DMV Louisiana · Facts and practice test
Louisiana DMV: age, fees, test facts
Sourced procedural facts for Louisiana DMV, plus a free 78-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old
Knowledge test fee
No separate knowledge test fee; the Learner's Permit (Stage 1) fee is $32.25, which covers the knowledge and vision tests, plus up to $6.00 in service fees at some field offices
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours of supervised driving practice (15 at night) required before the road test/upgrade to Intermediate License, in addition to 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction within the required 38-hour driver ed course
Documents to bring
Certified birth certificate, Social Security number verification, driver education Certificate of Completion, Temporary Instructional Permit; minors need a parent/guardian to sign and show ID (originals only, no photocopies)
Find an office / appointment
Find nearest OMV office via the Office Locations page on expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov; make an appointment online to bring required documents.
REAL ID status
Louisiana REAL ID (Gold Star) requires proof of identity, lawful status, SSN, and two residency documents; federal enforcement began May 7, 2025, same cost as standard license.
Motorcycle license
No separate motorcycle license; endorsement added to existing license. No stated minimum age on official FAQ. Requires vision, knowledge and skills tests, waived/reduced by DPS Motorcycle Safety Awareness and Operators Training.
Commercial license (CDL)
18+ to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP); must hold CLP 14 days before skills test, pass required tests, and have a DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Official source: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles - Driver Education Information
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) site.
Getting a license in Louisiana
Getting your first permit
In Louisiana, the minimum permit age is 15 years old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: certified birth certificate, Social Security number verification, driver education Certificate of Completion, Temporary Instructional Permit; minors need a parent/guardian to sign and show ID (originals only, no photocopies). Find nearest OMV office via the Office Locations page on expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov; make an appointment online to bring required documents.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No separate knowledge test fee; the Learner's Permit (Stage 1) fee is $32.25, which covers the knowledge and vision tests, plus up to $6.00 in service fees at some field offices. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice (15 at night) required before the road test/upgrade to Intermediate License, in addition to 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction within the required 38-hour driver ed course.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
Louisiana REAL ID (Gold Star) requires proof of identity, lawful status, SSN, and two residency documents; federal enforcement began May 7, 2025, same cost as standard license. For a motorcycle license: no separate motorcycle license; endorsement added to existing license. No stated minimum age on official FAQ. Requires vision, knowledge and skills tests, waived/reduced by DPS Motorcycle Safety Awareness and Operators Training. For a commercial license (CDL): 18+ to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP); must hold CLP 14 days before skills test, pass required tests, and have a DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.
The Louisiana bank has 78 questions across 8 topics
Passed? Don't forget insurance
New drivers in the household need to be added to the policy, and shopping several carriers is the best way to keep the cost down, wherever you live.