7/11/06-Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has signed a bill into law that increases the minimum age to obtain a learner’s permit from 15 years and 10 months to 16 years.
The number of passengers for beginning drivers will be reduced from two to one. Drivers also will be required to post a sign on the vehicle so police officers will know they are subject to the passenger constraint.
Under the new law, previously HB256, parents or guardians of teens with driving permits also are required to sign a log verifying their child has completed 50 hours of actual driving, including 10 hours at night, during the first six months of supervised driving.

6/26/06-The Senate Public Safety Committee approved a bill June 22 that would increase the minimum age to obtain a learner’s permit from 15 years and 10 months to 16 years.
The number of passengers for beginning drivers would be reduced from two to one. Drivers also would be required to post a sign on the vehicle so police officers would know they are subject to the passenger constraint.
One other provision in the bill – HB256 – requires parents or guardians of teens with driving permits to sign a log verifying their child has completed 50 hours of actual driving, including 10 hours at night, during the first six months of supervised driving.
A provision was removed that would have extended the permit program from 12 months to 18 months.
The bill has been sent to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, it would move to Gov. Ruth Ann Minner’s desk. The House already approved it.
For bill status, call (302) 744-4114. In Delaware, call 1-800-282-8545.

6/15/06-The House voted 34-13 June 13 to approve a bill that would increase the minimum age to obtain a learner’s permit from 15 years and 10 months to 16 years.
The number of passengers for beginning drivers would be reduced from two to one. Drivers also would be required to post a sign on the vehicle so police officers would know they are subject to the passenger constraint.
One other provision in the bill -- HB256 – requires parents or guardians of teens with driving permits to sign a log verifying their child has completed 50 hours of actual driving, including 10 hours at night, during the first six months of supervised driving.
A provision was removed that would have extended the permit program from 12 months to 18 months. The revised bill has been forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (302) 744-4114. In Delaware, call 1-800-282-8545.

3/23/06-A bill in the House would increase the minimum age to obtain a learner’s permit from 15 years and 10 months to 16 years. The permit program would be 18 months long and the number of passengers would be reduced from two to one. Drivers also would be required to post a sticker or marker on the vehicle;
HB256 is sponsored by Rep. John Van Sant, D-Woodcrest.
For bill status, call (302) 744-4114. In Delaware, call 1-800-282-8545.