Louisiana Online Driver Education and Louisiana Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Louisiana? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Louisiana has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Louisiana.

Louisiana Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

When you turn 15, you can apply for a Class E Louisiana Instruction Permit. Make an appointment at your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and take the following paperwork/documents with you:

• Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
• Two (2) forms of ID (please visit the Louisiana OMV's website for a complete listing of acceptable ID documents)
• Social Security card
• $24.50 to cover the processing fee
• Proof of completion of a state-approved 38-hour drivers education course

At the OMV office, you will be given a vision test, and then two (2) written tests on road signs and road rules. You will need to pass both written tests to get your instruction permit.

Once you have your instruction permit, you may begin to practice driving under the following restrictions:

• You can drive only with a licensed parent/guardian or adult over 21
• You are also allowed to drive with a licensed sibling over 18
• You can only take family members in your car unless your passenger is a driver education

Louisiana Intermediate Driver's License

After you've had your instruction permit for 180 days, you'll be able to apply for an intermediate driver's license (provided you've kept your driving record clean!).

When you go back down to the local OMV office, remember to take the following items with you:

• Your instruction permit
• Proper ID forms (same ones you took when you went to get your instruction permit)
• Proof of insurance on your vehicle
• Money for the road test fee (which varies depending on where you live)

Be sure that your vehicle inspection sticker, license plates, and registration are all up-to-date before you go to take your road test.

If you pass the road test, you will be issued a Louisiana intermediate driver's license.

An intermediate driver's license still carries the following restriction(s):

• You can't drive from 11PM to 5AM unless accompanied by a licensed driver over 21 (until 17) or a licensed sibling 18 or older

After 180 days, if you've kept a clean driving record with your intermediate driver's license, you will be eligible to apply for a full, unrestricted Louisiana driver's license.

Louisiana Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

Louisiana law requires that you maintain a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum coverage is as follows:

• $10,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $20,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $10,000--property damage

Driving without auto insurance is a crime. If you are caught driving without the required amount of liability coverage, you will face having your license suspended plus a hefty fine.

Louisiana Drunk Driving Laws

Drinking and driving has taken countless of innocent lives over the past several decades, and Louisiana has no tolerance for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Upon your FIRST Louisiana DUI conviction, be prepared to face the following penalties:

• Six (6) months in jail
• $1,000 fine
• Suspension of your license for six (6) months (if under 21 years of age)

Further DUI violations will result in even more severe penalties, including long prison terms and the revocation of your Louisiana driver's license.

Louisiana Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Current law in Louisiana prohibits teen-aged drivers who hold an instruction permit from using cell phones (except hands-free devices) and text-messaging devices while driving. The fine is $175 for the first offense and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Louisiana Drivers Education

For a list of approved drivers education courses in Louisiana, please visit the Louisiana OMV website.