If you are a resident of Louisiana and wish to drive a motor vehicle, you must have a Louisiana driver’s license. Those who have recently moved to Louisiana have 30 days from the time that residency is established to obtain a Louisiana license.
There are exceptions to this requirement. Some individuals are not mandated to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license. They include:
- Non-residents who possess a valid driver’s license provided by another state (may drive in LA for 90 days)
- Non-resident students who possess a driver’s license from their home state as well as a student ID card
- Members of the U.S. Military who are on official duty and are driving a U.S. government vehicle
- Resident members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their dependents who possess a valid driver’s license from their home state
There are different types of licenses that are dependent upon the type of vehicle that you will be driving. Class “D” is for standard commercial vehicles and Class “E” applies to those operating “any single motor vehicle under 10,001 pounds, recreational vehicles and certain farm use vehicles not defined as commercial vehicle.”
Louisiana has a graduated licensing program, which includes three stages:
Stage 1 – Learner’s Permit
1. Must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction
2. Must complete 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction
3. Must pass vision exam and knowledge exam with at least 80% accuracy
4. Must have reached 16th birthday
An individual with a Learner’s Permit is only authorized to drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years of age or a sibling at least 18 years of age, and must maintain their Learner’s Permit for a minimum of 180 days.
To upgrade from a Permit to Intermediate Class “E” license at the age of 16, a parent or legal guardian must sign a statement that is provided to the department confirming that the applicant has had at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience with a licensed parent, guardian, or adult at least 21 years of age. At least 15 of these hours must include nighttime driving.
Stage 2 – Intermediate License
1. Must have completed STAGE 1
2. Must be at least 16
3. Must pass the road skills driving test with at least 80% accuracy
An individual with an intermediate license may not drive between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years of age or sibling at least 18 years of age. He or she may not transport more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a member of the family during the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Lastly, he or she must maintain their license until they have reached their 17th birthday.
Stage 3 – Full License
Must successfully complete STAGES 1 AND 2
OR
Must be at least 17 years of age prior to application for first license.
Individuals who have not entered into the graduated licensing program may still apply for a full Class “E” license or a learner’s permit once they have completed 38 hours of a driver’s education course or a six hour pre-licensing course and an 8 hour behind-the-wheel course.
Those coming from other states must be at least 16 years of age and must have had a license or permit for a minimum of 180 days in order to bypass the learner’s permit stage and be issued an intermediate license.
Consult with a Qualified Louisiana Personal Injury Attorney
At Gauthier Amedee, our team of experienced Louisiana personal injury attorneys fights hard to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured or if a loved one has been killed in a car accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another person, contact Gauthier Amedee today at 225-647-1700 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.
