Get your first driver's license in Louisiana

Online or in person

No, in person · At least two visitsOMV's online services do not include an application for a TIP, learner's permit or first license. Its online "DouxWe" tool helps you check whether you need driver's education. Apply to OMV for the TIP, then bring the sealed driver education envelope and the sealed road skills test certificate to OMV for the license (OMV policy also lets the driver education envelope go to a public tag agent; their services vary). OMV offers online appointment booking.

Cost

$32.25 license feeBasic license fee for applicants under 70. There is no extra cost to convert the TIP to a learner's permit or full license, and no fee for a road skills test with OMV. Some field offices add a service fee: up to $8.00 on the New Licenses page, up to $6.00 on the Permits page. Driving school prices vary and third-party testers charge their own fee.

You leave with

Class E licenseClass E licenses expire on your birthday about 6 years after issuance.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • Primary identification documents
     OMV policy for first-time applicants: two primary documents, or one primary and two secondary documents. Originals or certified copies only; OMV does not accept photocopies. Names on the documents must match (a marriage certificate is the exception).
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Original or certified birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory
     • U.S. passport book or passport card (Applicants 17 and under must also bring a certified birth certificate or custody/guardianship documents.)
     • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
     • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
     • Current U.S. military ID card
   • Secondary identification documents · 2 different documents
     Not needed if you bring two primary documents. The New Licenses page asks for one additional form of identification, such as a photo work ID, high school diploma or insurance card.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Social Security card or official SSA verification of the number
     • Louisiana middle school, high school or college photo ID
     • Employment photo ID
     • High school, college or university diploma
     • Health insurance card
   • Verification of your Social Security number
     If you have no Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Social Security card
     • W-2 form
     • Printout from the Social Security Administration verifying the number
   • Proof of residency · all that apply
   • Driver education certificate in a sealed envelope
     Bring one of these. The driving school puts the completed OMV knowledge exam and the Certificate of Completion in a sealed envelope; only an OMV or public tag agent employee may open it. The certificate expires 5 years after the course.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Certificate of Completion: 30 hours classroom + 8 hours behind the wheel (Ages 15 to 17)
     • Certificate of Completion: 6 hours classroom + 8 hours behind the wheel (pre-licensing course) (18 and older only)
     • Official Louisiana school transcript showing driver's education credit
   • Insured, licensed and inspected vehicle for the road test · all that apply
     If OMV gives the test, you supply the vehicle and you can't be listed as an excluded driver on the insurance.

2. Take a free practice test

   Before the knowledge test, try our Louisiana Permit Practice Test: 40 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

   Start the Louisiana practice test

3. Apply to OMV for a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)

   All applicants apply to OMV for a Class E TIP before the knowledge exam, behind-the-wheel instruction or a road skills test. It can be issued at 14 or older. It lets you drive only with a driver education instructor or during a road skills test.

   Permits (OMV) ↗

4. Complete a pre-licensing course

   At 18 or older, take the pre-licensing course (6 hours classroom and 8 hours behind the wheel) or the full 38-hour course at an approved school.

   Student/Parent Information (OMV) ↗

5. Pass the knowledge and vision tests

   The 40-question knowledge test needs 80%. You need 20/40 vision in one eye. The driving school or OMV gives the test.

6. Pass the road skills test

   OMV or an approved third-party tester gives it (every private driving school must offer it); you need 80 of 100 points. With OMV you may need to schedule it and must bring an insured vehicle. If a third-party tester gives it, you hand OMV the road skills test certificate in a sealed envelope; OMV won't accept it otherwise. For the intermediate license, OMV says students who took a private driving school course return to the school or another third-party tester.

   Policy 12.00 Road Skills Tests (PDF) ↗

7. Get your Class E license

   Bring your sealed driver education envelope and sealed road skills test certificate to OMV and pay the license fee.

   New Licenses (OMV) ↗