A step-by-step guide to getting your Delaware Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.
Delaware's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is a 12-month, two-phase track required for any new driver age 16 to under 18 (or up to 22 on an active Individualized Education Program). Phase 1 is the GDL Level One Learner's Permit — six months of fully supervised driving plus six months of restricted unsupervised driving. After a full 12 consecutive months of valid driving authority and a clean record, the permit converts automatically to a Phase 2 Class D Operator's License. Adults 18+ may opt out of the GDL program.
Minimum age: 16 (under 18, or 16–22 with an active IEP). Hold for at least 12 months before converting to a Class D license. Permit valid 12 months; fee included in the $40 Class D charge.
Issued automatically at 17 (or after 12 months on the GDL permit). Restrictions remain on cell-phone use and passengers until age 18. Fee: $40 for an 8-year license.
All age-based GDL restrictions are lifted at 18. Standard Class D license is valid for 8 years. Renewal fee: $24 (8-year permanent renewal).
You must finish a certified Delaware Driver Education course and present your Blue/White Certificate at the DMV. If you took driver ed in another state, your certificate must first be approved by the Delaware Department of Education (35 Commerce Way, Suite 1, Dover, DE 19904 — 302.857.3320). Online-only courses are not accepted (p. 27).
Apply in person at one of the four Delaware DMV locations — Wilmington (2230 Hessler Blvd, New Castle · 302-434-3220), Delaware City (2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle · 302-832-5176), Dover (303 Transportation Circle · 302-744-2515), or Georgetown (23737 DuPont Blvd · 302-853-1003). Anyone under 18 must bring a sponsor (parent, guardian, or responsible adult) who will sign the GDL application in front of a DMV licensing employee (p. 27–28).
Bring proof of identity & legal presence, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Delaware residency from separate sources (postmarked within the last 60 days, no P.O. boxes). All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies, expired, or altered documents will be rejected (p. 21–23).
The vision screening requires at least 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. The Class D knowledge exam is based on Delaware's rules of the road, motor vehicle laws, and safety practices, plus a separate highway sign and signal test. You must score at least 80% (24 correct out of 30 questions) to pass (p. 39–40).
Pay the $40.00 Class D 8-year license fee at the time of application — the GDL Level One Learner's Permit is included in this fee. A standalone Temporary Permit is $20. You must pass all required exams within 12 months of the permit issue date (p. 14, 28).
Hold the Level One Learner's Permit for the full 12 consecutive months of valid driving authority. Any period of suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial, or surrender is added to the end of the original 12-month period — and you'll have to undergo complete testing again (p. 29).
You may not take the Class D road test until at least 10 days after passing the knowledge exam. Schedule online via "My Road Test" at dmv.de.gov or by calling your nearest DMV. Road exams are given every weekday except Wednesday (p. 40).
The road test runs about 30 minutes. You must demonstrate: responding to road signs, signals & pavement markings; parallel parking; a three-point turn; right and left turns; lane changes; right-of-way rules; maintaining proper speed; backing 50 feet; merging with traffic; following and overtaking; entering intersections; vehicle safety inspection; and knowledge of vehicle controls. Bring a valid permit, the valid license of an accompanying driver age 21+, the vehicle's valid registration card, and a valid insurance card. No cell phones, music, or smoking during the exam (p. 41).
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual