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Louisiana

Tired of reading the Louisiana driver’s manual? Preparing for the test doesn't have to be so repetitive. Our Louisiana teen permit test and the Louisiana new-to-state driver’s license test, among others, add something different to such preparation.

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Louisiana OMV Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Louisiana License
  • Preparing For Your LA Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your LA Permit Test
  • Renewing Your LA License
  • Taking Your LA Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your LA Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Louisiana or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

If you have a Louisiana learner's permit, you may only drive with a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years old.  

You'll need to hold your LA learner's permit for at least 180 days and be at least 16 years old before you can move on to earning your intermediate license.

If you have an intermediate license:

  • You may NOT drive between 11 PM and 5 AM unless you're with a licensed driver at least 21 years old, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years old.
  • Between 6 PM and 5 AM, you may NOT carry more than one passenger under age 21 unless they're an immediate family member.

What happens after I pass my LA road test?

Once you pass your road test, you'll have your photo taken and receive either your official driver's license or a temporary license until your photo license arrives in the mail.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

You may drive only when accompanied by a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years old.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No, your photo will be taken at the licensing office where you apply.

Once I get my LA permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Teen Learners Permit

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Drivers License Renewal

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

New to State Drivers

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
License Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
Print and take With You "Cheat Sheet"
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
Drivers Permit Practice Package Price
unlimited
50
No
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$9.95
unlimited
100
Guaranteed to Pass OR YOUR MONEY BACK?
$19.95
1
20
No
No Cost

Motorcycle Permit

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
Motorcycle Permit Practice Packages
Test Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
$9.95
unlimited
50
$14.95
unlimited
100
No Cost
1
15

Commercial License

Basic
Advanced
Our Test
CDL Package Price
CDL Tests Variations
Number of Questions in Pool
Easy Online Practice
State Specific Questions
$9.95
unlimited
50
$14.95
unlimited
100
No Cost
1
20

How To Get A Louisiana Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires potential drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for all new drivers, as well as those moving to Louisiana whose licenses have expired before arrival.

The requirements to obtain a LA driver’s license will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult, as well as whether you’re applying for a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license.

Driver’s Education Requirements in Louisiana

Regardless of age, all first-time driver’s license applicants in Louisiana must complete a driver’s education course prior to earning a license. The type of Driver’s Ed you’ll take will differ slightly based on how old you are. In order to participate in the behind-the-wheel portion of your course, you must have a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP)—jump to the next section for steps to apply for your TIP.

Minors Under 18 Years Old

You may enroll in your Driver’s Ed course once you’re at least 14 years and 9 months old. Your course must consist of at least:

  • 30 hours of classroom instruction.
  • 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

Before beginning your on-road portion of your course, you must obtain your Temporary Instruction Permit—application steps are below.

Adults 18 and Up

As a new adult driver, you must complete a driver education course that consists of EITHER:

  • 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction; OR
  • 6 hours of pre-licensing classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction

Before your behind-the-wheel portion begins, you must also apply for your Temporary Instruction Permit—the steps to do so are below.

All Drivers—Temporary Instruction Permits (TIP)

All drivers must apply for a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) before participating in the behind-the-wheel portion of your Driver’s Ed course, as well as before you can take the knowledge and on-road skills exams. You can apply for the TIP once you’re at least 14 years old.

To apply for your TIP, visit your local driver license office and submit:

  • A completed Application for License or Identification Card (form DPSMV2003).
    • If you’re younger than 18 years old, your parent/guardian must provide their signature and offer proof of their custody/relationship.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and birth date—for applicants under 18 years old, this must be your birth certificate.
    • Social Security number.
    • Louisiana address.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The LA OMV provides guides to required proofs for both standard and REAL ID licenses.
  • Payment for the $32.25 license fee
    • Certain field offices may also charge up to $6 in service fees.

Minor Applicants—Graduated Driver’s License Process

Stage 1 Learner’s Permit

If you’re under 18 years old, after obtaining your Temporary Instruction Permit and finishing your Driver’s Ed course, you’ll be eligible to graduate to your standard learner’s permit, which is a step up from the TIP.

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for your Louisiana learner’s permit. Visit your local driver license office with your parent or guardian and be prepared to:

  • Turn in your Temporary Instruction Permit.
  • Complete the Application for License or Identification Card (form DPSMV2003) and have your parent/guardian sign it to give their consent.
  • Submit your proofs of:
    • Identity and birth date—for applicants under 18 years old, this must be your birth certificate.
    • Social Security number.
    • Louisiana address.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The LA OMV provides guides to required proofs for both standard and REAL ID licenses.
  • Have your parents submit proof of their identity.
  • Submit your Driver’s Ed completion certificate.
  • Pass a:
    • Vision screening.
    • Written knowledge exam.

You do not have to pay another fee to change your TIP to a standard learner’s permit.

With your Louisiana permit, you may only drive with a licensed supervising driver at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat at all times, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years old. With your permit, you must also complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice, with at least 15 hours driven at night.

You’ll need to hold your LA learner’s permit for at least 180 days and be at least 16 years old before you can move on to earning your intermediate license. If you’re already 16 years old when you apply for and earn your learner’s permit, AND you turn 17 years old BEFORE your 180-day holding period ends, you may opt to apply for your intermediate license or go directly to earning your full license.

Stage 2 Intermediate License

To apply for your Louisiana intermediate driver’s license, you must be at least 16 years old and have held your learner’s permit for at least 180 days. This is the step in which you’ll also need to pass your road test. You’ll need to arrive in a safe vehicle in which to take your test, along with its registration and insurance.

Visit your local driver license office with your parent or guardian and:

  • Submit your learner’s permit.
  • Complete the Application for License or Identification Card (form DPSMV2003) and have your parent/guardian sign it to give their consent.
    • Your parent must certify on the application that you have completed your required 50 hours of driving practice; be prepared to also show proof of your practice hours.
  • Provide the registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
  • Submit your proofs of:
    • Identity and birth date—for applicants under 18 years old, this must be your birth certificate.
    • Social Security number.
    • Louisiana address.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The LA OMV provides guides to required proofs for both standard and REAL ID licenses.

There is no additional charge to upgrade from your learner’s permit to your intermediate license.

With your intermediate license, you may drive only under the following restrictions:

  • You may NOT drive between 11 PM and 5 AM unless you’re with a licensed driver at least 21 years old, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years old.
  • Between 6 PM and 5 AM, you may NOT carry more than one passenger under age 21 unless they’re an immediate family member.

You must hold your LA intermediate driver’s license for at least 180 days and be at least 17 years old before you can apply for your full driver’s license.

Stage 3 Unrestricted License

You’re eligible to apply to have the restriction removed from your Louisiana driver’s license once you’re at least 17 years old and you’ve held your restricted license for at least 180 days. There is no fee to upgrade your license.

Visit your local driver license office with your parent/guardian and submit:

  • Your intermediate license.
  • A completed Application for License or Identification Card (form DPSMV2003) signed by parent/guardian.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and birth date—for applicants under 18 years old, this must be your birth certificate.
    • Social Security number.
    • Louisiana address.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The LA OMV provides guides to required proofs for both standard and REAL ID licenses.

Adult Applicants—Louisiana License Requirements

If you are 17 years old or older, you can apply directly for your full driver’s license once you’ve completed your driver’s education course and earned your TIP. If you’re under 18 years old, you’ll still need your parent/guardian’s sign-off on your application.

You’ll also need to pass your written knowledge and behind-the-wheel skills tests. Make sure you bring with you to the OMV office:

  • A testing vehicle.
  • Proof of registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.

When you’re ready, schedule your skills test at your local driver licensing office. Be prepared to:

  • Provide your TIP.
  • Submit your driver’s education completion certificate.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Identity and birth date—for applicants under 18 years old, this must be your birth certificate.
    • Social Security number.
    • Louisiana address.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The LA OMV provides guides to required proofs for both standard and REAL ID licenses.
  • Pass a:
    • Vision exam.
    • Written knowledge test
    • Behind-the-wheel road skills exam.
  • Pay the applicable licensing fees:
    • Up to 69 years old: $32.25
    • 70 years old or older: $18.75
    • Service fee (at select field offices only): Up to $6

Once you pass your road test, you’ll receive your full, unrestricted LA driver’s license.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Louisiana Residents

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Louisiana, you must apply for your LA driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

To transfer your license to Louisiana, you’ll need to visit your local driver license office and:

  • Hand in your out-of-state license.
  • Pass a vision test.
    • If your out-of-state license is still valid, you won’t have to take a written test or road skills exam.
  • Submit your:
    • Completed Application for License or Identification Card (form DPSMV2003).
      • If you’re younger than 18 years old, your parent/guardian must provide their signature and offer proof of their custody/relationship.
    • Proof of your:
      • Name and birth date.
      • Citizenship or legal presence.
      • Lousiana address.
        • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The LA OMV provides guides to required proofs for both standard and REAL ID licenses.
  • Pay the applicable license fees:
    • Up to 69 years old: $32.25
    • 70 years old or older: $18.75
    • Service fee (at select field offices only): Up to $6

Louisiana OMV Motorcycle Permit & License Info

You can apply for a motorcycle endorsement on your Louisiana license once you’re at least 17 years old and have your full Louisiana driver’s license. The process mimics that of applying for a standard driver’s license, including passing a written knowledge and on-cycle skills test—however, if you complete a motorcycle safety course prior to application, you will be eligible to waive both of these exams.

Louisiana Motorcycle Safety Course

You may waive your written knowledge test and on-cycle skills exam (road test) if you successfully complete a state-approved Basic Rider Course (BRC). This course takes approximately 15 hours and gives you the practice and mastery you need to successfully pass your motorcycle skills test, which is why once you pass your course exam, you no longer need to take one at the OMV.

Though you are NOT required to take a motorcycle training course to get your motorcycle license, it’s highly recommended.

Applying for Your LA Motorcycle License

When you’re ready to apply for your motorcycle license in Louisiana, make an appointment with your local driver’s license office. If you haven’t taken a motorcycle safety course, you’ll need to bring a safe vehicle to test on, along with its registration and insurance. Be prepared to:

  • Submit your LA driver’s license.
  • Provide proof of your:
    • Name and birth date.
    • Citizenship or legal presence.
    • Lousiana address.
      • Your acceptable documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a federally compliant REAL ID or a non-compliant license. The LA OMV provides guides to required proofs for both standard and REAL ID licenses.
  • Submit your Basic Rider Course completion certificate (this will waive your written and skills exams).
  • Provide your testing vehicle’s registration and insurance, if you did NOT take a safety course and are instead taking a road test.
  • Pass the:
    • Vision test.
    • Written knowledge and on-cycle skills exams, if you did NOT take a safety course.
  • Pay the $18 motorcycle endorsement fee.
    • Some field offices may assess a service fee of up to $6.

Louisiana CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Louisiana, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

  1. Have a valid Louisiana driver’s license.
  2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

Getting Your LA Commercial Learner’s Permit

To get your CLP, bring the following to any CDL licensing office:

Your CLP will be valid for 180 days, during which time you can practice for your commercial driver’s license road test. You can only drive when accompanied by another CDL holder in the front seat next to you, who is at least 21 years old and has their own CDL of the appropriate class and proper endorsements for the vehicle you’re practicing in.

Applying for a LA Commercial Driver’s License

After practicing with your CLP and holding it for at least 2 weeks, you are eligible to apply for your full Louisiana commercial driver’s license. First, you’ll need to take and pass a skills test for the vehicle class you’ll be driving.

  1. Schedule a road test with your closest approved location.
  2. At your test, bring:
    1. A completed Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) filled out by a medical professional.
    2. Your Supplemental CDL Application (form DPSMV 2211) to self-certify your type of driving.
    3. A vehicle representative of the class and type you’ll be driving, which meets all safety standards, plus its registration and insurance.
    4. A TSA HAZMAT background check, if you’re applying for a hazardous materials endorsement.
    5. Your commercial learner’s permit.
    6. Payment for the $41 CDL fee ($51 if in Orleans parish) plus any other applicable fees:
      1. Endorsements: $5 each
      2. Parish fees: Up to $3

Louisiana OMV Handbooks

Louisiana CDL Handbook

Louisiana CDL Handbook

Louisiana CDL Handbook
Louisiana Driver's License Handbook

Louisiana Driver's License Handbook

Louisiana Driver's License Handbook
Louisiana Motorcycle Handbook

Louisiana Motorcycle Handbook

Louisiana Motorcycle Handbook