How to Get a Delaware Driver's Permit

Delaware requires that all drivers under the age of 18 obtain a learner’s permit and attend driver’s education courses before they can begin driving legally. In order to obtain a driver’s permit, there are certain steps that must be followed. Here is a simple guide to getting the right Delaware driver’s permit:

Learner’s permit

There are two types of learner permits that are available in Delaware: a permit for teens under 18, and a permit for adults 18 years of age or older. Those who are under 16 may drive only with a supervising adult for the first six months of holding their permit; for the remainder of the time they hold a permit, they must only drive during the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless driving to or from a church, work, or school function.

A supervising adult in Delaware must be a parent, guardian, or other adult driver who is at least 25 years old and has been in possession of a valid driver’s license for at least five years. This person must be seated in the front passenger seat while you drive. This type of permit must be held for at least one year before taking the road test to apply for a full license.

Those who are 18 years or older must hold a temporary learner’s permit, and be supervised by a driver who is at least 21 years old, for a total of ten days before being allowed to take a road test to graduate to a full driver’s license.

In order to receive any of these permits, Delaware requires that potential drivers submit an application; bring several required legal documents to their appointment; pass a written exam and a vision test; provide proof of completion from a driver’s education program; and pay the required $40 fee.

Delaware learner permit applicants must have a sponsor to sign their application. This person is held liable for the damages resulting in negligent driving on the part of the student driver. This person must be either the parent, legal guardian, or a person approved by the Chief of Driver Services.

Required documents

When you arrive at the Delaware DMV to take a driver’s permit exam, you must bring the following legal documents:

  • Two documents that provide proof of address, such as a bank statement or postmarked mail.

  • Documents that prove name and date of birth.

  • One document that proves social security number, such as a social security card or a W-2 form.

Passing the exam

The Delaware learner’s permit exam is made up of 30 questions about the state-specific traffic laws, safe driving rules, and road signs. The Delaware Driver Manual covers all the information that a student needs in order to pass the exam. In order to get extra practice, there is an online practice exam available. Drivers must answer 24 questions correctly in order to pass the exam.

Once you have passed the permit exam, with a fee of $40 to be paid either with cash, check, or a credit card, you must then pass a vision test.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Need Help With Your Car?

Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair.

GET A QUOTE

Related articles

How to Get a Mississippi Driver's Permit
Mississippi Mississippi is one of many states that uses a graduated driver’s license program. This program requires all new drivers under 18 years old to begin driving under supervision, in order to practice safe driving before getting their full driver’s...
How to Get a New Jersey Driver's Permit
New New Jersey uses a graduated driver’s license program, like many other states. This program requires all new drivers under 18 years old to begin driving under supervision, in order to practice safe driving before getting their full driver’s license....
Windshield Laws in Delaware
If If you’re a driver, you already know that there are a lot of rules that you have to follow when travelling the roadways in Delaware. However, traffic laws include considerably more than just what you do while you are...

Related questions

I need some answers in order to get my permit. please help
Hello. Let's get these questions answered for you. All vehicles should be serviced per the manufacturers maintenance schedule (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-maintain-your-car-on-a-schedule-by-brent-minderler). The owners manual contains this schedule that is set up to best maintain the service of any vehicle. There is no...
Heater won't work from center vents
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The issue is the blend doors (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-is-not-working-inspection) are not adjusting correctly when you adjust the thermostatic switch. Check the wiring in the dash for any loose contacts to the blend doors. Also check...
My Lincoln MKZ Rear Left Lid Tail Light Tail Lamp , the brake light is out I need the part number to order
Hi Donald. Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, we typically don't look up parts by VIN number to supply you with a part number, as this is something that needs to be done by a dealership. I've forwarded your inquiry to...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com