, you must be at least 17 years old, provide a valid ID, and show proof you’ve completed a driver’s education course. You'll be granted a Louisiana driver's license after you pass a road test, vision test, knowledge exam, and pay the $32.25 fee.

Fees for a driver’s license in Louisana range from $18.75 to $32.25, depending on your age.
Drivers 14 years old and up are eligible for a temporary instructional permit to complete a driver education course.
Drivers 15 and older must hold a learner’s permit for at least 180 days or until they reach the age of 17, when they can apply for an intermediate or full license.
To obtain a class E driver's license, you’ll need to take a TLSAE course, pass a vision, knowledge, and road test, and pay the licensing fees.

Driver’s license fees in Louisiana

A Class "E" driver’s license—also known as a non-commercial license—will expire on your birthday six years from the date of issuance. The fees for a Louisiana class E driver's license vary based on the office location and the applicant's age.

Under 70: $32.25

70+: $18.75

You’ll also have to pay a $6 service fee at certain driver’s license offices. You can pay these fees using cash, credit/debit cards, or personal checks.

Required documents to get a Louisiana driver’s license

Regardless of the type of driver’s license you’re applying for, you must bring specific documents to your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) for proof of identity and Louisiana residency. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Primary proof of identification: US birth certificate, US passport, Louisiana identification card

Secondary proof of identification: Work ID (with photo), diploma, insurance card

Proof of residency: Lease agreement, mortgage statement, voter registration card, W-2, utility bill, letter from shelter or halfway house

Social Security Number verification: W-2 form, paycheck stub (including your SSN), military ID, Social Security card

On top of this, you’ll need to demonstrate completion of a valid Louisiana driver education course. Classes will include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel driving. However, individuals over 18 may opt for a course with only six hours of classroom direction and receive a valid driver’s education certificate.

Non-immigrant resident aliens may apply for a driver’s license by showing a current passport and documentation demonstrating their current status.

Switching an out-of-state license is easy

Out-of-state drivers can still legally drive in Louisiana, but switching to a Louisiana license is straightforward. To get a Louisiana license, out-of-state drivers must bring the required forms and conduct a vision test—if you pass, you’re ready to hit the road after you pay a small fee.

MORE:

How to renew a Louisiana driver’s license

Louisiana Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)

As part of Louisiana’s graduated licensing program, new drivers looking to get a Louisiana driver’s license must apply for a class E Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) before taking the written test/knowledge exam, operating a motor vehicle during a driver's education class, or completing the on-road skills test.

Young drivers over 14 years of age are eligible for a TIP. This license allows you to complete a driver's education course, behind-the-wheel instruction, or during the driving skills test.

Documents Required for a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)

Proof of identification

Proof of Louisiana residency (you can find a complete list of

acceptable documents

on the Louisiana state government website)

Verification of your Social Security Number (like your social security card, a W-2 form, or a print-out from the Social Security Administration)

One additional form of identification (photo work ID, high school diploma, insurance card, etc.)

Young drivers have some additional requirements

Applicants under 17 need consent from a guardian and must hold their learner’s permit for at least 180 days. To acquire a license, young drivers will also need the following:

50 hours of supervised driving experience; 15 at night

Good school attendance (through school attendance form)

clean driving record

MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers

Louisiana learner's permit

Once you’ve had a temporary instructional permit and completed all required testing, you will be eligible for a Louisiana learner’s permit. You must be

at least 15 years old

before applying for a learner’s permit.

You are required to hold your learner’s permit for a minimum of 180 days unless you are 17 or older.

All learner permit applicants must complete a driver education course through driving schools licensed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and at some secondary schools. You can find a list of eligible courses in your area at your local OMV office or www.expresslane.org. This course includes:

30 hours of classroom instruction

8 hours behind the wheel instruction

You must achieve at least 80% on the knowledge test to pass. You’ll also be required to complete a vision test—you must have 20/40 vision in one or both eyes or better to pass.

Once you’ve completed the requirements, you’ll receive your Louisana learner’s permit!

Full License

Once you turn 17, you can upgrade your learner’s permit (or intermediate license) to a full Class E license—but you’ll need to complete all the requirements beforehand. Keep reading for a breakdown of what each of the requirements entails.

For new drivers: take the TLSAE course

Regardless of your state, first-time drivers must complete a

Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course (TLSAE)

. This course covers Louisiana traffic law basics—ensuring new drivers understand the consequences of reckless driving and alcohol use.

Vision test

Before joining you on the road, your OMV agent will conduct a vision exam. Why? To make sure you’ll be able to see the road ahead!

Passing a License vision test means you have at least 20/40 vision in both eyes. If this number is higher, you may be referred to a specialist. Those with glasses or corrective lenses should wear them during the exam.

Knowledge exam

Before your road test, the final in-office step will be to complete a knowledge exam. The exam features 40 questions regarding Louisiana traffic law, road signs, and general safety practices. Drivers must get at least 80% to pass—that’s 32 correct answers!

Practice exams can be found on the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles

website

or through respected third-party sources.

Louisiana is more generous than others when it comes to multiple attempts. If you fail the test, you are free to retake it the same day or at a later time.

MORE:

Can you turn right on red in Louisiana?

Road test

If you’ve passed each of the exams mentioned above, we have good news—the last step between you and a new driving license is the in-person road test. Don’t worry! While a road test can be a nerve-racking experience, preparing correctly can help you impress any instructor.

Your road test vehicle must have the following:

A working horn, brakes, tires, steering wheels, turn signals, rear-view mirrors, and brake lights

Functional windshield wipers, headlights, and seatbelts

Adequate fuel

A valid

license plate

Good visibility through all windows

Pro tip: To save yourself the hassle of re-booking, ensure you have the current registration and
car insurance
for the vehicle you'll be using for your test. You’ll need them to check in at the DMV.

During the exam, you’ll be asked to complete the following maneuvers:

Observe the right of way

A three-point turn

Approaching an intersection

Parking in standard conditions and on a hill

A quick stop from 20 mph

Signaling, turning, and passing

Moving in reverse for about 50 feet

Staying in your lane

Parallel park

An instructor will carefully observe how you drive—taking notes of your proximity to other vehicles, adherence to traffic signals, and posture. If you’ve shown proficiency in safe driving, you’ll be granted a Louisiana driver’s license.

Show your required documentation and pay a $32.25 fee (plus a $6.00 service fee) to receive a temporary copy of the license. Your actual license will be mailed to the address you provided.

Rules for minors driving in Louisiana

For drivers with a learner’s permit or an intermediate license, the state of Louisiana has enacted certain restrictions that must be followed while driving:

Age	Eligible license type	Restrictions
15 years	Learner’s permit	Must be accompanied by a licensed parents/legal guardian, adult over 21 or a licensed sibling 18 or older No cell phone usage, including hands-free Must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 15 at night
16 years	Intermediate license	Restricted driving between 11 pm and 5 am unless with a licensed adult over 21 or licensed sibling over 18 Cannot transport more than one passenger under 21 between 6 pm and 5 am unless the passenger is immediate family Drivers 17 and under are prohibited from using cell phones (talking, texting, or reading) unless it’s an emergency Drivers must ensure all passengers are properly seated and belted while the vehicle is in motion
17 years	Class E license	No restrictions

MORE:

Everything you need to know about Louisiana’s texting and driving laws

Types of Louisiana driver’s licenses

Driver’s licenses in Louisiana fall under one of four categories:

Personal driver’s license: Class E

Chauffeur’s driver’s license: Class D

Commercial driver’s licenses: Class A, B, and C

Motorcycle driver’s license: Class M

If you drive a motorcycle that doesn’t require a driver’s license, you’ll need to apply for a Class M endorsement.

Class E: The most common type of license that allows you to operate a single passenger vehicle weighing under 10,000 pounds for personal use. This includes cars, SUVs, and MPVs.

Class D: A Class D license is for vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds up to 26,001 pounds. They are generally used to transport people, like cabs, limousines, or rideshare cars. Small trucks or vans used to move property also need a class D license.

Class A: A Class A commercial license is for combination commercial motor vehicles (CMV) with a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of more than 26,001 pounds. The unit it tows must weigh at least 10,001 pounds. This is the highest type of commercial license and allows you to operate Class B and Class C vehicles (with the right endorsement).

Class B: A Class B CDL allows you to operate heavy straight trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more with a towed unit not exceeding 10,000 pounds. A Class B CDL may also allow you to operate a CMV categorized as Class C with the right endorsement.

Class C: A Class C license can operate a combination or single CMV with a GVWR of less than 26,000 pounds. If towing a unit, it cannot exceed 10,000 pounds. Class C CMVs are usually designed to carry 16 or more passengers or to move hazardous materials.

Class M: You don’t need a separate license to operate a motorcycle in Louisiana. However, you must apply for a Class M or motorcycle endorsement, which is added to an existing driver’s license.

MORE:

How to get a motorcycle license in Louisiana

FAQs

What do I need for a Louisiana driver’s license?

You’ll need a few documents to get a driver’s license in Louisiana: Valid identification, Social Security number, proof of residential address, and a completed driver’s education certificate.

How much does it cost to get a Louisiana driver’s license?

A non-commercial driver’s license in Louisiana will cost you $32.25 plus a $6.00 service fee.

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