the vehicle has adequate seat belts to accommodate all passengers in the vehicle.

TEMPORARY INSTRUCTION PERMIT (APPLICANTS OVER 18)

If you are over 18 and have never held a license, you must apply for a temporary instruction permit valid for two months to be able to practice on the vehicle you wish to drive. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit or Temporary Instruction Permit which is valid for 60 days. You can take the road test for your driving license 10 days from receiving your learner's permit. A learner's permit may be extended only once for another 60 days by paying a $2 fee, if required. When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A learner's permit holder, who is at least 17 years of age and under 18, may obtain the unrestricted Class D Operator's License when he/she has held the Level One Learner's Permit for at least 12 months and has completed a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) before taking the driver's license road test. A Level One Learner's Permit will automatically convert to a regular Class D, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held the level one permit for at least one year.
2. Your driving privileges are not forfeited.
3. Your sponsor has not cancelled his/her endorsement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests
• Learn more about Delaware's Licensing Requirements for Young Drivers.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Delaware, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.