How Delaware's Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program Works
Last updated 2026-08-07
Who's eligible, and what a sponsor's role is
Delaware's GDL program is available to anyone at least 16 and under 18, or anyone under 22 on an active IEP. Every application must be signed by a sponsor -- typically a parent, in a specific order of preference defined by the manual -- who is jointly liable for any damages from the applicant's negligence.
The sponsor has final authority over the GDL applicant's driving privileges and can withdraw their endorsement at any time until the minor turns 18, which immediately cancels driving privileges.
The first six months: supervised at all times
For the first six months after a Level One Permit is issued, the holder must be supervised at all times by a properly licensed parent, guardian, or approved driver at least 25 years old who has held a Class D license for at least 5 years.
During this period, the sponsor must certify that the permit holder has driven 50 hours, including 10 hours at night -- documentation that gets turned in to the Department of Education after the six months are up.
The second six months: real independence, with real limits
After the first six months, the permit holder may drive unsupervised between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Overnight driving (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) still requires supervision, except for direct travel to/from church, work, or school activities on school property.
Passengers remain restricted throughout the entire first 12 months: no one besides an adult supervisor and one other passenger, with immediate family exempted only when the adult supervisor is present.
Devices are off-limits entirely, not just texting
A Level One Permit holder may not use a cellular telephone, text messaging device, or similar electronic device at all while driving -- this is a complete ban, not just a texting-while-driving restriction the way it is for many adult drivers.
This ban applies regardless of hands-free capability. Adult drivers in Delaware can use hands-free devices for calls, but GDL drivers of any age cannot use any device at all while driving.
Violating the restrictions is treated as driving without a license
Violating any Level One Permit restriction results in a two-month suspension for a first offense and a four-month suspension for subsequent offenses -- the same treatment as driving without a valid license at all.
Because suspended time doesn't count toward your required 12 months of valid driving authority, a violation doesn't just cost you a suspension period -- it also pushes back how soon your permit converts into a full Class D license.
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More Delaware Guides
- How Long Does a Delaware Learner's Permit Last?
- What to Bring to Your Delaware Permit Test Appointment
- What Happens If You Fail Delaware's DMV Test?
- Do You Need Driver's Education in Delaware?
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with Delaware DMV before your exam. Check the full guides index or the Delaware cheat sheet and FAQ, or take a free Delaware practice test.