How to Get Your Louisiana Learner's Permit

Step by step

1. Get a Temporary Instruction Permit

   Apply to the OMV for a TIP (from age 14) before driver education behind-the-wheel lessons and before taking any test. (Louisiana OMV: Permits)

2. Finish driver education

   Complete 30 hours in the classroom and 8 hours behind the wheel at a public or private driving school before you apply. (Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, p. 3, 7)

3. Gather your documents

   Bring originals or certified copies (photocopies are refused, even notarized ones) proving:

   • Your identity: two primary documents, or one primary and two secondary
   • Your Social Security number
   • Custody: a custodial parent or legal guardian signs for anyone 17 or younger and shows their own ID
   • Proof of liability insurance for any vehicle you own

   (Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, p. 2–3, 7)

4. Pass the vision and knowledge tests

   The vision screening checks for at least 20/40, and the knowledge test covers signs, signals, safe driving and Louisiana law; you need 80% to pass. There is a license fee. (Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, p. 7–8)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), Department of Public Safety website before you go.

Rules while you have a learner's permit

• Drive only with a licensed adult at least 21 years old, or a licensed sibling at least 18, beside you. (Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, p. 7)
• Keep the permit at least 180 days; you can't move to the intermediate license before your 16th birthday. (Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, p. 7)
• Don't use a phone for calls or texts while driving: Louisiana bans both for drivers 17 and younger. (Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, p. 111)
• Everyone in the front and back seats wears a safety belt. (Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, p. 39)