Delaware Online Driver Education and Delaware Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Delaware learner's permit or first Delaware driver license. Delaware has a Graduated Driver License Program for Delaware drivers ages 16-18, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your Delaware driving license goes as smoothly as possible. So let's get started.
Delaware Instructional Permit or Delaware Learner Permit
When you turn 16, you can finally apply for a Delaware instructional permit, otherwise known as a Delaware level one learner's permit. In order to apply for your Delaware learner's permit, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
- 16 years of age
- Pass a Delaware approved driver education course
- A valid passport-sized photo
- proper identification to prove Delaware residency
- Social Security card or number
- $12.50 application fee--which will cover you throughout the graduated driver license program
The Delaware DMV maintains a Teen Driver website with lots of useful information!
Delaware uses a sponsor program in which you will need your parents, or another responsible adult, to partner with you in order to learn how to drive. Your Delaware driver license sponsor must sign your original driver's license application. For the first 6 months upon obtaining your Delaware driver permit, you must be supervised. In the end, you will have to complete 50 hours of driving time, 10 of which must take place at night. Your sponsor will certify that you have completed the required driving time and turn your form into the Department of Education.
After you have had your Delaware learner permit for 1 year, you're ready to apply for your Delaware license exam.
Your First Delaware Driver's License
In order to apply for your first Delaware provisional driver license, you'll need to do the following:
- complete 50 hours of on-road practice as well as a driver education course
- 10 of these hours must be night-driving
- You must have your Delaware learner's permit for at least 1 year.
- Your sponsor must certify that you have completed the above requirements
After you make an appointment at your local Delaware DMV, you'll have to pass the following tests:
- Vision test, in which you must have 20/40 vision (with or without glasses)
- Written test, in which you must score at least an 80% (study with the Delaware Drivers manual)
- The dreaded road test!
If you have been driving without incident for 1 year, your Delaware learner's permit will automatically convert into a Delaware Class D driver's license. Congratulations. You've just earned your first Delaware driver license!
Delaware Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are several restrictions you need to keep in mind regarding your Delaware learner's license or Delaware driver's license.
Delaware Level One Permit Restrictions: With a Delaware learner's permit, you must adhere to the following restrictions:
- You must be accompanied by a licensed instructor for your first year of driving
- You cannot use a cell phone or text messaging device while driving
- You are prohibited from driving between 10PM and 6AM unless driving to/from a school or church activity.
- You may only drive with your supervisor and 1 passenger
- Safety belts must be worn at all times.
- Only after 6 months of driving may you drive without supervision at night (but with only one passenger).
- These restrictions do not apply to family members.
Violating any of these restrictions will result in a 2 month suspension (first offence) and 4 month suspension (second offence onward).
Delaware Auto Insurance Delaware Financial Responsibility Laws
Once you receive your Delaware drivers license, you're ready to drive--or are you? Any vehicle registered in Delaware must be covered by liability insurance. The minimum coverage is $15,000 for personal injury and $30,000 for total injury, and $10,000 for property damage. If you are found to be driving without Delaware mandatory liability insurance, you could be fined. If you are involved in an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance, your Delaware learner's permit or Delaware provisional license will be suspended.
Delaware Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a new Delaware driver, it's important for you to learn the Delaware drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. In Delaware, if you're convicted of a DUI, your license will be suspended based on your blood alcohol content as follows:
- BAC .08 to 15 - 12 month suspension
- BAC .15 to .19 - 18 month suspension
- BAC .20 or greater - 24 month suspension
Also, you could be fined from $500 to $1500 and be imprisoned for 60 days to 6 months. And of course, further Delaware DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Delaware license suspension or even Delaware license revocation.
Delaware prohibits teen drivers from using a cell phone or text messaging while driving. If caught driving while using a cell phone, you will receive a one month suspension. For subsequent offences, you could have your Delaware driver license suspended for three months or more. Also, there is a $25 fee for license reinstatement.
Delaware Online Driver Education
In order to be eligible for a Delaware drivers permit, you must enroll in an approved Delaware course. The Delaware DMV maintains a list of the many Delaware approved driver education courses.
