. But you must submit proof that you have completed a state-approved driver's education course of at least 30 hours before you can take any permit tests.

You can get a learner’s permit after you’ve taken driver’s ed and received a temporary learning permit. You’ll need to pass a vision test and a written test to obtain the learner’s permit.
While you have your learner’s permit, you must drive under adult supervision at all times.
You can get a full license at 17 years old after passing your road test.

Getting a driver’s license in Louisiana is a big step in life. However, before you can take your driving test and venture out on your own, you must first obtain a learner's permit.

If you're not sure where to begin, this guide will walk you through every step of obtaining your Louisiana learner's permit and the rules you must follow while you have it.

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How to get a Louisiana learner’s permit

To begin, you need to be at least 15 years old to apply for and obtain a Louisiana learner's permit.

Everyone who applies must show proof of having passed a driver's education program. Driving schools that are licensed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and some high schools offer these classes. Find a list of schools in your area at your local OMV or on

this site

Applicants between the ages of 15 and 17 will have to take a driver's education course that lasts 30 hours in the classroom and 8 hours behind the wheel.

And as of 2018, the Louisiana OMV requires all students taking driver's ed to obtain a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) to show their driver's ed provider. You must also have the TIP with you when driving a car during behind-the-wheel training, when with a licensed driver education instructor, or when taking a road skills test.

Though you have to be 15 to get your learner’s permit in Louisiana, you can obtain a TIP starting from the age of 14.

After finishing driver's ed, you’ll turn in the TIP to OMV along with other required paperwork. Switching from a TIP to a Learner's Permit does not incur any additional fees.

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What to bring to the OMV

To get a learner's permit, you'll need certain documents to show proof of your identity, where you live, and school enrollment:

Proof of identification (birth certificate, passport, Louisiana ID)

Proof of residency (mortgage, lease agreement, voter registration card)

Verification of your Social Security Number (SSN) (Social Security card, W-2, paycheck stub)

Successful Certificate of Completion from the driver's education class you took

For any minors, the application must be signed by a custodial parent or legal guardian—parents must show identification, and legal guardians must show documentation proving guardianship

Immigrants who are not permanent residents will need

additional information

The basic license fee is $32.50, and some field offices may charge you a service fee of up to $6.00. You can pay by cash, check, credit card, or debit card.

And finally, there are two tests that you have to pass—a vision test and a written test.

To pass the vision test, you must have 20/40 vision in at least one eye. In order to obtain the most accurate results, use your prescription glasses or contact lenses.

There are 40 questions on Louisiana’s written driving exam that cover road signs, traffic laws, and more. If you want to pass the test, you’ll need to get 32 of these questions right! All driving skills tests must be taken at a certified driving school.

MORE: How education level affects car insurance

Louisiana learner’s permit regulations

Once you have your learner's permit, you're ready to hit the road—but you can't do so without the correct supervision! If you pass, you can only drive with a licensed parent, guardian, or adult who is at least 21 years old or a licensed sibling who is at least 18 years old.

For your learner's period, minors will need 50 hours behind the wheel with a supervisor, 15 of which must be done after dark. When driving under supervision, you must be in the company of an adult (at least 21 years old), a licensed sibling (at least 18 years old), or a certified driving instructor.

You cannot have any at-fault accidents or moving violations within this six-month period. Having a record of regular and satisfactory school attendance is also required (through a school attendance form).

To become a

fully-licensed driver

in the state of Louisiana once you hit 17 years old—you’ll need to apply at the OMV with the necessary documentation and pass a road skills test.

The road test will evaluate your ability to drive in a natural setting by having you perform a series of driving maneuvers. Getting plenty of practice is essential to becoming comfortable enough to pass the test with ease.

MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

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