Navigating the scenic landscapes of Delaware, from the bustling streets of Wilmington to the charming coastal towns of Rehoboth Beach, is a milestone in every Delaware teen's life. It is a process that requires understanding the state's licensing process and commitment to safe driving practices.
In this guide, we will be covering the steps to getting your Learners Permit and subsequently your driver's license in the state of Delaware. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to DriversEd.com. DriversEd is the #1 online driver's education provider in DE. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. DriversEd.com has excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of getting your driver's license, you can be sure that DriversEd is there to be your helping hand.
Age Requirements
In Delaware, your journey to becoming a fully licensed driver begins at the age of 15, when you can apply for a learner's permit. Once you turn 16 and fulfill other prerequisites, you're eligible to apply for a driver's license.
Delaware Drivers Education
One critical prerequisite for Delaware teens under 18 is completing a state-approved driver's education course. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate Delaware's roads safely. It comprises 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of hands-on, behind-the-wheel training. In Delaware, a select few online providers have been approved to offer classroom drivers education online. Our favorite of the bunch is DriversEd.com. If you're looking to get your drivers license in DE, then DriversEd.com is a great place to start.
DriversEd.com
The team over at DriversEd have been educating teens successfully for decades. They're one of the only reliable online course providers in Delaware that is officially state approved. DriversEd.com boasts decades of experience and has helped over 13 million drivers learn the ropes. With 3D animated driving scenarios and case studies, it offers an immersive learning experience. Try DriversEd.com, one of the most trusted names in the space.
Aceable
***Aceable is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Delaware*** While this is my favorite company in the space, they're still not available in DE. Aceable offers an interactive, mobile-friendly course that allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The course includes engaging, multimedia content to make learning fun and easy. Get an Aceable discount today!
I Drive Safely
***IDriveSafely is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Delaware*** My first job in the Drivers Education space, I Drive Safely is time-tested and has been around since 1998. The company is basically as old as the internet itself. I Drive Safely prides itself on delivering top-quality, easy-to-understand courses. Their engaging, interactive content is designed to help you retain information and pass your exams on the first try.
DE Learner's Permit
Once you've successfully completed your driver's education course, you can apply for a learner's permit. This step involves passing a vision test and a written examination, which tests your understanding of traffic laws and safe driving techniques. Armed with your learner's permit, you can start practicing driving under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
In-Person Drivers Ed in Delaware
If you don't want to take an online education course in Delaware and prefer a traditional classroom environement, there are a number of driving school options available to you regionally. One of the most popular options that is available in a number of cities state wide is YMCA Driver's Education.
YMCA Drivers Ed in Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware offers driver's education classes at several locations throughout the state, including Dover, Wilmington, and Newark. The classes are taught by certified instructors and cover all of the material required by the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles.
In addition to classroom instruction, the YMCA also offers behind-the-wheel driving lessons. These lessons are conducted in a safe and controlled environment, and they allow students to practice their driving skills under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
The cost of YMCA driver's education varies depending on the location and the length of the course. However, the prices are generally comparable to other driver's education programs in Delaware.
Here are some of the benefits of taking driver's education at the YMCA:
- Classes are taught by certified instructors.
- Classes cover all of the material required by the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Behind-the-wheel driving lessons are available.
- Classes are offered at several locations throughout the state.
- Prices are generally comparable to other driver's education programs in Delaware.
If you are looking for a driver's education program in Delaware, the YMCA is a great option. The classes are well-taught and affordable, and they offer a variety of benefits that can help you become a safe and responsible driver.
Practice Driving: Sharpening Your Skills
With your learner's permit, you're authorized to practice driving on the roads of Delaware, from the historic city of Dover to the riverfront in Wilmington. Always remember to wear your seatbelt, adhere to traffic laws, and stay alert to your surroundings during these practice sessions.
The Delaware Driving Test
After at least six months of supervised driving practice, you are eligible to take the driving test. This test assesses your ability to handle a variety of driving situations and validates your readiness to drive independently.
Unrestricted Drivers License in Delaware
Once you pass the driving test, you'll be issued a provisional license. While this license grants certain driving privileges, it also comes with some restrictions such as a curfew and a limit on the number of passengers. After 12 months of maintaining a clean driving record, you can upgrade to an unrestricted driver's license.
Ensuring Safety on Delaware's Roads
As a teen driver, it's vital to follow safe driving practices, including always wearing your seatbelt, obeying all traffic laws, not driving under the influence, avoiding texting while driving, and practicing defensive driving. These practices go a long way in reducing road accidents and ensuring safety on Delaware's roads.
Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program
To promote safer roads, Delaware implemented the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program. The GDL program phases in driving privileges over time, starting with the learner's permit, followed by the provisional license, and culminating in an unrestricted license. This program aims to ensure teen drivers gain ample experience before being entrusted with the full privileges of a driver's license.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) prior to September 2021, Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) programs like the one in Delaware have been successful in reducing teen accidents. The CDC noted that when properly implemented, GDL programs can reduce teen crashes by up to 40%.
Additionally, research from the IIHS found that the greatest reductions in fatal crashes and insurance claim rates for teens occurred in states with the strongest licensing laws, which include having a learner's permit phase, an intermediate phase with a limit on night driving, and passenger restrictions, and a minimum age of 17 for obtaining an unrestricted license.
As a teen driver in Delaware, adhering to the GDL program's rules is crucial. By doing so, you contribute to maintaining safe roads in Delaware, ensuring the pleasant journeys of many more drivers to come.
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