Delaware's Teen Driving Laws: A Parent's Guide to the GDL Program

For a teenager in Delaware, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage. For parents, it marks the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and concern. To address this, Delaware has a mandatory Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for all drivers under the age of 18. [1, 3]

These laws are not designed to be inconvenient; they are a data-driven safety system created to protect new, inexperienced drivers by limiting their exposure to the highest-risk driving scenarios. For these laws to be effective, both teens and parents must understand and enforce them as a team.

The Foundation: The Level One Learner's Permit

The journey begins at age 16 when a teen can obtain a Level One Learner's Permit after completing a driver education course. [1, 2] This entire phase is about supervised learning and practice.

Mandatory Six-Month Holding Period: A teen must hold the learner's permit for a minimum of six months before they are eligible to take their road test. This ensures they gain experience across different seasons and conditions. [1, 3]
The 50-Hour Driving Log: During this six-month period, a parent or sponsor must supervise and certify that the teen has completed at least 50 hours of driving practice. [1, 2]
- Of these 50 hours, at least 10 hours must take place at night. This is critically important for teaching teens how to handle the different challenges of nighttime driving.
Supervision Rules: For the entire six months, all driving must be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old and has held their license for a minimum of five years. This supervisor must always be in the front passenger seat. [1, 3]
Passenger Restriction (Permit Phase): For the first six months with the permit, no passengers other than the adult supervisor are permitted in the vehicle. This means no friends and no siblings. [1, 3]

The Driver's License: The First Year is Critical

After successfully completing the permit phase, a teen can take the road test to earn their Class D license. However, for the first year, this license comes with significant GDL restrictions.

1. Driving Curfew

A GDL license holder CANNOT operate a vehicle between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. [1, 3]
Exceptions: This curfew is waived if the teen is traveling directly to or from a school activity, a church-related activity, or a job. The teen must carry documentation from the organization proving their affiliation. The curfew is also waived if accompanied by their supervisor.

2. Passenger Restrictions (License Phase)

This is one of the most important and often misunderstood GDL rules.

For the entire first year of holding a license, a teen driver CANNOT transport more than one passenger (in addition to the supervisor, if present). [1, 3]
This means a teen driver cannot drive a car full of their friends. The limit is one friend.
This rule applies to family members as well. A teen cannot drive their two younger siblings to school, for example, as that would be two passengers.

3. The Absolute Mobile Device Ban

This rule is simple and strict. Drivers with a GDL license are PROHIBITED from using any cell phone or other wireless device while driving. [3]

This includes hands-free devices.
The only exception is for reporting an emergency to 911.

4. Mandatory Seat Belts

The driver and every single passenger in the vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times.

The Role of the Parent/Sponsor

The GDL laws place significant legal responsibility on the adult who signs the license application.

Financial Responsibility: The sponsor is financially responsible for any damages resulting from the minor's negligence while driving.
Certifying Hours: The sponsor must truthfully certify the completion of the 50-hour driving log.
Enforcement: The success of the GDL program hinges on parents enforcing these rules at home, especially the curfew and passenger limits.

By working together, parents and teens can navigate Delaware's GDL program, ensuring the path to driving freedom is a safe one that builds a lifetime of responsible habits.