If you are ready to get behind the wheel and on the road in Louisiana, you will be required to go through three distinct licensing stages to get your driver’s license. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety through the Department of Motor Vehicles utilizes a Graduated License Program for the licensing of all non-commercial drivers within the state borders. Since the processes can be a bit overwhelming and confusing, the following is a detailed guide on the specifics for how to obtain each of the three kinds of licenses in Louisiana.
Instruction Learner’s Permit
For new drivers who are 15, 16, or 17 years old, the first step to gaining a driver’s license in Louisiana is to get a learner’s permit. Before becoming an eligible applicant for a learner’s permit, you must successfully complete a minimum of a 38-hour driver’s education course or a six-hour pre-licensing course that has been specifically approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections in Louisiana. Although it is not technically required, it is highly recommended that you supplement the mandatory course by studying the Louisiana Class D & E Driver’s Guide from cover to cover. After reading through essential information about the rules on Louisiana roads, traffic violations, and driving safety tips, make sure to check your knowledge with a DMV Practice Test as well.
Once you are well-prepared, you can apply for a learner’s permit at your local DMV office location. With the application, you must be able to provide at least one primary and two secondary proofs of identification. Generally, the DMV suggests that you bring a state-certified copy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, and a passport or school identification card. It is also required that you supply a valid certificate of your completed driver’s training course. While the fee may vary slightly depending on your location, the license cost is typically $24.50 and must be paid in full in cash before the test can be taken.
When your number is called to take the Louisiana driver’s permit test, there is no need to be nervous about the written examination. If you have reviewed the Drivers Guide thoroughly and completed the driver education course as mandated, you already possess all of the knowledge necessary to pass. The multiple-choice examination will test your understanding of road signs, license regulations, rules on the road, and routine driving practices. If you answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly, you will pass and receive your learner’s permit. The instructional permit enables you to drive with a licensed driver over the age of 21 supervising in the passenger front seat and gain all the needed practice to move to the next stage.
Intermediate License
In order to become eligible for the intermediate license in Louisiana, you must be at least 16 years of age and have had a learner’s permit for a minimum of 180 days. You must also possess a signed statement and certified documentation for at least 35 hours of driving practice behind the wheel from a parent, legal guardian, or driving instructor. If you meet all of these requirements, you are able to take the driving road test at your earliest convenience. The Louisiana DMV does not require that you make an appointment, but it is often recommended that you plan to take the test between 1 and 3 PM or call ahead to determine the best time.
When arriving to take the road test, it is important to remember that you will need to bring your learner’s permit, required paperwork signed by your parent or guardian, a form of identification, and the $16 fee. The DMV also requires that you provide your own vehicle with proof of insurance, up-to-date inspection sticker, license plates, and valid registration. If you pass the driving test, the examiner will provide you with a certificate that you must take to a DMV office to receive your license. With the intermediate license, you may now legally drive unsupervised during day hours, but must be accompanied between 11 PM and 5 AM. If you fail, the examiner will suggest you spend more time practicing your skills before retaking the examination again.
Full Unrestricted Driver’s License
On your 17th birthday, you are eligible for obtaining the full unrestricted driver’s license in Louisiana if you have already completed the aforementioned first two stages. Applicants who are already 17 years of age or older and did not have to enter through the Graduate Licensing Program can apply for a full license immediately. After completing the 38-hour driver’s education course or six hour pre-licensing course and passing the road test, drivers who are 17 or older will be granted the full license. With the full Louisiana driver’s license, there are no longer any restrictions on your driving habits and you now possess the full freedom to roam!
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Louisiana DMV Practice Test – Quiz 1 (Signs)
Louisiana DMV Practice Test – Quiz 2 (Signs)
Louisiana DMV Practice Test – Quiz 3 (Rules)
Louisiana DMV Practice Test – Quiz 4 (Rules)
Louisiana DMV Practice Test – Quiz 5 (Rules)
Louisiana DMV Practice Test – Quiz 6 (Rules)
Louisiana DMV Practice Test – Quiz 7 (Rules)