teens have to be 15 years old to apply for a learner’s permit—however, you can get behind the wheel at age 14 if enrolled in a driver education program. The driving age for a full

Louisiana driver's license

is 17.

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What is the driving age in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for your learner’s permit. However, you can qualify for a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) as young as 14 if you’re enrolled in a driver education program.

If you’re under the age of 17, you must hold your learner’s permit for a minimum of 180 days and can apply for an intermediate license at the age of 16. To apply for a full license, you must be at least 17 years old.

What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Louisiana?

According to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death among young drivers. To help teens gain experience before getting full driving privileges, many states—including Louisiana—have instituted a Graduated Drivers License program (GDL).

Generally, GDL programs include three stages:

Instruction permit stage: Supervised driving

Provisional license stage: Limited unsupervised driving

Full license stage: Unrestricted standard driver’s license

In Louisiana, all permit applicants must have already completed a driver education course. Teens can register for this course as long as they have a TIP in hand.

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How to get your instruction permit in Louisiana

Louisiana minors must adhere to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) GDL program. The first step—before applying for your instruction permit—is to complete an approved driver education course.

Driver education courses are offered by driving schools licensed by the Louisiana OMV and at some secondary schools. They include 30 hours of classroom and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

To apply for a TIP, you must be at least 14 years old. You’ll need:

Proof of identification

Proof of residency

Verification of your Social Security number

Acceptable verification includes your Social Security card, W2 form, or a printout from the Social Security Administration verifying the number. (If you do not have a Social Security number, a letter from the Social Security Administration must be presented. The number may also be given verbally.)

One additional form of identification, such as a photo work ID, high school diploma, insurance card, etc.

If you’re under 17, you’ll also need a signature from a custodial parent or legal guardian, who can present documentation to prove custody or legal guardianship.

Keep in mind that a TIP only allows you to drive with an instructor during your driver education course.

Once you complete the driver education course and score at least 80% on the end-of-class knowledge test, you may apply for a learner’s permit as long as you meet the following requirements:

At least 15 years of age

At least 20/40 vision in one or both eyes

Your learner’s permit allows you 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.

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How to get your intermediate driver’s license in Louisiana

Once you feel comfortable driving, you’ll be excited to upgrade to a provisional license. New drivers under the age of 17 must maintain their learner’s permit for a minimum of 180 days and be at least 16 years old to apply for an intermediate license.

To apply, you must pass the vision, knowledge, and road skills tests.

Intermediate driver’s license restrictions

Teen drivers who hold an intermediate license are restricted from:

Driving between 11:00 pm and 5:00 am unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age, or by a licensed sibling at least 18 years of age

Transporting more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member between the hours of 6:00 pm and 5:00 am, unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older

How to get your full driver’s license in Louisiana

Louisiana teens are eligible to receive their full, unrestricted license at the age of 17. If you already hold an intermediate license, your license will be automatically upgraded.

If you haven’t yet applied, you’ll go through the same process as you would when applying for an intermediate license, as outlined above.

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FAQs

Can you get a Louisiana driver’s license at 16?

In Louisiana, you must be at least 17 to qualify for a full driver’s license, but teens can apply for an intermediate driver’s license at age 16—so long as you’ve held your learner’s permit for at least 180 days. Note that an intermediate license includes restrictions regarding when you may drive and how many passengers you’re allowed to have in your vehicle.

Can you drive by yourself at 17 in Louisiana?

Yes—teens are eligible to apply for a full Louisiana license at the age of 17.

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