Getting a Louisiana learner's permit
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), Department of Public Safety and Corrections page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Enroll in a licensed driver education course: the 38-hour course if you are under 18, or the 14-hour pre-licensing course at 18 and older.
Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Get a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) at OMV (age 14 or older) before testing or behind-the-wheel lessons.
Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Bring original proof of identity, residency and Social Security number, plus a parent or guardian with ID if you are 17 or under.
Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Study the Class D & E Driver's Guide and pass the 40-question knowledge test with at least 80%, plus a 20/40 vision test.
Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026At 15 or older, surrender the TIP with your driver education completion certificate to receive your learner's permit at no extra cost.
Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Minimum age for a learner's permit
- 15, after holding a TIP and completing the required driver education and tests.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Fee for a Class E license
- $32.25 basic Class E license fee until age 69; $18.75 at 70 and older. Some field offices add a local service fee. Converting a TIP to a learner's permit or full license costs nothing extra.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Parental consent
- Applicants 17 and under need the signature of the custodial parent or legal guardian, who must be present with ID; with joint custody only the domiciliary parent may sign.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- How long to hold the learner's permit
- At least 180 days, unless the applicant is 17 or older.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Learner's permit restrictions
- Must drive with a licensed parent, guardian or adult 21+, or a licensed sibling 18+; no cell phone use, including hands-free.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Knowledge test questions
- 40 questions.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Passing score
- 80% on the knowledge test; the road skills test also needs a score of 80 or better.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Test language help
- Applicants who do not read English well may bring a translator for non-CDL knowledge tests.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Documents for a TIP / first license
- Proof of identification, proof of residency, Social Security number verification (card, W-2 or SSA printout, or given verbally), and one additional ID such as a work ID, diploma or insurance card. Minors bring a certified birth certificate. Photocopies are not accepted.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Appointments
- OMV customer service centers take appointments; check your license status for flags first, since flags must be cleared before any service.Source: expresslane.la.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Louisiana guide
Official Louisiana links
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