Driver's Training in Delaware

Delaware Driver's Training

Teenagers applying for a new driver's license with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) must complete both:

  • Driver's training during Driver's Ed.
    AND
  • Supervised driving practice.

Your behind-the-wheel driving practice must be completed while you hold a learner's permit and will help you develop your driving skills and become a safe, responsible driver. The time you spend practicing your driving and building your experience with a licensed adult is crucial to your performance on the DMV driving test and your ability to drive alone.

On this page you'll find information on your behind-the-wheel/driver's training requirements and how to move on to your unrestricted driver's license.

DE Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

You'll need to satisfy the requirements of the Delaware DMV graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program if you are:

  • Younger than 18 years old.
    OR
  • Younger than 22 years old AND enrolled in a special education curriculum guided by an active Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The GDL requirements include:

  • Driver's training during your Delaware driver's education course.
  • 50 hours of supervised driving practice while you hold your learner's permit (10 hours must be at night).

You'll be able to begin your behind-the-wheel requirements when you enroll in Driver's Ed. For more information about your enrollment options and requirements, please visit our Driver’s Ed in Delaware page.

After you complete your driver's education program, you can apply for your Level 1 learner's permit when you are at least 16 years old.

For more information about obtaining your learner's permit, please visit our Driver’s Permits in Delaware page.

Delaware Driver's Training Course

In-car driver's training with a driving instructor is a component of your Delaware driver's education course, which is offered by most high schools.

Your course will include at least:

  • 7 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
  • 7 hours of in-car observation.

Generally, you'll begin this in-car portion of your program after you complete the classroom component. You'll be able to apply everything you'll have learned in the classroom to your practice in the car with your professional driving instructor.

After you complete both components of the course, you will receive a driver's education certificate.

Driving Practice in Delaware

During the first 6 months of your Level 1 learner's permit, you'll be allowed to drive ONLY when supervised by a licensed adult who:

  • Is at least 25 years old.
    AND
  • Has held their driver's license for at least 5 years.

Before gaining your unsupervised driving privileges, you'll need to complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours completed at night.

Your parent/legal guardian sponsor will need to certify that you've completed your behind-the-wheel practice. The certification must be submitted to the Delaware Department of Education (DOE).

For more information, please call the DOE at (302) 857-3320.

Next Steps - Getting Your Driver's License

You'll be eligible for your full driver's license when you:

  • Have held your Level 1 learner's permit for at least 1 year.
    • You must not have had any suspensions, cancellations, or revocations during this time.
  • Have completed your behind-the-wheel training.
    • See “Delaware Driver's Training Course" and “Driving Practice in Delaware" above.

For more information, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Delaware page.

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