The Louisiana Graduated Driver License program, or GDL, will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, from no Louisiana license to a full license.
Completing the Louisiana GDL takes about a year. First, you’ll complete a Louisiana OMV approved driver training course and then take a written test for your learner’s permit. Then, 50 hours of supervised driving to move up to your Louisiana intermediate license. Drive with it until you turn 17, and you’ll receive your full Louisiana license.
The steps below have the details you’ll need to know in order to get your full, unrestricted Louisiana license.
You can start the process to get your Louisiana license at 15 years old. To get ready for driving, you can download the Louisiana Driver’s Handbook and start reading through it. At your local OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles) location, you’ll need to fill out an application, bring in proof of identity, and pay a fee of $32.25 for the basic license and a possible charge of $6 for service fees by debit card or check.
Before being issued your LA learner’s permit, you’ll have to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test, which will cover state driving rules, road signs, and safe driving practices. There are 40 questions, and you need a minimum score of 80% to pass. Consider working through some practice exams before you take it.
If you fail, you can retake the test as soon as the next business day.
You will be given an official paper which is your learner’s permit. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel.
You have to have your Louisiana permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for an intermediate license. During that time, you’ll need to have 50 hours driving practice with 15 hours of those being at night. There are also limits to your permit and they are that you need to drive with a licensed parent, guardian, or adult at least 21 years of age, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years of age or older.
This is the point also where you’ll need to get driving instruction. The options for this include either the Graduated Licensing Program or a Louisiana OMV approved driver’s education course which is 30 hours in the classroom and eight behind the wheel.
When you’re ready to enroll in driver education, find a driving school to get started.
Once you’ve completed the required amount of instruction, you can apply for your driver’s license.
Receiving your Louisiana intermediate license requires that you’ve completed certain requirements. Those are reaching the age of 16.
Driving Skills Test: You will be required to pass a driving test with an OMV evaluator who will make sure you can perform basic driving tasks safely.
Once you’re ready, you can schedule a driving skills exam at your nearest Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles branch. Before you take the test, you should check out the Top 10 Automatic Fails on Driver Tests, so you’ll know what not to do on test day.
If you fail this test, the examiner will tell you what you need to practice and how long you’ll need to wait before you can schedule another test.
Vision Test: You will need to take a vision test. If you need glasses be sure you’re wearing them.
The application fee for your license is $32.25
Your Louisiana intermediate license will be mailed to you and will have your photograph on it. They take your picture the day you pass your driving skills test. This license will come with the following restrictions:
As you continue to learn how to operate a motor vehicle in different conditions, there are only certain hours when you will be able to drive. Those are between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless you’re accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, by a licensed adult at least twenty-one years of age or by a licensed sibling at least eighteen years of age.
At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you reach 17 years old and have had your restricted license for a year, you can get your full license.
This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated Louisiana license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted license in the mail.
Whether you’ve just finished your Louisiana graduated licensing process, or are just starting out, you might also want to consider a telematic companion application to better understand your driving habits, and how to improve them.
The best option is the DriverZ Virtual Coach. Download it today to sharpen your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ to build the driving skills that will keep you safe for a lifetime, track your supervised driving hours, and access bespoke driver training based on your specific needs.
Here are answers to some common questions you might have as you start out on your LA licensing journey.
Can I drive with an out-of-state instructional permit in Louisiana?
Louisiana does allow drivers to travel through the state with permits from other states, as long as the parameters of the out-of-state permit are followed and the permit is always in the immediate possession of the driver. You must be accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 21 while driving with an out-of-state permit in Louisiana.
Can I replace a lost or stolen learner’s permit?
You can replace a lost or stolen learner’s permit by going to a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location and bringing proper identification. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign to allow you to have a duplicate permit.
