Delaware teen driving requirements
Delaware implements a graduated driver licensing program designed to reduce the high accident and fatality rate of minor drivers by providing additional supervised driving experience and reduced exposure to high-risk driving situations. The program is required for applicants who are at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old, or those on an active IEP who are at least 16 years old and less than 22 years old. Participation in the GDL program is optional for any person who is 18 years of age or older.
Contents
Overview
Delaware implements a graduated driver licensing program designed to reduce the high accident and fatality rate of minor drivers by providing additional supervised driving experience and reduced exposure to high-risk driving situations. The program is required for applicants who are at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old, or those on an active IEP who are at least 16 years old and less than 22 years old. Participation in the GDL program is optional for any person who is 18 years of age or older.
Key finding
Delaware uses a graduated licensing system that requires teens to progress through structured stages before earning full driving privileges. This approach has been shown to significantly reduce crash risk among new drivers.
Licensing timeline
A teen is eligible to apply for a Level 1 Permit at age 16 but must first complete a certified driver education program. For the first 6 months of driving, an adult must ride with the teen any time he or she is driving. A driver who has completed the driving log and held the Level 1 Permit for at least six months can drive unsupervised from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. A driver who's at least 17 years old and has held a Level 1 Permit for at least 12 months without suspension can apply for an unrestricted Class D license.
| Stage | Minimum Age | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 16 years old | Must complete state-approved driver education program first |
| Graduated/provisional license | 16 years old | Level 1 Learner's Permit issued after driver education completion |
| Restrictions end | After 12 months | Restrictions lift after 12 months with permit and sponsor endorsement until age 18 |
Unrestricted Class D license available at age 17 after 12 months permit holding, or age 18
Practice paths
Complete state-approved driver education program, obtain permit, complete 50 hours supervised driving (including 10 hours night), take road test after 6 months
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervised hours | 50 hours total |
| Night hours | 10 hours required |
| Driver education | Required |
| Road test | Required |
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements
After obtaining a Level 1 Permit, the holder can drive only while supervised by a licensed adult who's at least 25 years old and has at least five years of driving experience, with the supervising adult seated in the front seat at all times. The teen driver can have only one non-family-member passenger (not including the supervising adult) in the vehicle. The passenger restrictions do not apply to immediate members of the driver's family provided the adult supervisor is in the car. After-hours driving is permitted for travel to and from school, church, work, and emergency services. The restrictions do not apply to those individuals who are Delaware volunteer fire fighters and ambulance attendants as long as they have written permission from their fire chief or ambulance captain.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit holding period | 12 months |
| Nighttime restriction | 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (unsupervised driving prohibited) |
| Passenger restriction | First 6 months: supervised only, then one non-family passenger when unsupervised |
| Cell phone restriction | Cell phone use prohibited while driving |
| Supervisor requirement | Licensed adult age 25+ with 5+ years experience, must be in front seat |
Nighttime restriction exceptions:
- work
- school activities
- church
- emergencies
Passenger restriction exceptions:
- immediate family members
- adult supervisor present
Important caveat
GDL restrictions vary by state and can change when new legislation is enacted. The restrictions listed above were last verified on 2026-04-03. Always confirm current requirements with the Delaware official DMV website.
Minimum insurance requirements
All vehicles registered in Delaware are required to have the minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 and a PIP (Personal Injury Protection) minimum of $15,000 for any 1 person and $30,000 for all persons injured in any 1 accident. Delaware follows a fault system when it comes to financial responsibility for injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses stemming from a car accident, meaning that the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is responsible for compensating anyone who suffered harm. Even though Delaware is not one of the mandatory no-fault car insurance states, PIP coverage is still required in the state. Delaware also requires uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 limits.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage | $10,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | 15000 |
| UM/UIM coverage | Uninsured motorist coverage required at 25/50 limits |
Insurance considerations for teen drivers
Teen drivers in Delaware typically face significantly higher insurance premiums than adult drivers due to their inexperience and higher risk profile. The mandatory PIP coverage requirement means teens and their families must factor in the cost of this additional protection beyond basic liability limits. Insurance companies consider factors such as age, driving experience, and vehicle type when calculating premiums, with new teen drivers often paying premium rates until they establish a clean driving record over several years.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner's permit | $40 |
| Driver's license | $40 |
Single fee covers both permit and license for 8 years
Official resources
See also
Sources and verification
- Delaware DMV Teen Driving Information
- Delaware Graduated Driver Licensing Brochure
- Delaware Code Title 21 Section 2710
- Delaware DMV Insurance Requirements
- Delaware Department of Insurance
Last verified: 2026-04-03. This page contains 5 cited sources.