Teen Driver Insurance in Delaware

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

Delaware implements a graduated driver licensing program designed to reduce the high accident and fatality rate of minor drivers by providing additional supervised driving experience and reduced exposure to high-risk driving situations. The program is required for applicants who are at least 16 years old but less than 18 years old, or those on an active IEP who are at least 16 years old and less than 22 years old. Participation in the GDL program is optional for any person who is 18 years of age or older.

Licensing Timeline

A teen is eligible to apply for a Level 1 Permit at age 16 but must first complete a certified driver education program. For the first 6 months of driving, an adult must ride with the teen any time he or she is driving. A driver who has completed the driving log and held the Level 1 Permit for at least six months can drive unsupervised from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. A driver who's at least 17 years old and has held a Level 1 Permit for at least 12 months without suspension can apply for an unrestricted Class D license.

GDL Restrictions

After obtaining a Level 1 Permit, the holder can drive only while supervised by a licensed adult who's at least 25 years old and has at least five years of driving experience, with the supervising adult seated in the front seat at all times. The teen driver can have only one non-family-member passenger (not including the supervising adult) in the vehicle. The passenger restrictions do not apply to immediate members of the driver's family provided the adult supervisor is in the car. After-hours driving is permitted for travel to and from school, church, work, and emergency services. The restrictions do not apply to those individuals who are Delaware volunteer fire fighters and ambulance attendants as long as they have written permission from their fire chief or ambulance captain.

Permit holding period: 12 months. Nighttime restriction: 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (unsupervised driving prohibited). Passenger restriction: First 6 months: supervised only, then one non-family passenger when unsupervised. Cell phone restriction: Cell phone use prohibited while driving. Supervisor requirement: Licensed adult age 25+ with 5+ years experience, must be in front seat. Nighttime exceptions include: work, school activities, church, emergencies. Passenger exceptions include: immediate family members, adult supervisor present.

Insurance Requirements

All vehicles registered in Delaware are required to have the minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 and a PIP (Personal Injury Protection) minimum of $15,000 for any 1 person and $30,000 for all persons injured in any 1 accident. Delaware follows a fault system when it comes to financial responsibility for injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses stemming from a car accident, meaning that the person who was at fault for causing the car accident is responsible for compensating anyone who suffered harm. Even though Delaware is not one of the mandatory no-fault car insurance states, PIP coverage is still required in the state. Delaware also requires uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 limits.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $10,000 property damage. Insurance system: at-fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required at $15,000. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required. Uninsured motorist coverage required at 25/50 limits.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers in Delaware typically face significantly higher insurance premiums than adult drivers due to their inexperience and higher risk profile. The mandatory PIP coverage requirement means teens and their families must factor in the cost of this additional protection beyond basic liability limits. Insurance companies consider factors such as age, driving experience, and vehicle type when calculating premiums, with new teen drivers often paying premium rates until they establish a clean driving record over several years.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Complete state-approved driver education program, obtain permit, complete 50 hours supervised driving (including 10 hours night), take road test after 6 months. 50 supervised hours required; 10 night hours required; driver education required; road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $40. License fee: $40. Single fee covers both permit and license for 8 years.