Overview of the Process
Getting a class D driver’s license in the state of Delaware begins at 16 with the learner’s permit. In order to qualify for a learner’s permit, applicants must have passed a Delaware Driver Education Course. In addition, a sponsor, who will oversee the minor’s driving education over the course of the permit year, is necessary. After twelve months have passed, the learner’s permit automatically becomes a Class D license.
Taking a Driver Education Course for the Level-1 Learner’s Permit
All residents of Delaware under the age of 18 must complete a Delaware Driver Education course in order to receive their Blue Certificate. It is necessary to turn in this document upon application for the Level-1 Learner’s Permit. Alternately, it is possible to receive approval for a course taken outside the state of Delaware; however, applicants must submit the appropriate documentation to the Division of Motor Vehicles first. Take the Blue Certificate with you when you apply for your Learner’s Permit.
Identifying Documentation
Essentially, all minors who apply for a Learner’s Permit must prove a few facts about themselves-their name, date of birth, and their social security number. To do this, two documents are required. A birth certificate is necessary. In addition, the applicant will be required to give his or her social security number at the DMV.
Sponsorship and Proof of Residence
In order to qualify for a Level-1 Learner’s Permit, residents of Delaware who are under 18 must have a sponsor willing to oversee their driving education for the first year. The sponsor must be present at the DMV with the applicant, and the sponsor must sign the application for a driver’s license. This signature is legally binding. In the case that an accident occurs, the sponsor will be held equally responsible for the incident.
In addition, the sponsor has authority to decide that the minor is unfit to drive responsibly. During the year’s time, between the issuance of the Learner’s Permit and the Driver’s License, the sponsor may cease sponsorship, which will result in suspension of the minor’s Level-1 Learner’s Permit. In this event, the minor must seek out another sponsor to complete the full-year driving requirement for a Delaware license. The time that transpired under the original sponsor’s oversight will still count toward the year requirement; however, the time during the suspension of the permit does not.
The state of Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles also needs to verify, in addition to legal residence in the U.S., the minor’s residence in the state. The easiest way to prove residence is with the applicant’s sponsor. If the sponsor lives at the same address as the applicant and has a Delaware Driver’s License, then the sponsor assures legal residence.
Fees
There is a one-time $25 fee for application for a Driver’s License.
Learner’s Permit Limitations
For the first six months of the Learner’s Permit year, the minor must be supervised by the sponsor whenever driving. After the first six months, the minor can only drive unsupervised between 6 in the morning and 10 at night. The only exceptions to this rule are church, work, and school activities. Throughout the duration of sponsorship, talking on the phone and other distracting activities are forbidden while driving.
Links to Additional Resources
Find all the information regarding the driving laws in the state of Delaware in the Delaware Driver’s Manual. Additional questions can be answered by navigating to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles Driver Services- Driver License Under 18 FAQ web page.