Louisiana Driver's License
Requirements
In Louisiana, driver's licenses are issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) — under the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class E Personal Driver License (Louisiana uses "Class E" for what most states call "Class D" or "Class C"). Louisiana operates a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: a Learner Permit at 15 (with mandatory state-approved Pre-Licensing Driver Education for the under-17 path), an Intermediate License at 16 with strict passenger and night-driving restrictions, and a full Class E Personal Driver License at 17. Driver Education is mandatory for ALL applicants under 18: a 38-hour Pre-Licensing course (30 classroom + 8 behind-the-wheel) at a state-approved Louisiana Driving School. Louisiana issues the federally-compliant REAL ID-marked license — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The OMV operates 70+ field offices statewide and a robust online portal at expresslane.org for renewals, change of address, and many duplicate transactions.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Louisiana resident. The OMV requires two documents proving Louisiana residency. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing residency. Louisiana does NOT issue licenses to undocumented immigrants — proof of lawful presence is required.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Louisiana DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree) if applicable
- Two proofs of Louisiana residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, or current LA vehicle registration in your name)
- Parental/guardian consent signed in person at an OMV field office — required for applicants under 18
- For applicants under 18: state-approved Pre-Licensing Driver Education completion certificate (38 hours: 30 classroom + 8 behind-the-wheel)
- Vehicle for road test with valid LA registration and proof of insurance
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Louisiana DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Louisiana driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Enroll in Pre-Licensing Driver Education at 15
Louisiana requires all applicants under 18 to complete a state-approved Pre-Licensing Driver Education program before licensing: 30 classroom hours + 8 behind-the-wheel hours at a Louisiana licensed driving school. The 38-hour requirement is one of the most rigorous in the U.S. Many Louisiana high schools offer Driver Ed; private schools cost $300–$650.
Study the Louisiana Class E Driver's Guide
Download the current Louisiana Class E Driver's Guide from expresslane.org. The written knowledge test is 40 questions covering LA traffic laws, road signs, hurricane and flood-safety driving, and the state's Move Over law. You need 80% (32 correct) to pass. The test fee is $5.50.
Apply for a Learner Permit at 15
Visit any Louisiana OMV field office with your parent/guardian, required documents, Pre-Licensing certificate, and $10 fee. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The Learner Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
Pro tip: Use expresslane.org to check field-office wait times and to schedule appointments — Baton Rouge and New Orleans offices often have the longest waits.
Log 50 Supervised Hours (15 at Night)
During the Learner Permit period, log at least 50 hours of supervised driving — including 15 hours at night. The supervising driver must be 21+ with a valid license. Both you and your parent sign each entry on the official Louisiana Driving Log.
Hold Permit for 6 Months
Louisiana requires a 6-month Learner Permit period for under-18 applicants. The clock resets if the permit holder is convicted of any moving violation during the period.
Pass the Skills (Road) Test
Schedule the road test through expresslane.org. Bring your Learner Permit, completed Pre-Licensing certificate, signed driving log, parent consent, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor. The 15–25 minute test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, lane changes, and basic city driving. The test fee is $5.50.
Receive the Intermediate License at 16
Pay the $13 Intermediate License fee. The Louisiana Intermediate License has restrictions: no driving 11pm–5am unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or going to/from work, school, or church. No more than ONE non-family passenger under 21 at any time. Cell phone use of any kind (even hands-free) is prohibited.
Upgrade to Full Class E at 17
On the 17th birthday — after at least 6 months on the Intermediate License with no convictions — the license automatically becomes a full Class E Personal Driver License. Standard 4-year renewal cycle begins; restrictions lift completely. No additional test or office visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana's license-class nomenclature differs from most U.S. states: Class A through D are reserved for commercial driver licenses (CDL) and certain specialized vehicles, while "Class E" is the standard non-commercial driver license for cars, pickups, and most personal vehicles. Functionally, a Louisiana Class E License is equivalent to a Class D in most other states. Some legacy printed materials use "Class E (Personal)" for clarity.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Louisiana DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.