Delaware Driver’s License Requirements (A Complete 2023 Guide)

Every state has different requirements to get a driver’s license. 

This is why it can get quite confusing. 

Not to mention, the many steps you have to complete. 

Well, if you’re from Delaware, then you’re in luck. 

Here, we’re going to give you a complete 2023 guide on Delaware driver’s license requirements. We won’t leave anything out. 

This way, you know exactly what you need to do, how you can do it, and when you should do it. 

Plus, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions. 

So shall we? 

How to Get a Driver’s License in Delaware

Once you turn 16 years old, you can start working towards your driver’s license. However, you’ll need to follow the state’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program. 

Unlike other states, Delaware’s GDL is pretty straightforward. First, you need a Level One Learner’s Permit, then after a while, it will convert to a full adult license. 

Let’s take a look at how to acquire this permit/license. 

How to Get A Learner’s Permit in Delaware

Again, you can already apply for a learner’s permit once you turn 16. 

Here are the steps to get a Delaware learner’s permit: 

1. Complete a state-approved driver’s education course. This consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction, 7 hours of behind-the-wheel laboratory instruction, and 7 hours of observation in the car. 

2. Fill up this online document selector guide. This is to make sure you know that the documents you bring to the DMV are accepted. 

3. Collect all the necessary documents
   1. Blue or White Certificate of Completion for passing the driver’s education course
   2. Proof of identity 
   3. Proof of Social Security Number

4. Go to a DMV office with your parent/legal guardian. It should be one of the DMV offices in Wilmington, New Castle, Dover, or Georgetown. Click here for locations.

5. Complete the application form. You can find this form in the DMV office. Make sure that your parent or legal guardian signs the form in front of a DMV officer. This makes them responsible for any damages you might cause. 

6. Pass a vision exam. You need to get a 20/40 with or without glasses and contact lenses.

7. Pass the knowledge exam. You need a score of 80% to pass. 

8. Have your photo taken.

9. Pay the license fee of $40. You can pay with cash, credit card, or check. 

And there you have it! You will now be issued a Level One Learner’s Permit.

Now you can go out and learn how to drive! 

However, always keep in mind that there are specific rules that any learner’s permit holder should follow. Those rules are:

1. For the first 6 months, have a licensed driver beside you at least 25 years old and who has held their license for 5 years.
2. For the second 6 months, you can drive unsupervised but only from 10 PM to 6 AM, unless you are coming from work, church, or school activities.
   
3. You are not allowed to drive while holding a hand-held electronic device OR a hands-free device.
4. All passengers are required to wear their seatbelts at all times.
5. You are only allowed to carry one non-family member passenger during the first year. 

How to Get A Full Adult License in Delaware

Once you turn 17 years old and held your Level One Learner’s Permit for 12 months, you can now get a full adult license. 

Now, there is no need to apply for it. Instead, your current learner’s permit will automatically allow you to drive unsupervised once you meet the following criteria:

• Completed 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of driving at night supervised.
• Your sponsor, parent, or guardian has passed a certificate to the Department of Education that you have completed 50 hours. It should be passed 6 months after your permit was issued. 

If you’ve met the criteria above and have passed the certification, you will automatically be allowed to drive unsupervised. 

Congrats!

How to Get A Driver’s License in Delaware if You’re Already 18+ Years Old

What if you’re just starting to get your license and you’re already over 18 years old?

Here are the steps you need to follow: 

1. Go to a DMV office. Check here for locations. 
2. Fill up this online document selector guide to know which documents are acceptable to bring.
3. Fill up the application form found at the DMV. 
4. Submit your documents 
5. Pay the license fee of $40
6. Have your photo taken
7. Pass the vision exam
8. Pass the knowledge test
9. Get your permit and practice supervised driving. You can hold it for just 10 days. 
10. Pass the road test. Make sure to schedule an appointment online or through call. 
11. Get your full Class D license

What if you’re over 18 years old and already have a Level One Learner’s Permit? You can either: 

• Wait for 12 months and have the permit automatically become a full license 
• Start with Step 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Got some questions about getting a driver’s license in Delaware? Here are additional FAQs to help you out. 

Where to enroll for driver’s ed?

If you attend a public or private high school, most likely they will already have this course for free. But if your high school doesn’t provide driver’s ed or you just want to take it somewhere else, you can enroll in a commercial driving school.

Can you get your driver’s license online in Delaware?

No, you can’t get your driver’s license online in Delaware. You have to go to a physical DMV office to fill up your application and take the vision and knowledge exams. 

How many days after moving to Delaware are you required to get a driver’s license?

You are required to apply for a Delaware driver’s license 60 days after being fully registered as a resident in the state. 

What counts as proof of residency in Delaware?

Choose two of any of these documents to prove your residency in Delaware:

• Auto or Life Insurance policies
• Bank Account Records
• Credit Card Statement
• Employment Records
• Rental Agreements
• Utility Bills
• U.S. Postal Service change of address confirmation form/postmarked mail with a forwarding address label
• Voter Registration Cards
• Other non-personal mail postmarked within the last 60 days

How many questions are in the Delaware permit test?

There are 30 questions in the Delaware knowledge test. To be eligible for a license, you must get 80% of the total score. 

What is the Delaware road test like?

The road test begins with you meeting your examiner at the road test area. You will then be asked to show certain signals, controls, and lights. 

After this, you will have to take the 15-minute road test where you will be asked to do certain maneuvers. Some maneuvers you need to do include backing up, turning, signaling, and following a vehicle at a safe distance. 

You’ll know if you passed the road test right after the 15 minutes. If you passed, you may go back to the DMV office to get your official driver’s permit. 

Conclusion

So those were all the Delaware driver’s license requirements.

Whether you’re working towards your full license at 16 or 40, you have all the steps you need here. 

So what are you waiting for?

Go and start working towards freedom, towards your driver’s license!

Good luck!