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If you are 18 or older and have never been through Louisiana’s graduated licensing program, you still need driver education. You can choose the 14-hour pre-licensing course, which is 6 hours in the classroom plus 8 hours behind the wheel, or the full 38-hour course. When you finish, you can apply for a learner’s permit or go straight to a full Class E license. This page is for adult first-time drivers in Louisiana.
Key facts
- Who: applicants 18 and older who have not entered the graduated licensing program (rule in effect since August 1, 2012)
- Course: 6 hours classroom plus 8 hours behind the wheel (14 hours total), or the 38-hour course (30 plus 8)
- Tests: vision (20/40 in one or both eyes), knowledge (40 questions, 80%), road skills (80%)
- Cost: the course price is set by each school; the basic Class E license fee is $32.25 (as of November 2026)
Is it a 6-hour course or a 14-hour course?
Both names are used. The “6 hour” part is the classroom portion. The 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training are also required, so OMV pages call the full package the 14-hour pre-licensing course. You cannot get a license with the 6 classroom hours alone.
| 14-hour pre-licensing course | 38-hour driver education course | |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom | 6 hours | 30 hours |
| Behind the wheel | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Who can take it | 18 and older | Teens 14 years 9 months to 17, and adults who choose it |
| School deadline for the 8 driving hours | 90 days after the last classroom day | 120 days after the last classroom day |
| Knowledge test | At the end of the 6-hour classroom portion | At the end of the 30-hour classroom portion |
Steps for adults
- Get a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) at the OMV. Bring a primary ID such as a certified birth certificate or current passport. Also bring Social Security verification, one more ID (such as a photo work ID or insurance card) and proof of address. Originals or certified copies only.
- Enroll at an OMV-licensed driving school. Get the cost breakdown and refund policy in writing.
- Complete the 6 classroom hours and take the knowledge test. You may bring a translator if you do not read English well. See the Louisiana knowledge test guide.
- Complete the 8 behind-the-wheel hours with your TIP on you.
- Take the road skills test. If you trained at a private driving school, test there or at another certified third party tester. See the Louisiana road test guide.
- Go to the OMV with your TIP and Certificate of Successful Completion. Pass the vision test and get your license. Converting the TIP costs nothing extra.
Learner’s permit or full license?
Adults can take either after the course. A learner’s permit lets you keep practicing with a licensed adult 21 or older before the road test. If you are ready, you can take the road test and go straight to a full license. The intermediate license curfew and passenger limits apply to teens, not to adults starting at 18.
Fees (as of November 2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Class E license, up to age 69, about 6 years | $32.25 |
| Class E license, age 70 and older | $18.75 |
| Pre-licensing course | Set by the school |
| Third party road test | Set by the tester |
Some OMV field offices add a service fee. The OMV permits page says up to $6.00 and the new licenses page says up to $8.00.
Adults moving to Louisiana
The course is for first-time drivers. If you already hold a valid license from another state, you transfer it within 30 days of becoming a resident and pass a vision test. See transferring your license to a new state. Holders of a foreign license should read driving in the US on a foreign license and check with the OMV.
Common questions
Can I take the 6 hour pre-licensing course online in Louisiana?
Ask the school whether the classroom part can be taken online, and check that it is licensed by the OMV.
Do I need the course if I am 25?
Yes. The OMV says all applicants must complete a driver education course, and people who have not passed one are not eligible for a license. The OMV’s DouxWe advisor on expresslane.la.gov can confirm what applies to you.
Is the knowledge test the same for adults?
Yes: 40 questions from the Class D and E Driver’s Guide, with 80% to pass.
Can I bring my own car to the road test?
Yes, if it has a current inspection sticker, plate, registration and proof of insurance. Third party testers may also rent you a car for a fee.
Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana. New to US driving? Start with the national guide.
Sources
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Student/Parent Information” (expresslane.la.gov)
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Lagniappe Information and Expectations” (expresslane.la.gov)
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Permits” (expresslane.la.gov)
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “New Licenses” (expresslane.la.gov)
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25), Graduated Licensing Program (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)