Behind-the-Wheel Training in Louisiana

Louisiana Driver's Training

If you're applying for your first Louisiana driver's license, you'll need to complete driver's training with a driving instructor to satisfy the new driver requirements of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

If you're a teenager, you'll also need to complete supervised behind-the-wheel driving practice while you hold your learner's permit as part of the graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program.

Your behind-the-wheel training will help to prepare you for the responsibilities of your unrestricted driver's license and build the skills necessary to ace your driving test.

On this page you'll learn about your driver's training and supervised driving practice requirements and the next steps towards your first LA driver's license.

LA Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

Your Louisiana behind-the-wheel driving requirements include:

  • 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driver's training during your Driver's Ed program or pre-licensing course (before you can apply for your learner's permit).
    AND
  • 50 hours of supervised driving practice (15 hours must be at night) while you hold your learner's permit, if you are younger than 17 years old.

To satisfy those requirements, you'll need to first enroll in and complete Driver's Ed and then obtain your learner's permit.

For more information, please visit our pages on these topics:

Louisiana Driver's Training Course

Behind-the-wheel driver's training is a component of your driver's education/pre-licensing course and is offered by:

  • Public schools.
  • Private schools.
  • Professional driving schools.

You'll be able to begin your behind-the-wheel driver's training with your driving instructor once you:

  • Are at least 15 years old.
  • Complete the classroom component of your Driver's Ed course.

Before you can obtain your learner's permit, you'll need to complete at least 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with your driving instructor.

After you complete both the classroom and in-car training sessions of your Driver's Ed/pre-licensing course, you will receive a completion certificate.

For more information about approved programs in your area, visit the LA OMV website for a complete list of:

Supervised Driving Practice in LA

If you are younger than 17 years old, you'll also need to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old or a licensed sibling who is at least 18 years old.

Before you can advance from your learner's permit to your intermediate license, you'll need to complete at least 50 hours of supervised, behind-the-wheel practice, with at least 15 hours completed at night.

You will need to submit a written statement signed by your parent/legal guardian to verify that you've completed your supervised driving.

After Driver's Training - Intermediate License

If you're a teen driver, you can apply for an intermediate driver's license after you:

  • Have held your learner's permit for at least 180 days, if you're younger than 17 years old.
  • Are at least 16 years old.
  • Complete their supervised driving practice.
  • Pass the DMV driving test.

For more information, please see our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Louisiana page.

Adults applying for their first license can immediately schedule a road test after obtaining a learner's permit.

For more information, please see our Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) page.

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