How to get a Louisiana Driver's License
Find out how to get a new LA driver's license and replace your out-of-state license with this Louisiana DMV guide.
Louisiana Drivers License Rules
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for an Intermediate License. The LA Intermediate Drivers License allows you to drive alone or with passengers between the hours of 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM. This license must be maintained for a minimum of one year from the date of issuance or until the driver has reached the age of seventeen. Once you reach the age of 17, you may apply for a permanent Class E license.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Louisiana Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Louisiana learner's permit (graduated licensing program) which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learner's permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision tests to receive a LA driver's license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 180 days before taking the road skills test and their parent or legal guardian must certify that they have received at least 50 hours (15 at night) of supervised driving instruction.
Applicants seventeen (17) years of age or above who have not entered the graduated licensing program may apply for full Class E license or a learner's permit upon completion of a full driver’s education course or a six (6) hour pre-licensing course. An out-of-state applicant sixteen (16) years of age who has had a license or permit for a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days may be eligible to bypass the learners permit stage and be issued an intermediate license.
New LA Residents
If you move into Louisiana from another State, you must apply for a Louisiana driver's license within 30 days after becoming a resident. You must turn in your previously issued out-of-state driver's license, fill out an application and pass an eye screening test.
If your out-of-state driver's license has been expired for a year or more, you will be required to pass written exam and vision test.
An out-of-state applicant who is16 years of age, who has had a license or permit for a minimum of 180 days may be eligible to bypass the learner’s permit stage and be issued an intermediate license.
International Drivers
Immigration documents must be verified by the Office of Motor Vehicles for status prior to issuance of a Louisiana Driver's License or Identification Card.
If eligible and applicant has an out-of-country driver's license, the applicant must pass the written, vision, and driving skills tests unless Louisiana has a reciprocal agreement with the applicant's home country. Check with your local LA Office of Motor Vehicles for a list of countries with reciprocal agreements.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Louisiana OMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Your new driver's license will be valid for 4 years and will expire on your birthday. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Louisiana Driver's Manual |
