Delaware driver license guide

Minimum age for a learner's permit

16. Applicants under 18 (or under 22 with an active IEP) join the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit / license fee

$50.00 Class D fee for an 8-year license, paid when you apply. It also covers the learner's permit that comes first.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit cost included

There is no separate Class D permit fee. The license fee includes it.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education (under 18)

Teens must show a Delaware Driver Education Certificate (the Blue/White certificate) from a certified course to get the Level One permit.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Sponsor (parental consent)

Every GDL application must be signed by a sponsor, usually a parent or legal guardian, in front of a DMV employee. The sponsor shares liability and can withdraw consent.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long the permit is valid

12 months from the date it is issued (Class D). If you don't pass the road test within that time, you reapply and retest.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

GDL length (under 18)

12 months. The Level One permit turns into a Class D license automatically after a full 12 months of valid driving.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Level One permit restrictions

Supervised at all times for the first 6 months. Only the supervisor and one other passenger (immediate family exempt). No phones or texting devices. Everyone belted.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who can supervise a teen

A licensed parent, guardian or sponsor-approved driver who is at least 25 and has held a Class D license for 5 years, seated in the front.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

After the first 6 months

Teens may drive alone from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. they need a supervisor, except going straight to or from work, school or church activities.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised practice driving

50 hours, including 10 at night, in the first six months. The sponsor certifies them to the Department of Education.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New drivers 18 and older

GDL is optional at 18 and older. Adults who skip it take the eye, knowledge and road exams at the DMV and need no sponsor.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Adult permit rules

Drive only with a licensed driver over 21 sitting beside you, and carry no more than 2 other passengers.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test questions

32 questions on road signs and rules of the road, all drawn from the Delaware Driver Manual.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Passing score

26 of 32 correct (about 81%).Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Audio tests

Audio tests with headphones are available on request.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision test

20/40, with or without glasses or contacts. Vision between 20/40 and 20/50 may get daylight-only driving.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents to bring

One primary and one secondary identity document, proof of Social Security number (if eligible), two proofs of Delaware residency, and legal-presence papers for non-citizens.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Proof of residency

Two proofs from separate sources showing your physical address (no P.O. boxes), such as utility bills or bank records. Mailed items must be postmarked or received within 60 days.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Originals only

Documents must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies, expired or altered documents are refused.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Where to apply

In person at a DMV office: Wilmington, New Castle (Delaware City), Dover or Georgetown.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Booking the road test

Use the online My Road Test scheduler or call a DMV office. Road tests run every weekday except Wednesday.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Wait before the road test

30 days after passing the Class D knowledge exam, per the July 2026 manual. Some older DMV web pages still say 10 days.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

If you fail the road test

Wait at least 30 days before retesting.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License length

8 years, except for some non-citizens (limited by length of stay), hazmat holders and Driving Privilege Card holders.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

Any time in the 180 days (six months) before expiration. A reminder is mailed about 60 days ahead.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Yes. You can renew online or at any DMV office.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$50.00 for an 8-year Class D renewal.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Late renewal fee

$10.00 if you renew after the expiration date.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID (federally compliant license)

A compliant card has a star in the upper right corner. If you can't or won't bring source documents, you get a non-compliant card marked 'Not for Federal Identification'.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID documents

Original documents proving identity and legal presence, Social Security number, and Delaware residence. Existing holders do this once, at renewal.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline for new residents

Within 60 days after becoming a Delaware resident.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for new residents

You pass an eye screening. Written and road exams may be given but are normally waived if your out-of-state license is valid.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

What new residents bring

Your out-of-state license (or a current certified driving record), proof of citizenship or legal presence, proof of Social Security number and two proofs of Delaware residency.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New residents under 18

Must get a Delaware license within 60 days, have approved driver education and a sponsor, and pass written, road and eye tests.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Foreign licenses

Drivers licensed abroad take the knowledge and road exams, except holders from Germany, Taiwan and France (Class D only).Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicate license fee

$20.00 for a duplicate license ($5.00 for a duplicate ID card, per the same page).Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Duplicates for teens

If you are under 18 or have a GDL license, the sponsor who signed for you must come along.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver Manual

The Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026 edition) covers everything on the knowledge exams. It is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole and Korean.Source: dmv.de.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.