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To drive a vehicle in Delaware, you have to have a valid driver’s license. Teens driving for the first time go through a Graduated License program; adults proceed through a DE learner’s permit to their license.
Delaware Driver Improvement Courses
Delaware also offers Driver Improvement programs for those who have violated traffic rules or those who have been convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They also offer Defensive Driving courses for those who seek insurance savings.
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Testing and Preparing to Drive in DE
If you want to obtain a driver’s license in Delaware, you must pass tests or complete driver’s education requirements. Adults seeking to drive for the first time must first obtain a DE learner’s permit.
To obtain a DE learner’s permit, drivers must pass a knowledge test and vision screening. Take an online DMV Practice Test to study for yours. In Delaware, the minimum required vision for a learner’s permit is 20/40 with or without corrective lenses. If you need glasses or contacts to master 20/40 vision, your driver license will indicate you must wear them when driving.
DE learner’s permits provide new drivers an opportunity to practice driving with another licensed adult in the car. Between 10 days and 6 months after obtaining the DE learner’s permit, prospective drivers would then take the road test. Upon passing, these drivers will receive their DE driver’s license.
Graduated Driver License in Delaware
Young people, ages 16 years old and 17 years old, participate in a DE graduated driver’s license program. Adults older than 18 years old may participate in the program if they choose to do so. Upon completing the driver education course, you’ll receive a certificate showing you’ve completed a driver education at an approved driving school and receive a Level I DE learner’s permit.
With that permit, you may drive while supervised by a sponsoring adult driver. After 6 months, if you have no violations, you may drive without supervision during the hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.. You must drive with supervision during the night hours. At the end of the year, you’ll automatically receive a regular Class D driver’s license once you successfully complete the program.
DE Driver Improvement Programs
The DMV offers driver improvement programs for those who have accumulated too many demerit points for traffic infractions and those convicted of driving while under the influence.
Delaware drivers who have accumulated 12 or more points during a 2-year period, and other offenders designated as aggressive drivers, are referred to behavioral modification/attitudinal-driving courses. The DE DMV approves certain third-party defensive driving schools to provide these courses, which drivers can complete online or in person.
Taking one of these approved online DE defensive driving courses can help you save on your car insurance and remove 3 points from your Delaware drivers license. To check how many points you accumulated to date, you can order your DE driving record.
Drivers who have been convicted of a DUI offense in Delaware will undergo an evaluation process. Based on that process, they are referred to education or treatment. The educational program is designed to help offenders assess what they need to do to solve their problems.
Defensive Driving Courses in DE
Delaware authorizes several vendors to offer defensive driving courses that can save up to 10 percent on your auto insurance. In addition, if you take a refresher at the end of 3 years, you may receive a 15 percent discount.