There are several milestones in a teenager’s life. One of these is getting their driver’s license.
Now, in Louisiana, once you turn 15 years old, you can already apply for a permit. From there, you can work your way towards an official driver’s license.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
Let’s start from the very beginning.
Here, we’re going to show you all the requirements and steps on how to get a driver’s license in Louisiana. We won’t leave anything out, so you won’t be left with any questions.
And with this, you’ll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.
So shall we begin?
Louisiana Driver’s License Requirements
We wish we could tell you that you can complete everything for your Louisiana driver’s license in a single day.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Like most states, Louisiana has a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program. That means teens (15-16 years old) have to go through three stages:
- Learner’s permit
- Intermediate license
- Class E license
Let’s break these stages down.
How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Louisiana
Here are the steps to getting a learner’s permit in Louisiana:
- Apply for a Class E Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) at an OMV office. You must bring a parent or legal guardian to sign the application.
NOTE: you can apply for the TIP at 14 years old. However, you can only use it with an approved driving instructor.
- Submit the following documents:
- A certified birth cert or passport
- Social security card
- Parent identification OR legal guardian identification and legal guardianship document
- 2 proofs of Louisiana residency from a parent/legal guardian
- Proof of auto insurance from parent/legal guardian
- Pay the TIP fee of $32.25. Some offices might have a service fee of up to $6.
- Complete a state-approved driver’s education course involving 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
- Prepare these documents and bring them with you on your visit:
- Proof that you’ve completed driver’s ed (your provider will issue you a Certification of Completion)
- Your TIP
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Louisiana residency
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of enrollment (whether to a traditional high school or home-schooled)
NOTE: you can find a list of acceptable documents here.
- Bring your parents or legal guardian to the OMV if you’re below 17. They will need to present IDs and sign your application. Your legal guardian must also show documentation proving guardianship.
- Pass the vision test.
- Pass the written exam.
- Convert your TIP to a learner’s permit
Hooray, you’ve finished stage one!
You now have your learner’s permit.
It will remain valid for 180 days. Use this time wisely — prepare for the driving test by practicing. However, your parents, legal guardian, or a licensed driver above 21 years old must always accompany you.
How to Get an Intermediate License in Louisiana
The next step is to get your intermediate license.
To qualify for it, you must be 16 years old and have held your learner’s permit for at least 180 days.
Here are the steps to getting an intermediate license in Louisiana:
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving. 15 of these should be in the evening.
NOTE: bring whoever supervised you to the OMV because they will have to confirm it.
- Bring a parent or legal guardian to permit you to receive your intermediate license.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass the driving test.
NOTE: you can take the driving test either at an OMV office, your driver education provider (you must return to take the test), or an approved third-party tester.
- Pay the intermediate license fee of $13. Again, some offices ask for a service fee of up to $6.
- Get your intermediate license.
Two steps down, one to go…
Now, with an intermediate license, you can drive unsupervised from 5 am to 11 pm. Beyond those hours, you shouldn’t operate a vehicle unless you’re with a licensed adult who’s 21 or older. A sibling 18 or older with a valid driver’s license can accompany you, too.
Also, you cannot have a passenger under 21 from 6 pm to 5 am unless it’s a family member. However, you won’t violate this restriction if a licensed adult is with you.
How to Get a Class E License in Louisiana
If you already have an intermediate license, then getting your Class E license is very easy. All you need to do are the following:
- Be at least 17 years old and have a valid intermediate license
- Must have NO at-fault accidents while holding your intermediate license
- Should NOT have a seat belt, moving, or curfew violation during stage two
- Go to an OMV office and upgrade your intermediate license to a full Class E license
What if you’re a first-time applicant but you’re already 17 years old or older?
If that’s the case, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Apply for a Class E Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) at an OMV office.
- Submit the following documents:
- Certified birth cert, Real ID, passport, or military ID
- Proof of Social Security Number
- 1 form of identification
- 2 proofs of Louisiana residency
- Proof of auto insurance
- Pay the TIP fee of $32.25 plus any service fee.
- Complete an approved driver’s education program. You can choose between the following:
- A course comprising 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training
- A program with 6 hours of pre-licensing classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training
NOTE: 17-year-olds and older can choose to get a learner’s permit to practice supervised driving after finishing their driver’s ed. However, they can go straight to a full Class E license if they want.
- Bring the necessary documentation with you on your visit. These include:
- Proof that you completed driver’s ed
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency (Non-U.S. citizens must show their passport and documentation from Homeland Security confirming their lawful status)
- Proof of Social Security number
NOTE: click here to see which documents you can use.
- Pass the following tests:
- Vision test
- Knowledge test
- Driving test
NOTE: you must take your driving test at an approved third-party tester.
- Convert your TIP to a full Class E license
And that’s it!
Sure, the process is shorter, but you will have to wait until you are at least 17 years old for this.
FAQs
Got some questions? Then let’s answer the most frequently asked ones to give you even more information.
How many questions are on the written exam in Louisiana?
The written test has 40 questions. To pass, you must get a score of 80% or higher — that is, you need to answer 32 items correctly.
To prepare, you can study the Louisiana Driver’s Manual.
Do you have to parallel park in a driving test in Louisiana?
Yes, the State of Louisiana includes parallel parking in its driving skills test. The best way to deal with it is to practice when you get your permit. This way, you’re ready when the examiner asks you to demonstrate it.
How long does driver’s ed take in Louisiana?
Driver’s ed includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel work.
However, if you’re 17 or older, you can choose to take an adult driver’s ed program. That only has 6 hours of pre-licensing classroom instruction. The BTW portion remains the same (8 hours).
How much does driver’s ed cost in Louisiana?
The cost of a driver’s ed varies depending on the provider. However, you can expect to spend anywhere between $450 to $1,000.
How late can a 16-year-old drive in Louisiana?
You can only be behind the wheel until 11 pm if you’re 16 and have an intermediate license. You can only drive beyond this time if you have a licensed adult (21 years old) with you.
Do permit drivers need insurance in Louisiana?
Even if you’re only using a learner’s permit, you must have auto insurance (or at least be covered by your parent’s policy). If you’re using someone’s car, ensure you have permissive use.
The Wrap Up
And there you have it — every requirement and step you need to get your driver’s license in Louisiana.
It might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’ve got you!
There’s no better way to approach this situation than taking it one step at a time. Remember, if you get a little lost along the way, you can always return to this guide.
Good luck!