LA · Drivers education
Louisiana drivers ed guide
Louisiana makes every first-time applicant take driver education: teens complete a 38 hour course and adults 18 and older a 14 hour pre-licensing course, both from OMV licensed driving schools or approved high school programs. Tickets are handled parish by parish through district attorney diversion rather than a statewide traffic school, and an approved defensive driving course can earn an insurance reduction of as much as 10 percent.
Checked against Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, Department of Public Safety on 2026-10-23.
Teen Drivers Ed in Louisiana: A Parent's Roadmap
This page is for Louisiana parents of a teen nearing 14 or 15, trying to plan the path to a license. The first decision is which school to hire, because the course is not optional here. Every teen who first applies betwe...
- Course hours30 in the classroom plus 8 behind the wheel
- Who takes the 38 hour courseAges 14 years 9 months to 17
- Temporary Instructional PermitFrom 14; instructor driving only
Learning to Drive as an Adult in Louisiana
This page is for Louisiana adults who have never held a license, and newcomers wondering what applies to them. The surprise for many is that Louisiana does require a course for adults. Anyone 18 or over applying for a fi...
- Course for adultsRequired for first-time applicants 18 and up
- Pre-licensing course6 classroom hours, 8 behind the wheel
- Optional alternativeThe 38 hour course
Defensive Driving in Louisiana: Tickets and Insurance Savings
This page is for a Louisiana driver with a fresh ticket who is wondering whether a class can help, and for anyone hoping to cut insurance costs. The decision you face depends on your parish. No law in Louisiana says a de...
- Statewide dismissal by courseNo
- Who runs diversionParish district attorneys
- Sample DA enrollment fee$110 in Caddo Parish