How to Get Your Louisiana Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Louisiana license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Louisiana learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Louisiana residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Louisiana residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Louisiana permit knowledge test
The Louisiana knowledge test has 40 questions; you must answer 32 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Louisiana-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the Louisiana knowledge test, you must wait before you can retake it. Most OMV offices allow another attempt the following day. A new test fee may apply. Use the wait time to review the Louisiana Class E Driver's Guide and take more practice tests.
The best prep path is to read the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free LA practice test and the full 40-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Louisiana learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles office and pay the permit application fee (currently $32).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Louisiana's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Louisiana license
Schedule your Louisiana road test through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $32 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Louisiana steps in order
As listed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles:
- Turn 15 to qualify for a Louisiana Class E learner permit.
- Complete an approved Louisiana driver education course (38 hours for ages 15-17, 14 hours for adults 18 and older).
- Gather your documents: proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security number, and two proofs of Louisiana residency.
- If under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to sign the application.
- Visit your local OMV office or authorized public tag agent.
- Pay the $32.25 permit fee (plus local fees).
- Pass the vision screening (20/40 in one or both eyes).
- Pass the 40-question Louisiana knowledge test (80% required).
- Receive your learner permit and practice with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.
- Hold the permit at least 180 days, then apply for an intermediate license at age 16 and pass the road test.
FAQ: Getting Your Louisiana License
How old do I need to be to get a Louisiana learner permit?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Louisiana learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Louisiana permit test?
The Louisiana permit knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Louisiana permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Louisiana residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Louisiana?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles driver manual lists Louisiana's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Louisiana driver license?
Yes — Louisiana issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free LA practice tests mirror the real Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Louisiana-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.