How to get a Delaware learner's permit
A Delaware learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. To get one, you must be at least 16 years old, bring proof of identity and residency to a Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, and pay the permit fee (currently $20, though this may change). You do not need to have a valid Social Security number, but you will need to provide one if you have it.
The written test covers Delaware traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road signs. You can study using the Delaware Driver Manual, which is free and available on the DMV website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time — there is no waiting period between attempts.
Once you pass the test and pay the fee, your permit is issued when ready. It is valid for two years from the date of issue.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and bring proof of identity and residency to a Delaware DMV office to get a learner's permit.
- The written knowledge test covers Delaware traffic laws and road signs, with 30 questions; you need 24 correct to pass.
- You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, with no waiting period between attempts.
- Your permit costs $20 and is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
- You must have a licensed adult driver in the car with you at all times while driving on a learner's permit.
What documents to bring to the DMV
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — the DMV website lists what combinations are accepted. You will also need proof that you live in Delaware, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you have one. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a permit, but you will need to fill out an additional form at the DMV.
Bring payment for the $20 permit fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations.
Restrictions while driving on a learner's permit
With a Delaware learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. That driver must hold a valid driver's license from any state. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers under 18 in the car.
You cannot use a cell phone or any handheld device while driving, even to talk or text. This rule applies to all drivers in Delaware, but it is especially important to follow while you are learning. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car.
You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. Violations while on a learner's permit can delay when you are allowed to take your road test and may result in your permit being suspended.
How long you can drive on a learner's permit
You must hold a learner's permit for at least one month before you can take the road test for a regular driver's license. During that month, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, highway and local roads, light traffic and heavier traffic. The more varied your practice, the better prepared you will be for the test.
Your permit is valid for two years. If you do not pass your road test before the permit expires, you will need to get a new permit and start over. You can renew your permit before it expires by returning to the DMV with payment and your current permit.
Taking the road test after your learner's permit
Once you have held your permit for at least one month, you can schedule a road test at a Delaware DMV office. The road test checks whether you can safely operate a vehicle, follow traffic laws, and handle different driving situations. The test takes about 30 minutes and includes both driving on local roads and on a highway or busier street.
Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of insurance when you take the road test. The vehicle you use for the test must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring a licensed adult driver with you to the test location, though they will not be in the car during the actual test.
If you pass the road test, you will receive a regular driver's license. If you do not pass, you can retake it, but there may be a waiting period and a fee. The DMV will tell you when you can schedule your next attempt.
Where to go and what to bring: a checklist
| What You Need | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or state ID) | The DMV must verify who you are |
| Proof of Delaware residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) | The DMV must confirm you live in Delaware |
| Social Security card or number (if you have one) | Required for your permit record |
| $20 fee in cash or card | Payment for the permit |
| Completed process form (available at the DMV or online) | The DMV needs your information on file |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am under 16?
No. Delaware law requires you to be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are younger, you will need to wait until your 16th birthday to begin the process.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or you can come back another time. There is no waiting period between attempts. Keep studying the Delaware Driver Manual and try again when you feel ready.
Can I drive alone if I have a learner's permit?
No. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old in the front seat with you at all times. Driving alone on a learner's permit is illegal and can result in your permit being suspended.
What if my learner's permit expires before I take the road test?
You will need to get a new permit by returning to the DMV, passing the written test again, and paying another $20 fee. You can renew your permit before it expires to avoid this.
Do I need insurance to drive on a learner's permit?
You do not need your own insurance policy, but the vehicle you drive must be insured. The insurance can be in the name of the licensed adult who is supervising you or in your name if your parents have added you to their policy.