DelawareSB 246153rd General Assembly (2024–2026)SenateWALLET

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DRIVER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION.

Sponsored By: Laura V. Sturgeon (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More certification options for special education

Beginning August 1, 2026, students receiving special education services under an active Individualized Education Program have more certification options. They can complete certification until their special education and related services eligibility ends because they turn 22. State education regulations can allow another driver education course after a student fails the regular-school-year course. Students remain eligible when changes to grading or coursework prevent them from meeting the usual academic requirements. For that exception, the principal must find satisfactory progress under the student’s Individualized Education Program.

Students get extra time for certification

Beginning August 1, 2026, students who successfully finish driver education but miss certification requirements get another chance to qualify. They have until the end of the next marking period to meet those requirements. Students who still fall short at that deadline are ineligible for certification.

Updated driver certification rules for students

Beginning August 1, 2026, Delaware students must meet these requirements for certification for either learner’s permit type. Students must finish the approved regular-school-year driver education course, including classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel instruction and observation. They must also show the required knowledge about police traffic stops. Students must be in tenth grade or higher by September 30 of the school year they take the course. Their latest published report card must show passing grades in at least 5 credits or equivalent credits. All 5 must come from a regular course of study or an equivalent approved by the school’s governing body. At least 2 credits must be in separate subjects: English, math, science, world language, or social studies. Final grades control when both final and marking-period grades appear. The law adds world language as an eligible subject and requires state education rules for counting credits and equivalents.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Laura V. Sturgeon
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Alonna Berry
Democratic • House
Kimberly Williams
Democratic • House
Marie Pinkney
Democratic • Senate
David P. Sokola
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 0

House vote • 5/12/2026

Passed (2/3 required)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/21/2026

Passed (SM required)

Yes: 20 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Signed by Governor
5/21/2026Governor
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
5/12/2026House
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in House with 11 On Its Merits
5/6/2026House
Assigned to Education Committee in House
4/22/2026House
Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
4/21/2026Senate
Amendment SA 2 to SB 246 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT
4/21/2026Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 246 - Stricken in Senate
4/21/2026Senate
Amendment SA 2 to SB 246 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
4/21/2026Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 246 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
3/11/2026Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Education) in Senate with 5 On Its Merits
3/11/2026Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Education Committee in Senate
3/5/2026Senate

Bill Text

Current
3/5/2026
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