Louisiana Driver's License

Class E (Personal Vehicle License)

This license allows individuals aged 17 and above to operate single motor vehicles under 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds. It also covers personal use of recreational vehicles or combinations of vehicles that do not fall under the other license classes.

Class D (Chauffeur's License)

Individuals aged 17 and above can obtain this license to operate all Class E vehicles and single motor vehicles in commerce with a GVWR between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds. It also covers combinations of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) in that range.

Class C (Commercial Driver's License, Light Vehicle)

This license, for those aged 18 (intrastate) or 21 (interstate) and above, allows the operation of any vehicle within Classes D and E and single vehicles less than 26,001 pounds GVWR. It includes vehicles transporting hazardous materials and vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers.

Class B (Commercial Driver's License, Heavy Straight Vehicle)

For individuals aged 18 (intrastate) or 21 (interstate) and above, this license permits the operation of any vehicle within Classes C, D, and E, plus any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

Class A (Commercial Driver's License, Combination Vehicles)

This license allows individuals aged 18 (intrastate) or 21 (interstate) and above to operate all vehicles within Classes B, C, D, and E. It also permits the operation of any vehicle combination with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more if the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR.

In addition to these classes, Louisiana issues endorsements for specific vehicle types, such as T for double/triple trailers, P for passenger vehicles, N for tank vehicles, H for hazardous materials (age 21 and above), X for combination tank vehicles and hazardous materials, S for school buses, and M for motorcycles (applicable to all classes).

Furthermore, Louisiana has provisions for learner's permits, temporary instructional permits, and intermediate licenses for individuals under 18, with varying restrictions based on age and driving experience.

Temporary Instructional Permit

In Louisiana, all applicants seeking a driver's license must first apply for a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) from the OMV. This permit is essential before they can take the knowledge test, engage in on-road driving instruction with an instructor, or participate in the on-road driving skills test. Individuals as young as 14 years old are eligible to receive a TIP.

For students who are 14 years old, they are eligible for classroom instruction only. They can participate in classroom sessions in at least the eighth grade and within 90 days of their 15th birthday. However, they cannot engage in behind-the-wheel training until they reach the age of 15, as per the regulations stated in LA RS 32:402.1.

Upon turning 17, drivers can qualify for a full license without progressing from a learner's permit. However, all students, regardless of age, including adults, must obtain a TIP and complete mandatory driver education before obtaining a license.

Learner's Permit

To obtain a learner's permit in Louisiana, applicants must first possess a TIP and complete all required testing. Applicants must be at least 15 years old to be eligible for a learner's permit, which must be held for at least 180 days unless the applicant is 17 or older.

Applicants must complete a 38-hour driver's education course. The driver education provider administers the knowledge and skills tests. For the knowledge test, a minimum passing score of 80% is necessary.

Applicants who have difficulty with written English may bring a translator for the knowledge test, except for the CDL exam.

A vision test is also required, with a minimum requirement of 20/40 vision in one or both eyes.

Learner's permit holders face certain restrictions. They must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or adult who is at least 21 or a licensed sibling who is at least 18. Cell phone use, including hands-free, is prohibited. Additionally, permit holders must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of which must be at night.

Intermediate License

A driver with a learner's permit must meet several pre-licensing requirements to obtain an intermediate license in Louisiana.

First, they must hold a learner's permit for at least 180 days and complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night.

They must also pass a road skills test from the OMV or an authorized driving school. A parent or legal guardian must provide a signed statement to the OMV, attesting that these requirements are met and confirming no at-fault crashes, moving violations, or violations of seat belt, curfew, alcohol, or drug laws with the learner's permit.

Once the intermediate license is obtained, certain restrictions apply.

These include restricted driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian, a licensed adult at least 21 years old, or a licensed sibling who is 18 years or older. The driver is also limited to transporting no more than one passenger under 21 who is not an immediate family member between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Other restrictions include prohibiting cell phone use for talk or text (read, write, or send) unless it is for emergencies. Drivers must also ensure that all passengers are properly seat belted before starting the vehicle.

The driver's license will indicate the term "Intermediate," distinguishing it from other types of licenses.

Full License

To obtain a full license in Louisiana, applicants must be at least 17 years old. They must complete the requirements for an intermediate license or a 38-hour driver's education course and pass a road skills test. Additionally, they must have no at-fault crashes, moving violations, or violations of seat belt, curfew, alcohol, or drug laws for 12 consecutive months.

Once the full license is obtained, certain restrictions apply to drivers who are 17 years old and under. These drivers are prohibited from using cell phones for talking or texting unless it is for emergencies.

Road Test

One must pass the road skills test to obtain a driver's license in Louisiana. The goal is to achieve a score of 80/100 or higher. During the test, each maneuver is assigned a specific point value, and the test begins with a total of 100 points. If a maneuver is not performed successfully, points will be deducted accordingly.

The road skills test for a Personal Driver's License (Class E) evaluates various driving skills and behaviors. These include

• Starting/backing out
• Following
• Straight-in parking
• Lane usage
• Three left turns
• Two lane changes
• Two intersections
• Two traffic signals
• Two stop signs
• Yield right of way
• Slow signs
• Speeding
• Attention/distraction
• Railroad crossing (not required)
• Time

Road skills tests are available at OMV field offices and local driving schools. However, road tests at OMV field offices are conducted by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, use the Louisiana OMV's online appointment system.

It's worth mentioning that these tests will not be administered during inclement weather for the safety of the test takers and the evaluators. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weather conditions before scheduling a road skills test appointment.

Documentary Requirements

Several documentary requirements must be fulfilled when applying for a driver's license or permit in Louisiana.

For a TIP, below are the required documents:

• Proof of identification
• Proof of residency
• Social Security number verification (Social Security card, W-2 form, or printout from the Social Security Administration)
• One additional form of identification (photo work ID, high school diploma, insurance card, etc.)

For Applicants 17 and under, there are additional requirements, which include:

• Identification for the minor and the parent or guardian
• Documentation proving custody or legal guardianship
• Signature of the custodial parent or legal guardian (if joint custody is awarded, only the domiciliary parent may sign)

For adults applying for a new license, prepare the following:

• One primary document (certified birth certificate, Louisiana ID card, current passport, or current military ID)
• Social Security number verification (same as for TIP)
• One additional form of identification (same as for TIP)
• Proof of address
• Certificate of successful completion from the driver's education class (when graduating from a TIP)

For minors applying for a new license, prepare and take note of the following:

• Certified birth certificate
• Proof of address
• Social Security number verification
• Certificate of successful completion (received from the driver's education class, must be presented when graduating from a TIP)

A custodial parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the application. The parent must present identification, and the legal guardian must provide legal documentation verifying guardianship.

Note that original documents must be presented to the OMV. Photocopies of the required documents will not be accepted.

Fees for Obtaining a Driver's License in Louisiana

In Louisiana, obtaining a driver's license involves more than submitting the required documents. Applicants must also be aware of the fees associated with the process.

The basic license fee varies depending on the applicant's age. For individuals under the age of 69, the fee is $32.25. On the other hand, applicants who are 70 years old and above must pay a reduced cost of $18.75.

Note that some field offices may charge an additional service fee of up to $8. This fee may vary depending on the specific office.

Regarding payment options, the Louisiana OMV accepts different forms of payment. Applicants can pay the fees in cash or use credit/debit cards and personal checks.

For more details on acquiring a Louisiana driver's license, check the different driver's manuals prepared by the OMV.

License Renewal

Louisiana law allows license holders to renew their licenses up to 180 days before expiration. Renewal invitations are typically sent about 100 days before the expiration month.

If the invitation is received, online renewal through the OMV's Driver's License Renewal system is convenient. It requires only a valid credit card backed by Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express and the current Louisiana driver's license.

During online renewal, a service charge applies per LA RS 49:316.1. It may take up to 30 days to receive the renewed license.

For those without the invitation or needing to update their address, renewal must be done in person at a local OMV office. Requirements for in-person renewal include:

• Proper identification
• Proof of Louisiana residency
• Social Security number
• Passing a vision test
• Proof of liability insurance, if applicable
• Completion of required tests

License Replacement

Replacing a driver's license in Louisiana can be done online through OMV's Duplicate Credential Request system. To request a duplicate credential, one needs a valid Louisiana driver's license or ID card and a valid credit card from MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express.

However, certain conditions may prevent eligibility for a duplicate credential online. For instance, if the mailing address differs from what's on the license, one cannot request a duplicate online due to Louisiana law requiring the current address on licenses.

For those temporarily out of state, qualification for a duplicate should be reviewed according to Policy 25.01 Reconstructed Driver's License / Identification Card, and then contact the OMV at 225-925-4195.

The online replacement process requires providing name, date of birth, credential type, and either the last five digits of the Social Security number or ID/license number. A service charge applies per LA RS 49:316.1 for online transactions.

If the duplicate credential is not received within 30 days, the customer must visit an OMV field office within 60 days of application for a free replacement.