Make sure you have a valid driver’s license

How to get a Delaware driver’s license

Be aware of important safety information

• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt at all times.
• Under the age of 1 – Children must always ride rear facing (facing the back of the car).
• Ages 1 through 3 – Keep your children rear facing for as long as possible in either an infant or rear facing convertible seat. They should stay in a rear-facing car seat until the height and weight limit for rear facing use on that seat has been reached.
• Ages 4 through 7 – Keep children in a forward facing seat with a harness to the height and weight limit for the seat. Then transition them to a booster seat.
• Ages 8 through 12 – Keep children in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit appropriately in a seat belt: The shoulder belt should lie across the shoulder and chest, not cross the neck or face, and the lap belt must lie across the upper thighs not the stomach.
• Children younger than 12 must sit in the back seat if the vehicle has active airbags in the front passenger seat position.
• Be sure you know how to use the car’s safety belts to attach the car seat. Be sure your child is safely locked into the seat.
• It is against the law to text on your cell phone while you are driving.
• You can only talk on your cell phone if you have a “hands-free” attachment (speakerphone, headset, BlueTooth system, etc.)
• If you need to use your phone, stop and park your car first.

There is a good guide to car seats and booster seats for children on the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration webpage, including how to install seats correctly.

You can find and compare car seats before you buy one.