Pro tip: If you're setting out to explore Louisiana's rich cultural landscapes, refined driving skills are key. Utilize our guides on driving a manual transmission and mastering parallel parking. Perfect your approach for reversing into parking areas and performing three-point turns. Checking that your mirrors are adjusted properly is crucial for safety. Sharpen your skills with our Online Driving Simulator, and for international visitors, familiarize yourself with Louisiana's international driver's license regulations.
I’m 17+ (First Timers, Intermediate License and Learner’s Permit Holders)It must be approved by the Department of Public Safety & Corrections. Your high school may provide the course as well.
For 15-17 year old drivers, it should include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. 18 year old or older applicants may choose between the course above and 6 hour pre-licensing classroom and 8 hours behind-the-wheel instruction.
It contains 40 questions about the rules of the road and signals. Complete free LA OMV practice tests before you go. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or later.
Intermediate driver's license is the second step of Louisiana Graduated Licensing program for minors (16-17 years of age). It allows you to drive on your own but with restrictions:
You must hold it for at least 180 days and be at least 16 years of age to proceed with your intermediate license application.
You must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving practice, at least 15 of which must be at night. The supervised practice must be with a parent, guardian or adult at least 21 or older. Your supervisor will have to attest to it.
Your parent or guardian will have to sign their permission.
If you are home schooled, you are required to present the Home Study Approval Notification Letter or the Registered Non-public School Registration Confirmation.
$13.00 + service fee up to $6.00 paid by cash or card.
Your test may be administered by your driver education provider or the Office of Motor Vehicles. If you take the test at the OMV, you must bring a vehicle. Check the schedule of your local OMV office for providing the road skills test. If you fail the test, you can retake it on a later date.
When you turn 17 and your driving record doesn't show any at fault accidents or driving convictions, you will be able to upgrade your intermediate license to the permanent (adult) driver's license.
If you are 17 years of age or older and have never had a license or permit, you may apply for Louisiana driver's license without having to get a learner's permit first. However, if you want to practice driving before applying for the license, you can get the permit. Check here how to apply for a learner' permit.
First Timer? Start with Step 1.
Learner's Permit Holder? Start with Step 6.
Intermediate License holder? As soon as you turn 17, you can visit your local OMV office to upgrade to permanent driver's license for the fee of $13.00 + up to $6.00 service fee.
It must be approved by the Department of Public Safety & Corrections.
You may choose either a driver education course that includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, or a 6 hour pre-licensing classroom and 8 hours behind-the-wheel instruction.
It contains 40 questions about the rules of the road and signals. Complete free LA OMV practice tests before you go. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or later.
It is an outside driving test that is available at your local OMV office or Third Party Tester providers. You will have to pay an extra fee when using the Third Party Testers. You must provide your own vehicle if you take the test at the OMV, some third party testers may let you use their vehicles.
Check your local OMV office for the road test schedule. Some offices test on a limited number of days and do not provide tests between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Note that road skills at OMV offices are not given in inclement weather.
If you are a minor, you are required to bring your parent, legal guardian or tutor with a proper ID.
The vehicle you bring for the test must
You will have to perform a safety equipment check in front of the examiner and show that the following features are in good condition:
All loose objects that could break or cause an accident must be removed from the car.
You will be tested on your ability to drive safely in normal conditions, be aware of risks and react to them properly. You will be given clear directions. Your examiner won't be trying to trick you or ask you to do anything illegal.
The examiner will grade the following maneuvers :
Points will be deducted for your driving errors during the test, however, you will fail the test automatically if you commit one the following critical errors:
You will have a chance to discuss your errors and needs for improvement. If you pass, you will be issued a driver’s license. If you fail the test and don’t have a learner’s permit, you may be issued one so you can practice driving. You can return to retake the test at a later date.
Good News! If you are a full time student living in Louisiana but keeping out-of-state or foreign permanent residency, you do not have to transfer your out-of-state or out-of-country license as long as it is valid.
Military personnel and dependents assigned to Louisiana are not required to obtain a Louisiana license either.
If you hold a valid driver’s license from another state or US territory, you won’t have to take any tests other than the vision test.
Visit your local Office of Motor Vehicles ( OMV). Use the map to choose the one near you.
Minors ( 17 and younger) must be accompanied by a custodial parent or guardian with a proper ID and bring Certificate of Required Attendance from your school or, if home schooled, the Home Study Approval Notification Letter or the Registered Non-public School Registration Confirmation.
You must have 20/40 vision in one or both eyes.
$32.25 + up to $6.00 service fee paid by cash, card or money order.
Once you have met these requirements, you will be issued a temporary license. Your permanent Louisiana driver’s license, which will be valid for approximately 6 years, will arrive in mail.
If you have a valid driver's license from another country, you will still have to furnish proof of driver education training, pass vision, knowledge and driving skills test. The procedure is similar to getting a driver's license for the first time. Check our step-by step guide to getting your permanent (adult) driver's license in Louisiana.
If you have a valid driver's license issued in Switzerland or Germany, you don't have to take a driver education course or pass any tests except the vision test. The procedure of transferring Swiss or German license is similar to transferring an out-of-state license.
