South · Learner’s Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Louisiana
Louisiana issues learner’s permits at 15 after a 38-hour driver education course (30 classroom, 8 behind the wheel). Note the 15 required night hours — higher than the typical 10.
Louisiana permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 15 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Learner’s Permit |
| Supervised practice | 50 hours, including 15 at night |
| Minimum holding period | 180 days |
| Issuing agency | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Louisiana?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 15
- Practice hours
- 50 hours
- Waiting time
- 180 days
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 43/100. Easiest in the South: Arkansas (#1) . Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Maine requires 70 supervised hours — the most of any state. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Louisiana permit date · ⚔️ Compare Louisiana with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Louisiana
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 15 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Louisiana driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Louisiana’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Louisiana residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Louisiana requires 50 hours, including 15 at night. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Louisiana, that's 180 days. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Louisiana learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Louisiana?
The minimum age is 15. Louisiana calls this credential the Learner’s Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Louisiana require?
Louisiana requires 50 hours, including 15 at night. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Louisiana?
The minimum holding period is 180 days before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Louisiana?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Louisiana an easy state to get licensed in?
Louisiana ranks #20 of 50 on our Ease Score (43/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.