Louisiana drivers licenses grant certain residents the ability to operate motor vehicles. Only applicants that meet eligibility standards are permitted driving rights. The DMV drivers license application process and cost varies based on the type of permit being applied for. Various classes of licensure are available.

Teen drivers in the state can expect to undergo a more lengthy process when requesting permits. Additional rules are imposed on young drivers in order to provide this group with comprehensive preparation. Both adult and teen residents must prove their qualifications to receive valid licenses. Learn further details about applying for a drivers permit in Louisiana in the next sections.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Louisiana as an Adult (18 or Older)

Adult Louisiana residents must follow a specific procedure for obtaining driving privileges. DMV license eligibility standards are established for applicants by the state. By presenting official documentation, drivers can prove they are qualified for unrestricted vehicle operation. Additionally, applicants must pass exams and pay fees during this process.

The eligibility standards for a new drivers license should be reviewed by residents before applying for permits. When a license is issued, the following rules apply:

• Drivers must carry license cards when driving.
• Permits must be shown to law enforcement, if necessary.

Identity, residency and citizenship status are additional eligibility requirements in the state. Only original documentation is accepted for verification of established standards. Each of the following items must be submitted to prove drivers license eligibility:

1. Proof of Social Security Number (SSN), such as:
   • Social Security Card
   • W-2
   • 1099 form
   • Pay stub
2. Proof of citizenship, such as:
   • Birth Certificate
   • Valid Passport
   • Permanent Resident Card
   • Foreign passport with proper endorsement
   • Employment authorization form
   • Certificate of Citizenship
   • Certificate of Naturalization
3. Proof of residency, such as:
   • Current license, DMV driving permit or ID card
   • Recent government-issued mail
   • Mortgage documents
   • Letter stating applicant’s name and residential address
   • School-issued mail

Steps to Get a New Drivers License in Louisiana as an Adult

Drivers age 18 and older must adhere to drivers license requirements when applying for permits. First time applicants may apply for each of the following types of licenses:

1. Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)
   1. This permit must be obtained before learner or unrestricted license are granted. Using a valid TIP permit drivers must take an approved drivers education course.
2. Learner’s License
   1. Drivers must provide proof of education course completion to receive this license. Additionally, applicants are required to pass vision and written tests.
   2. This type of license allows operation of a vehicle under supervision of another approved driver.
   3. Drivers must complete at least 50 hours of driving practice with a supervisor in the car. A minimum of 15 of these hours must occur during nighttime.
3. Class E unrestricted license
   1. After holding their learners license for the appropriate amount of time, drivers may apply for an unrestricted license by taking a road skills exam.
   2. Class E licenses are granted upon passage of the driving test, payment of fees and approval of submitted documents.

Getting a Louisiana Drivers License as a New Resident

New Louisiana residents are required to apply for an updated license within 30 days of moving. These drivers should learn how to get a drivers license once residency is established. The following steps must be completed at an official licensing office:

• Drivers must submit their old out-of-state license and driving record
• Drivers must submit verification documents and personal information
• Drivers must pass a vision test
• In some cases, a written knowledge and/or road skills exam must be administered.

When all required documents are successfully submitted and processed, applicants must pay the new licensing fees. Louisiana driving privileges are granted when each of these steps are completed.

How to Apply for a Drivers License in Louisiana as a Teen (Younger Than 18)

Teen drivers living in Louisiana must learn where to get a drivers license and how to submit an application in the state. By conducting prior research and preparation, young residents can smoothly complete this process in the future. Additionally, applicants can ensure they meet all eligibility standards to become license holders.

In Louisiana, certain license eligibility standards apply solely to teen drivers. These regulations are instated for permit applicants who are younger than age 18. The eligibility rules are as follows:

• New drivers must meet age, residency and citizenship requirements for various licenses
• Certification of Required Attendance must be provided for drivers younger than age 17
• Applicants must complete the required written, vision and skills tests when applying for permits
• Parents or legal guardians of drivers younger than age 17 must present documents proving custody
• Parents or legal guardians of drivers younger than age 17 must sign driving license applications for any type of license

Drivers Ed Requirements to Get a Drivers License in Louisiana

Drivers education is necessary for first-time drivers who are age 18 and younger. The minimum age to enroll in this type of training is 14 years old.

Courses involve 30 hours of classroom instruction and on-road training. To participate in drivers education classes, TIP permits must be held by students.

Official institutions throughout the state offer drivers education courses for teens. The following certificates are acceptable for course completion:

• Certificate of Completion
• School Instruction Permit
• Certificate of Completion for Military Driver Training

Steps to Get a New Drivers License in Louisiana as a Teen

What do you need to get your license if you are age 18 or younger in Louisiana? The required process is a graduated system that slowly gives applicants driving privileges. The following license types are offered via the graduated system:

• Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)
  • Teens must obtain this initial driver permit before intermediate or unrestricted license are granted. TIP permits are used by applicants to enroll in drivers education courses.
• Learner’s Permit
  • Drivers must take an education course prior to applying for this license. Vision and written tests are also required.
  • This type of drivers license service permit allows driving to occur only under supervision of another approved driver.
  • Drivers must complete at least 50 hours of practice with a supervisor present. At least 15 of these hours must occur during nighttime.
• Intermediate Class E license
  • This license is granted to 16 year old drivers who have passed a road skills exam.
  • Drivers may operate vehicles without supervision, but certain restrictions apply.
• Unrestricted Class E license
  • Teen drivers age 17 and above may apply for an unrestricted license by taking a road skills exam and successfully holding an Intermediate permit.
  • Applicants must pass the required driving test, pay fees and submit verification documents.

Louisiana Drivers License Costs

The cost of Class E licenses and TIP permits valid for 6 years is $20.25. A $12 handling fee and service fee that ranges in price from $0 to $6 is also applied.

For teen drivers completing the graduated license program, each upgrade costs $5.

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