Driver's Education Study Guide (Test 1)

Study Guide: Delaware Graduated Driver’s License (GDL)

Level One Learner’s Permit Requirements

1. Age Requirements:

   • Must be at least 16 years old and less than 18 years old.

2. Driver Education:

   • Must present a Delaware Driver Education Certificate as proof of passing a certified course.

3. Documentation Needed:

   • Proof of identity

   • Proof of legal presence

   • Social Security number (if eligible)

   • Two proofs of Delaware residency

     • Exception: Waived if the sponsor lives at the same address and is a licensed Delaware driver.

4. Sponsor Requirements:

   • A sponsor must sign the application.

   • The sponsor is jointly liable for damages caused by the minor’s driving.

   • Responsibilities:

     • Determines if the minor is ready to drive.

     • Decides who may supervise the driver.

     • May withdraw their endorsement anytime before the minor:

       • Turns 18 years old, or

       • Completes 12 months of the program.

   • Must sign the application in front of a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employee.

5. Fees & Testing:

   • Pay the Class D license fee.

   • Pass an eye screening.

6. Special Evaluation:

   • Minors with physical or mental disabilities may require specialized testing or equipment, as identified by a driver education teacher.

Level One Learner’s Permit Restrictions

Supervising Driver Rules:

• Must always carry the permit when driving.

• The supervising driver must be:

  • A parent, guardian, or approved licensed driver by the sponsor.

  • At least 25 years old.

  • Held a Class D license for at least 5 years.

• Must sit next to the permit holder in the front seat.

• No other person may sit in the front seat.

Phone Use:

• No talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.

• Exception: Only allowed when pulled over during an emergency.

Driving Time Rules:

1. First 6 Months – Supervised Driving Only

   • Driving must always be supervised.

   • Known as the Supervised Supervision Period.

2. After 6 Months – Partial Independence

   • Unsupervised driving allowed:
     Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

   • Supervision required:
     Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

   • Exceptions:
     Driving unsupervised allowed if traveling to or from:

     • Church activities

     • Work

     • School functions (school days only)

Passenger Limitations:

• First 12 Months:

  • Only 1 passenger besides the supervising adult.

• Second 6-Month Period:

  • Only 1 passenger if unsupervised.

  • Exception: Family members don’t count toward the limit if an adult supervisor is present.

Seat Belt Rules:

• Mandatory for everyone in the vehicle.

• Violation:

  • If the permit holder or passengers under 18 are not buckled up, it counts as a GDL violation.

  • Could lead to permit suspension.

Sponsor Driving Practice Requirement:

• Sponsor must drive with the permit holder for:

  • 50 total hours, including 10 nighttime hours.

Violation Penalties:

• Breaking restrictions = Driving without a license.

• Penalty:

  • 2-month suspension for the first offense.

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