Louisiana

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 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.

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.

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.

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

You may begin practicing with your parents right away.

Once you pass your road test, the licensing agent will give you either your official license or a temporary paper license to use until your photo license arrives in the mail. Call your local licensing office for specifics.

You can apply at any driver licensing office.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

To apply for your Louisiana driver's license when you're at least 18 years old, you'll need:

• Your TIP.
• Your driver's education completion certificate.
• 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.

You'll need:

• Your learner's permit.
• A completed Application for License or Identification Card (form DPSMV2003) with your parent/guardian's signature.
  • 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.
• Registration and insurance for your testing vehicle.
• 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.

To apply for a LA intermediate license, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have earned your learner license and held it for at least 6 months.
• Complete at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

To apply for a license as an adult in Louisiana, you must:

• Have obtained a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP).
• Complete an adult driver's education or pre-licensing course.
• Pass the knowledge skills exam.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

If you're under 17 years old, you can take your road test once you turn at least 16 and you have:

• Earned your learner license and held it for at least 180 days.
• Completed your behind-the-wheel practice hours.

If you're at least 17 years old, you may take your road test at any time.

You may be able to apply for a hardship license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment.

Requirements will vary based on your personal circumstances and why your license was initially suspended. All applicants will have to first petition the court to receive a judgment approving you for a hardship license.

You can request a hardship license by petitioning the court at a hearing and providing required documentation, such as a recommendation from Support Services or a request from your employer.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to taking your road test. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The biggest tip is to study the Louisiana Driver's Manual! Everything you need to know to pass your skills exam is in the guide.

A licensed driver may bring you to your driving test. If you're under 18 years old, this must be your parent/guardian.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with LA laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at driver licensing offices throughout the state.

• TIP/learner's permit/driver's license:
  • Up to 69 years old: $32.25
  • 70 and older: $18.75
• Motorcycle endorsement: $20

There is no fee to upgrade from a permit to a license.

The Louisiana Driver Manual is available online and at your local driver licensing office.

You can get an intermediate driver's license once you're at least 16 years old, you've held a learner license for at least 180 days, and you've completed your required practice hours. Otherwise, you can get your license when you turn 17 years old.

• TIP/learner's permit/drier's license:
  • Up to 69 years old: $32.25
  • 70 and older: $18.75
• Motorcycle endorsement: $20

There is no fee to upgrade from a permit to a license.

No, there is no drug test involved.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your application to give their consent. If you are over 18 years old, no one needs to accompany you for your permit exam.

Bring the following items to the driver licensing office:

• Your temporary instruction permit (TIP).
• 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.
• Your parent's proof of their identity.
• Your Driver's Ed completion certificate.

You can apply for your temporary instruction permit (TIP) at 14 years old. You may apply for your learner's permit once you're at least 15 years old.

To get your temporary instruction permit (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.

To get your learner's permit, visit your local driver license office with your parent or guardian and:

• 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.

Some examples of potential questions include:

You must use your headlights:

1. At all times
2. Between sundown and sunrise
3. Only during poor weather

The maximum posted speed limit on non-posted highways is:

1. 60 MPH
2. 65 MPH
3. 70 MPH

If the roadway is wet or icy you should:

1. Follow the posted speed limit
2. Reduce your speed
3. Speed up

Find more sample questions on a free Louisiana practice test.

Yes, all drivers must have completed a driver's education program before applying for a learner's permit or driver's license.

The Louisiana Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit and/or license application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for an LA permit.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must accompany you to co-sign your permit application and provide their consent. If you are 18 or older, no one needs to accompany you other than the supervising driver who drove you to the licensing office.

You can contact your local driver licensing office by phone. You can contact the state Office of Motor Vehicles online or by phone.

You can apply for your temporary instruction permit (TIP) at 14 years old. You may apply for your learner's permit once you're 15 years old.

If you hold a 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.

If you hold 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.

You may only drive with your Louisiana instruction permit 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.

You'll need to complete an Application for License or Identification Card (form DPSMV2003).

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

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:

Under 18 years old:

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

18 years old and up 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

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.

Before earning your learner's permit in Louisiana, you must first have obtained a temporary instruction permit (TIP) and completed your driver's education course.

To apply for your LA learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• 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.

Yes, you will need to pass a vision exam if your renewal notice states so. If you're eligible to renew online, you may be able to bypass this requirement.

You can renew by mail if your renewal notice states that you're eligible.

Most drivers can renew online, and the OMV highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal. If you're transitioning from a non-compliant license to a REAL ID license, you'll need to do your renewal in person (this is a one-time requirement so you can submit your additional identity documents).

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This includes:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the $32.25 renewal fee ($18.75 if you're 70 years old or older).

To renew by mail or in person, you will need all documents listed on your renewal form, plus payment for your renewal fee.

You can renew your LA driver's license online, by mail, or in person. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Louisiana expire every 6 years. You can renew it up to 180 days before its expiration and up to 10 days after it expires before it is suspended.

License renewals in Louisiana are $32.25.

No, there is no one else permitted to be in the vehicle during your road exam except for your examiner.

No, you must take your knowledge test in person at a driver licensing office.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity. If you're under 18 years old, have your parent or guardian there to sign your application.

The Louisiana permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Louisiana Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Appointments are highly recommended to take your permit test, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Contact your local driver licensing office to see if any near you has Saturday appointment openings.

You can take your test in person on a computer.

Yes, all drivers in Louisiana must obtain a temporary instruction permit (TIP) prior to applying for either a standard permit or a driver's license (depending on your age).

Schedule an appointment with your chosen testing and training location.

After passing your LA permit exam, you'll need to:

• Hold your permit for at least 180 days with no traffic violations.
• Complete your 50 required practice hours of driving.

Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your intermediate license as long as you're at least 16 years old.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you're able to come back for a retest.

Your examiner will let you know your next steps and when you can retest again.

If you fail your exam, your examiner will let you know what the waiting period is before you can retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting Louisiana, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Louisiana driver's license within 30 days.

No, you must exchange your out-of-state permit for a Louisiana permit.

If you have an unrestricted out-of-state driver's license, you do not need to pass the road test if it's currently valid/unexpired. If it has expired, you must take both the knowledge and skills tests.

You must obtain a Louisiana license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

You must score an 80% or better on the knowledge exam to pass.