Minimum age for a car driving licence in Delaware (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A Level 1 learner's permit is available from 16 and a Class D licence from 17, after at least 12 months on the permit. A person aged 18 or over may take a temporary instruction permit instead.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 17 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | Under 18, a Level 1 Learner's Permit is issued from age 16, and a Class D licence from 17 after at least 12 months on the permit and with a sponsor's signature. No Class D licence is issued to a person under 16. A person aged 18 or over may be issued a Class D temporary instruction permit, valid for 12 months, and must be accompanied by a licensed operator over 21. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | A Level 1 Learner's Permit holder may drive only supervised for the first six months; to drive unsupervised a parent or guardian must certify 50 hours of driving, including 10 hours at night. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | After the first six months, a Level 1 permit holder may drive unsupervised only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. only with supervision, except travel to and from church activities, work and school. The permit lasts 12 months. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | During the 12 months of the Level 1 permit, no passengers other than the adult supervisor and one other passenger (immediate family exempt when the supervisor is present); when driving unsupervised, only one passenger. [1] |
Notes
- The age is for the Class D licence of a person under 18, who must first hold a Level 1 Learner's Permit for 12 months. Delaware does not issue a Class D licence below 16.
- The pages read for Delaware state no age rule for visitors holding a licence from another state or country.
Sources
- Delaware General Assembly: Delaware Code Title 21, Chapter 27, Subchapter I: General Provisions (Driver's License) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Delaware and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 17 (Class D after 12 months on a permit) | 16 (Level 1 learner's permit) | Permit at 16; licence at 17 after 12 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maryland | 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) | 15 yrs 9 mths (learner's permit) | Provisional from 16 yrs 6 mths; full licence 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New Jersey | 17 (probationary licence) | 16 (special learner's permit) | Probationary at 17; basic licence at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Pennsylvania | 16 yrs 6 mths (junior licence) | 16 (learner's permit) | Permit at 16; junior licence after 6 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Delaware
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal, 21+, within limits · Growing at home: No home growing
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph business, 20-25 mph residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph (2-lane roads)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers and similar excepted) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparklers and similar items)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Closed pocketknife up to 3.75 in is not a deadly weapon · Locking or one-handed knives: Deadly weapon; separate offence repealed 2025
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats (16+) · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats (16+)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.