Louisiana OMV Licensing Procedures and Requirements
Getting a Louisiana license
Louisiana uses a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for new drivers under 18. A Learner's Permit is available at age 15 after passing the OMV knowledge test and vision screening. The permit holder must drive with a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat. The permit must be held for at least 180 days, and the applicant must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night, before moving to the Intermediate License at age 16. The intermediate stage restricts driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and limits non-family passengers under 21 unless a licensed adult is present. A full Class E license is available at 17 after completing the intermediate period without violations.
Documents and tests
Bring a certified birth certificate, Social Security card, and two proofs of Louisiana residency. The knowledge test is multiple choice; Louisiana's OMV passing standard is 80%, so a 40-question test requires 32 correct. The vision standard is generally 20/40 with or without correction.
Worked example
A 15-year-old passes the permit test on January 10. She may drive only with a supervising adult. She cannot apply for an intermediate license until she has held the permit 180 days and logged the required supervised hours-turning 16 alone is not enough.
Traps
A learner's permit is not a license to drive alone. The 180-day holding period and supervised hours are separate requirements. Do not assume a school driver's-ed certificate replaces the OMV knowledge or vision test.