South · Level One Learner’s Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Delaware
Delaware requires driver education before a Level One Learner’s Permit is issued at 16. The first 6 months of the permit are fully supervised by a sponsor or licensed adult.
Delaware permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 16 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Level One Learner’s Permit |
| Supervised practice | 50 hours, including 10 at night |
| Minimum holding period | 6 months of supervised driving before unsupervised driving is allowed |
| Issuing agency | Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Delaware?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 16
- Practice hours
- 50 hours
- Waiting time
- 6 months of supervised driving before unsupervised driving is allowed
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 28/100. Easiest in the South: Arkansas (#1) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Wyoming makes you hold the permit for just 10 days — the next-shortest wait is 12× longer. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Delaware permit date · ⚔️ Compare Delaware with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Delaware
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 16 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Delaware driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Delaware’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Delaware residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Delaware requires 50 hours, including 10 at night. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Delaware, that's 6 months of supervised driving before unsupervised driving is allowed. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Good to know in Delaware
- Delaware’s Level One permit converts through supervised and unsupervised phases on the same document rather than requiring a separate intermediate license application.
Delaware learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Delaware?
The minimum age is 16. Delaware calls this credential the Level One Learner’s Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Delaware require?
Delaware requires 50 hours, including 10 at night. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Delaware?
The minimum holding period is 6 months of supervised driving before unsupervised driving is allowed before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Delaware?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Delaware an easy state to get licensed in?
Delaware ranks #42 of 50 on our Ease Score (28/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.