Can You Drive Alone with a Learner’s Permit in Delaware?

In Delaware, holding a learner’s permit comes with specific restrictions aimed at ensuring novice drivers gain experience safely. Understanding when and how you can drive alone with a learner’s permit is crucial to staying compliant with state laws and avoiding penalties.

Supervised Driving: The First 6 Months

During the initial six months after obtaining a Level One Learner’s Permit, you are required to drive under supervision at all times. The supervising driver must:

Be your parent, guardian, or an adult approved by your sponsor.
Be at least 25 years old.
Have held a valid Class D license for at least five years.
Sit in the front passenger seat while the vehicle is in motion.

No other passengers are allowed in the front seat, and only one additional passenger is permitted in the back seat, unless they are immediate family members. Delaware GDL Program Overview

Unsupervised Driving: The Second 6 Months

After completing the first six months and logging 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), you may drive unsupervised under certain conditions:

Time Restrictions: You may drive alone between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Night Driving: Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, you must be supervised unless driving directly to or from church activities, work, or school-related functions on school property.
Passenger Limit: When driving alone, you may have only one passenger in addition to yourself, unless the passengers are immediate family members. Parent’s Guide to Teen Driving in Delaware

Penalties for Violating Permit Restrictions

Driving alone during the first six months or outside permitted hours in the second six months is considered driving without a license. Penalties include:

First Offense: Two-month suspension of driving privileges.
Subsequent Offenses: Four-month suspension for each additional offense.

Violations can also delay your eligibility for a full Class D license. Legal Penalties for Violating Permit Rules in Delaware

Additional Resources

For more information on Delaware's learner's permit requirements and testing:

Supervised Driving: The First 6 Months

During the initial six months after obtaining a Level One Learner’s Permit, you are required to drive under supervision at all times. The supervising driver must:

Be your parent, guardian, or an adult approved by your sponsor.

Be at least 25 years old.

Have held a valid Class D license for at least five years.

Sit in the front passenger seat while the vehicle is in motion.

No other passengers are allowed in the front seat, and only one additional passenger is permitted in the back seat, unless they are immediate family members. Delaware GDL Program Overview

Unsupervised Driving: The Second 6 Months

After completing the first six months and logging 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), you may drive unsupervised under certain conditions:

Time Restrictions: You may drive alone between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

Night Driving: Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, you must be supervised unless driving directly to or from church activities, work, or school-related functions on school property.

Passenger Limit: When driving alone, you may have only one passenger in addition to yourself, unless the passengers are immediate family members. Parent’s Guide to Teen Driving in Delaware

Penalties for Violating Permit Restrictions

Driving alone during the first six months or outside permitted hours in the second six months is considered driving without a license. Penalties include:

First Offense: Two-month suspension of driving privileges.

Subsequent Offenses: Four-month suspension for each additional offense.