Louisiana Driving License: A Guide for Adults and Teens

Dear Parents of Teens and Aspiring Adult Drivers,

Embarking on the journey to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license can be exciting and challenging. Whether you’re a parent guiding your teen through the process or an adult eager to get your license, understanding the requirements and steps involved is crucial. At ACT Qualified Driving Academy, we’re here to provide you with the knowledge and support you need to navigate Louisiana’s licensing requirements confidently.

**1st Step: Obtaining a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) Card: **

For adults and teens, the first step in obtaining a driver’s license in Louisiana is to get a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) card from the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). This permit allows prospective drivers to practice driving under the supervision of a Louisiana-licensed Driving Instructor (during driver’s ed) before obtaining their learner’s permit or full license.  Don’t have a TIP Card?  No worries, we have you covered!  Here’s a document listing items you must bring to the DMV to get your TIP card.  Although not required, you can also schedule an OMV appointment to avoid the wait.  Please note:  The TIP Card is not required to register for our classes, so don’t delay registering.  You will, however, need the TIP Card when you begin class, so don’t delay getting it from the OMV.

**Understanding the Graduated License Program: **

For teens, Louisiana operates under a Graduated License Program designed to introduce young drivers to the responsibilities of driving gradually. This program consists of three stages:

**Learner’s Permit: ** Teens as young as 15 can apply for a learner’s permit after completing our state-approved driver education course. This permit allows them to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult 21 and over.

• **Intermediate License: ** After holding a learner’s permit for at least 180 days and completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 15 hours at night), teens can apply for an intermediate license at age 16. With this license, they have fewer restrictions but must still adhere to specific rules, such as restrictions on teen passengers and nighttime driving curfews (11 PM – 5 AM)

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• **Full License: ** At age 17, teens with an intermediate license can graduate to a full, unrestricted driver’s license.  17-year-olds completing our 38-hour program (Teen Class and Behind the Wheel Training) can bypass the Leaner’s Permit and Intermediate License if they are road-ready.  Our driving coaches will determine if they are when completing their Behind the Wheel Assessment and Road Skills Test.

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**Requirements for Teen Drivers:**

To obtain a learner’s permit, teens must:

1. Obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) card from the OMV.
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3. Be at least 15 years old.
4. Complete a state-approved 38-hour Driver Education Course, consisting of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, with a Louisiana-licensed Driving School.
5. Pass a computer-based Knowledge Test at our facility, ACT Qualified Driving Academy, and a vision screening at the OMV.
6. Provide required documentation, such as proof of identity and residency.

**Requirements for Adult Drivers:**

Adults (those 18 years and over) have a simplified process for obtaining a driver’s license in Louisiana. They must:

1. Obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) card from the OMV.
2. Complete a 14-hour Adult Pre-licensing course, consisting of 6 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, with a Louisiana-licensed driving school.
3. Pass a computer-based Knowledge Test and driving (Road Skills) test at our ACT Qualified Driving Academy facility.
4. Provide required documentation, including proof of identity and residency.

**Knowledge and Road Skills Tests:**

The Knowledge Skills Test is administered at our facility for both teen and adult students. Teens undergo a Behind-the-Wheel Assessment, and if they’re ready for licensing, 17-year-olds can take the Road Skills Test after their assessment. Adult students will also have their Road Skills Test at our facility.

**Final Steps: **

After completing our program, teens and adults will receive a sealed envelope to take to the OMV. Be sure to bring your Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) card. Once at the OMV, they will take your sealed envelope and TIP and convert it to a Full Driver’s License at no additional charge.

Navigating Louisiana’s driver’s license requirements requires patience and guidance. Whether you’re a teen embarking on your driving journey or an adult wanting to get your license, ACT Qualified Driving Academy is here to help you succeed.

Contact us today at 504-738-7380 to learn more about our driver education programs, including Behind-the-Wheel Instruction and Private/Defensive Driving Training, and how we can assist you in achieving your driving goals. Ready to register? View our schedule for a list of upcoming Adult and Teen Classes.

God Bless and Safe travels,

ACT Qualified Driving Academy Team