Delaware graduated driver licence stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can describe the two six-month phases of the Level One Learner's Permit.
• You can say who is allowed to supervise you and where they must sit.
• You can explain the night and passenger limits that apply in each phase.
• You can explain how and when the permit becomes a Class D license.
• You can describe what happens if you break a permit restriction.

What you need to know and understand

• The Level One Learner's Permit is for people at least 16 and under 18, or 16 to under 22 with an active IEP.
• For the first six months you must be supervised every time you drive.
• A supervisor must be a licensed parent, guardian or sponsor-approved driver who is at least 25 and has held a Class D license for at least 5 years.
• From month seven you may drive alone between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• Permit holders may not use any phone or similar device while driving, not even hands-free.
• After 12 months of valid driving authority the permit converts to a Class D license, as long as you are at least 17.
• Breaking a permit restriction counts as driving without a license: a 2-month suspension the first time and 4 months after that.
• The GDL program is optional if you are 18 or older.

One permit, two phases

Think of the Level One Learner's Permit as a 12-month course on the road. Your sponsor, usually a parent, signs your application and decides when you are ready for more freedom.

• Months 1 to 6: supervised driving at all times. Only your supervisor may sit in the front seat. You may carry one other passenger, plus immediate family members as long as the supervisor is in the car. Your sponsor certifies 50 hours of practice, including 10 at night.
• Months 7 to 12: you may drive unsupervised from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. you need a supervisor, unless you are going directly to or from church activities, work, or school activities on your school's property. When driving alone you may carry only one passenger.
• After 12 months: the permit converts to a Class D license, valid at age 17 or older, with no GDL passenger or night limits.

The sponsor's role

The sponsor is normally a parent living with you, or a legal guardian. A stepparent can only sponsor you if they have adopted you or been appointed your guardian. The sponsor is jointly liable for damage caused by your negligent driving and can withdraw their consent at any time until you turn 18, which cancels your driving privileges.

When the clock stops

Only valid driving time counts toward the 12 months. If your privilege is suspended, revoked or canceled, that time is added to the end of your permit and you must go through complete testing. A restriction violation means a 2-month suspension for a first offense and 4 months for any later one, so a single mistake can delay your full license by months.

State law also gives volunteer firefighters and ambulance attendants with written permission a narrow exception to the night rule. Our Delaware GDL rules guide covers each stage in more detail.

Common mistakes

• Asking a 21-year-old friend to supervise. Delaware supervisors must be at least 25 with five years of Class D experience.
• Taking a phone call on a hands-free system. All phone use is banned for permit holders, hands-free included.
• Driving alone before the 50-hour certification is turned in. Unsupervised driving only starts after the first six months.
• Assuming a late-night party run counts as an exception. Only church, work and school activities on school property qualify.

Test yourself: Delaware graduated driver licence stages

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Delaware Permit Test
• Delaware Graduated Driver License
• Delaware Permit Practice Test