Delaware (DE)

How many practice hours do you need in Delaware?

In Delaware, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.

50
Total practice hours
10
Night hours
16
Permit age
16½
License age

Delaware learner permit requirements

  • Minimum permit age: 16
  • Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
  • Permit hold period: 6 months
  • License eligibility age: 16½
  • How hours are certified: Behind-the-wheel log of 50 hours (10 at night) certified by a parent or guardian.

Delaware requires 50 hours of supervised driving with 10 at night. The first 6 months of the Level 1 permit are heavily restricted, followed by 6 months of less restricted driving.

Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the Delaware DMV before applying.

Delaware's graduated licensing stages

1
Level 1 — Learner's permit · age 16

Drive with a licensed adult 25+; log 50 hours (10 at night) over 6 months.

2
Class D license (under 18) · age 16½

Issued after 6 months at Level 1; night restriction applies until 17.

3
Full license · age 17

Night restriction is lifted.

Driving restrictions for new Delaware drivers

Night driving

During the first 6 months of Level 1 you may only drive between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. with a licensed adult 25+. Class D license holders under 18 can't drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Passengers

Level 1 permit holders may carry only one passenger besides the supervising driver.

Phone use

Drivers under 18 with a Level 1 permit or Class D license may not use any electronic device while driving.

Log every Delaware practice hour automatically

DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.

Delaware driving practice FAQs

How many driving hours do you need in Delaware?+

Delaware requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.

How many hours does Delaware require?+

50 hours of supervised driving including 10 at night, logged during the Level 1 permit period.

How old must the supervising driver be in Delaware?+

At least 25 years old and licensed — one of the stricter supervisor age requirements in the country.

Requirements in other states

Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.