Delaware
What Delaware asks of a teen driver before the first license, from the practice hours to the road test.
50hours
of supervised practice, including 10 at night
- Permit
- Level 1 Learner’s Permit
- License
- Class D Operator’s License
- Practice can start at
- 16 years old
Before the road test
- Twelve months on the Level 1 permitThe Level 1 permit turns into a Class D licence after 12 months. Time under suspension does not count.
- Minimum age17 years old
- Driver education and road testDelaware issues the Level 1 permit only after driver education and its road skills test.
- Signed 50-hour checklistAfter six months, a parent or guardian signs the checklist and log and returns it before any unsupervised driving.
Where this comes from
- Graduated driver license
- Teen drivers
- Frequently asked questions — under 18
- Parents 50-Hour Booklet 2025
- 21 Del. C. 2710 — Level 1 Learner’s Permit
- 14 DE Admin. Code 540 — Driver Education
Moonroof checked these sources on October 9, 2026. Rules change, so check with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles before booking the road test.