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Graduated Licensing Program Overview in Louisiana

3 min read

Louisiana's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is designed to help young drivers gain experience under conditions that minimize risk. It includes multiple stages with increasing driving privileges, ensuring that teens are fully prepared before earning a full license.

Stage 1: Learner’s Permit

The process begins at age 15 with the Learner’s Permit, which requires:

  • Completion of a 38-hour driver’s education course approved by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), including 30 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
  • Passing a vision test and a written knowledge test.
  • Presentation of identity documents as outlined in Proof of Identity for a Louisiana Driver’s License.

While holding a learner’s permit, the teen must:

  • Drive only with a licensed adult (age 21 or older, or 18 if it's a sibling) seated in the front passenger seat.
  • Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night.

Learn more about the permit process in Getting a Learner’s Permit in Louisiana.

Stage 2: Intermediate License

At age 16, teens who have held a learner’s permit for at least 180 days and completed their supervised driving hours are eligible for an Intermediate License, provided they:

  • Pass the on-road driving skills test administered by the OMV.
  • Maintain a clean driving record for at least 6 months.

Restrictions for the Intermediate License include:

  • No driving between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • Only one non-family passenger under 21 allowed between 6:00 PM and 5:00 AM, unless accompanied by a supervising adult.

Visit Permit vs License in Louisiana Teen Requirements Explained for a breakdown of the differences between permit and intermediate licensing.

Stage 3: Full License

At age 17, drivers who have held the intermediate license for at least one year without violations are eligible for a Class E Full License, which grants unrestricted driving privileges. Applicants must:

  • Pass all prior licensing stages.
  • Have no at-fault crashes or moving violations in the past 12 months.

For those who delay licensing until age 17 or older, driver education is still mandatory but they can skip the intermediate stage.

Supporting Safe Teen Driving

The GDL system emphasizes responsibility and gradual exposure to complex driving environments. New drivers and their guardians should also become familiar with:

These resources help reinforce important driving concepts while promoting safety during the learning process.

The graduated system remains a critical step in preparing teens to become skilled, independent drivers on Louisiana’s roadways.