Louisiana OMV · Learner's Permit 2026

How to Get Your Louisiana Learner's Permit

A step-by-step guide to getting your Louisiana Learner Permit and moving through the GDL program to a full Class E license.

📋 Louisiana GDL Program Overview

Louisiana uses a three-stage Graduated Driver License (GDL) program (the R.Y.A.N. Act) for applicants under 18. Stage 1 is the Learner Permit; Stage 2 is the Intermediate License; Stage 3 is the Full License at age 17. The program eases teens into driving by phasing in privileges and minimizing exposure to high-risk situations (Chapter 1, Louisiana Driver's Guide DPSPMV2052).

Stage 1 — Learner Permit

Minimum age: 15 (with driver education). Hold for at least 180 days and cannot advance before 16th birthday. Fee: $32.25 (total incl. handling).

Stage 2 — Intermediate License

Age 16. Restrictions apply until 17th birthday. Fee: $32.25 (total incl. handling).

Full Class E License

At age 18. All GDL restrictions lifted. Valid for 6 years. Fee: $32.25 (total incl. $12 handling).

🪪 Stage 1 — Getting Your Learner Permit

Complete the Driver Education Classroom Phase

Applicants under 25 must complete an approved driver education course. The classroom portion (Part 1) must be completed before applying for a Learner Permit. Upon successful completion of some courses, the OMV knowledge exam at the office may be waived. For more info, visit expresslane.org.

Schedule an Appointment

All Louisiana OMV driver license services require a scheduled appointment. Book online at expresslane.org. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Gather Your Documents

You must bring:

Full legal name and proof of date of birth (e.g., birth certificate)
Proof of residential address in Louisiana
Social Security number
U.S. citizenship or lawful presence documentation
Proof of driver education completion (driver education certificate)
Parent or guardian must sign the application under oath (under-18 applicants)

Pass the Vision Exam & Knowledge Test

A vision exam is given at the office. If required, pass the Class E knowledge test with at least 80% (about 32 correct out of 40 questions). The knowledge exam may be waived if you completed an approved driver ed course. Your picture will be taken and you'll be given a payment receipt.

Pay the Fee

The Learner Permit fee is $32.25 (total including $12 handling fee, plus $.50–$6.00 service fee). Fees must be paid before any exams are given. The Learner Permit is valid for 6 years per the Louisiana fee schedule.

📜 Stage 1 Driving Rules (Learner Permit)

While Holding a Louisiana Learner Permit

A licensed driver at least 21 years of age (no experience requirement) must be in the seat beside you at all times
The supervising driver must not be intoxicated, asleep, or otherwise unable to observe and respond to your actions
The Learner Permit will say "Learner Permit" on the front of the card
No wireless communication device of any kind — including hands-free — except in emergencies
You must hold the Learner Permit for at least 6 months before applying for Phase Two (Intermediate License)

🚗 Stage 2 — Getting Your Intermediate License

Meet Stage 1 Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old and have held a valid Learner Permit (or combination of Learner/Hardship) for at least 6 months. If your license was suspended during Stage 1, the 6-month period extends by the days of suspension.

Complete the Behind-the-Wheel Phase

Both the classroom AND behind-the-wheel phases of driver education must be completed and passed before applying for a Intermediate License. All applicants under 18 must also complete the Impact Louisiana Drivers (ITD) course at impactlouisianadrivers.expresslane.org before the driving exam.

Pass the Driving Exam at OMV

A driving exam is required. You must provide a suitable vehicle matching the class on your application. The OMV examiner (LPS) will evaluate: control, observation, positioning, and signaling. You may use a backup camera for parallel parking but not an automated parking function.

📋 Stage 2 Restrictions (Intermediate License)

While Holding a Louisiana Intermediate License (Stage 2)

No more than 1 passenger under the age of 21 who is not a family member
No driving between 11 PM and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21+ or licensed sibling 18+
No wireless communication devices — including hands-free — for any driver under 18, except in emergencies
Intermediate License is maintained until the 17th birthday, at which point all GDL restrictions are lifted
All other standard traffic laws apply — these are additional restrictions on top of normal rules

🗓️ After Age 18 — Full Class E License

Class E Driver License — Full Privileges

All GDL restrictions are lifted at age 17
Standard Class E license fee: $32.25 (total incl. handling), valid for 6 years
Applicants age 18 or older who have not entered the GDL program may obtain a full Class E license after completing a 38-hour driver education course, or a 6-hour pre-licensing course plus 8-hour behind-the-wheel course
Must appear in person at a OMV office at least once every 16 years for vision exam and photo/signature/fingerprint update
Notify OMV of any address change within 10 days

Prepare for Your Knowledge Test

530+ questions based on the official Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide. Free, no signup required.

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