What you need to get a Louisiana learner's permit

A Louisiana learner's permit lets you drive under supervision before you take the road test for a full license. You must be at least 15 years old, have a Social Security number, and bring proof of identity and residency to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.

You'll also need to pass a written test on Louisiana traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at any OMV office, and results are available when ready.

If you're under 18, you must also complete a driver education course before you can take the road test for a full license. This course can be taken online or in person through a Louisiana-approved provider, and it typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and bring a valid ID and proof of Louisiana residency to any OMV office to get a learner's permit.
  • The written test covers Louisiana traffic laws and road signs, with 40 questions; you need 32 correct to pass.
  • A learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year, during which you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete an approved driver education course before you can take the road test for a full license.
  • You can renew your learner's permit once if it expires before you are ready to take the road test.

Documents to bring to the OMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a state ID, or a military ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. A photocopy is not acceptable for your primary ID.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Louisiana address. A bill in someone else's name is acceptable as long as your address is on it and you live there.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a learner's permit. You can explore at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.

How to take the written test

The written test is administered at any OMV office during regular business hours. You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

The test covers Louisiana traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You can study using the Louisiana Driver's Guide, which is free and available at every OMV office and online at the OMV website. Many people also use the official OMV practice test to prepare.

You have one hour to complete the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, though you must pay the $20 permit fee each time you take it.

Restrictions on your learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment.

You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits. Any traffic violation while you are on a learner's permit will be recorded on your driving record and may delay when you can take the road test. Serious violations, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence, can result in your permit being suspended or revoked.

You must also follow all standard vehicle safety rules: wear your seatbelt, do not use a cell phone while driving, and do not drive with passengers under 18 unless a licensed adult 21 or older is in the vehicle.

When you can take the road test

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for a full license. During those 30 days, you should practice driving in different conditions — residential streets, highways, night driving, and bad weather — to build your skills.

If you are under 18, you must also complete an approved driver education course. Once you have held your permit for 30 days and finished the course, you can schedule a road test at any OMV office. The road test costs $20 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

The road test includes driving on public roads, parking, backing up, and responding to traffic signals and signs. An OMV examiner will sit in the vehicle with you and score your performance. You must pass the road test to receive your full driver's license.

Renewing or replacing your learner's permit

If your learner's permit expires before you are ready to take the road test, you can renew it once at any OMV office. Renewal costs $20 and takes a few minutes. You do not need to retake the written test to renew.

If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any OMV office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and pay a $20 replacement fee. You will receive a new permit with the same expiration date as your original.

If your learner's permit is suspended or revoked due to a traffic violation or other reason, you will need to contact the OMV to find out what steps are required to restore it. Depending on the reason for the suspension, you may need to wait a certain period, pay a reinstatement fee, or retake the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I'm homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooled students can get a learner's permit at age 15 by passing the written test and bringing the required documents to the OMV. You do not need to be enrolled in a traditional school. However, if you are under 18, you must still complete an approved driver education course before you can take the road test for a full license.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you can take it as many times as you need. Each attempt costs $20, so you will pay the permit fee again if you fail and want to retake it when ready.

Can I drive to school with my learner's permit?

Yes, you can drive to school as long as a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone, even if you are driving directly to or from school. The supervising driver must be present in the vehicle at all times.

What if I move to Louisiana from another state?

If you already have a learner's permit from another state, you can transfer it to Louisiana by visiting an OMV office with your out-of-state permit and proof of Louisiana residency. You may not need to retake the written test, depending on Louisiana's reciprocity agreement with your previous state. Contact your local OMV office to confirm what documents you need.

How long is my learner's permit valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not take the road test before it expires, you can renew it once for another year. After that, you will need to retake the written test to get a new permit.