How to Get a Louisiana Driver’s License

The Pelican State welcomes you! If you want to learn how to obtain a driver’s, commercial, or motorcycle license in the state of Louisiana, you’ve come to the right place! It’s time for you to learn how to obtain these licenses and become an official holder of these licenses.

Types of Louisiana Driver’s Licenses

There are different types of Louisiana driver’s licenses. We’ve listed the types of LA driver’s licenses that are available, so check out the list and determine which license you need.

Class E (personal driver’s license) – The Class E driver’s license is the standard license for drivers in the state of Louisiana. With this driver’s license, you can operate a vehicle weighing less than 10,000 lbs. for personal use, including SUVs, cars, and MPVs. A Class E LA driver’s license doesn’t allow you to transport paying customers from one location to another.

Be advised that if you are using farm equipment to transport products and supplies, you will need to have a Class E driver’s license. This rule applies to any farm vehicle that is driven within 150 miles of a farm. Individuals with a Class E driver’s license can also operate a recreational vehicle.

Class D Driver’s License – The Louisiana Class D driver’s license is a chauffeur’s driver’s license. Individuals who use their vehicles to earn a living are required to obtain a Class D driver’s license. This driver’s license is required to operate vehicles that exceed 10,000 lbs. but does not exceed 26,001 lbs. Individuals who obtain a Class D driver’s license are cab drivers, limousine drivers, Uber drivers, and individuals who transport people to earn a living.

Small vans or trucks that are used to move property also require a Class D driver’s license. Keep in mind that before you can obtain a Class D driver’s license, you must have a Class E driver’s license first.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses – in the state of Louisiana, there are Class A, B, and C commercial driver’s licenses (CDL). These commercial driver’s licenses are required for individuals who are professional truck drivers.

Class A (CDL) – A Class A CDL is for professional truck drivers who operate vehicles that have a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) that exceeds 26,001 lbs. The towing unit (which can be a trailer) must weigh at least 10,001 lbs. Commercial vehicles that are Class A CDL vehicles include big rigs, flatbeds, and semi-trucks. Professional truckers who have a Class A CDL can also operate Class B and Class C vehicles with the proper endorsement.

Class B (CDL) – Class B CDLs are required to operate heavy straight trucks, which include large buses that are used to provide city tours. Individuals will need to obtain a Class B CDL to deliver and transport furniture. A Class B CDL is required to operate a commercial vehicle that has a GVWR that exceeds 26,001 lbs. If you are towing a unit, the unit can’t exceed 10,000 lbs. Individuals who have a Class B CDL can’t operate Class A CDL vehicles, but they can operate vehicles that fall in the Class C CDL category with the proper endorsement.

Class C (CDL) – Individuals who have a Class C CDL can operate a combination or single commercial vehicle that has a GVWR that does not exceed 26,000 lbs. If you are towing a unit, the unit can’t exceed 10,000 lbs.

Class C commercial vehicles are designed to carry at least 16 passengers, including the driver. Vehicles that fall in the Class C category can also be used to transport hazardous materials that require a placard.

Class M Endorsement – Rev your engines motorcycle drivers! If you want to operate a motorcycle on the roads and highways of Louisiana, you need a motorcycle endorsement. This endorsement will be added to your existing Louisiana driver’s license.

Louisiana Driver’s License Requirements

There are certain requirements you must meet to be eligible to obtain a Louisiana driver’s license. Only legal residents of Louisiana can apply for an LA driver’s license. Before you apply for your driver’s license, you must first:

Complete a Driver’s Education Course:
- Classroom instruction: 30 hours
- Behind-the-wheel instruction: 8 hours

Complete a Pre-Licensing Course:
- Classroom instruction: 6 hours
- Behind-the-wheel instruction: 8 hours

Applying for Your California Driver’s License

To apply for your Louisiana driver’s license, you must apply in person at your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles branch. You need to:

Complete an Application for a License or Identification Card (Form DPSMV 2003)

Provide proof of your identity including:
- 1 primary document and 2 secondary documents
Secondary documents, which can include your:
- Out-of-state driver’s license
- Social security card
Provide proof of your:
- Social security number (SSN), which can include your:
  - Social security card
  - Verification from the Social Security Administration (SSA)
  - Louisiana residency
Pass the LA DMV tests, which include:
- Driving
- Vision
- Written knowledge
Have your photo taken
Pay the $32.25 fee (the fee is $18.75 if you’re at least 70 years old)
- You will also need to pay the local fee, which can be a maximum of $6 (using e-checks and debit or credit cards will incur additional fees

If you are interested in applying for a Louisiana REAL ID, you must present and bring proof of your:

Date of birth
Identity
Legal status
Social security number
Louisiana residency (multiple documents are required)

Louisiana Written and Driving Tests

The Louisiana written and driving tests consist of questions that are based on the information that is taken from the Louisiana Driver’s Manual found here. You must answer at least 80% of the questions correctly to pass the written exam.

The LA driving test can be completed at either an LA Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV) branch or a third-party testing provider. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment instead of walking in and requesting an appointment to avoid long wait times.

If you are completing the Louisiana driving test to complete the driving exam, you are required to provide the following documents before you can complete the exam:

Proof of a valid LA auto insurance policy
Safety inspection sticker
Registration certificate (the vehicle must have a current validation sticker)

Keep in mind that third-party providers can charge additional fees up to a maximum of $100 to administer the Louisiana driving test. During this driving test, you will be tested on your ability to perform the following driving maneuvers, such as:

Parking
Yielding the right of way
Using lanes correctly
Changing lanes
Backing out

Acceptable Identification Documents in Louisiana

In Louisiana, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your Louisiana driver’s license. These identification documents include:

Armed forced ID cards
Birth certificate
Passport
Certificate of Naturalization
Permanent resident card
Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 expiration must be more than 2 months from the date you visit the office)

Examples of true full-name verification documentation include:

Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
Name change documents that contain your legal name both before and after the name change
A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order
Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
Marriage certificate

Examples of acceptable residency documents include:

Resident utility bills (can include cell phone bills)
Insurance documents
Louisiana vehicle or vessel title or registration
A record of a financial institution (bank statements)

When you’re verifying your identity and other credentials, the legal parent, guardian, or child, can use a birth certificate. A spouse or domestic partner can use a marriage license or their domestic partner registration certificate as proof of their relationship to the individual to whom the acceptable residency documentation is addressed.

Obtaining a Louisiana Driver’s License Under the Age of 18

If you are under the age of 18, you are considered a teen driver and a minor. As a teenage driver who is applying for their Louisiana driver’s license for the first time, you are required to meet the requirements of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (LA OMV) Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program.

New Residents of Louisiana

As a new resident of Louisiana, you can transfer your valid out-of-state driver’s license or learner’s permit to an LA driver’s license or intermediate driver’s license. The Louisiana OMV will issue an LA license that is equivalent to the license or permit you are surrendering from your previous state. You will not be required to complete an LA Driver’s Education course.

You have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license. If you want to apply for a Louisiana REAL ID, you will need to provide the proper application documents, which will be discussed later in this article.

New Louisiana residents will need to provide the following to obtain their LA driver’s license:

Surrender your out-of-state driver’s license or provide your official driving record from your previous state
Provide a primary proof of identification, such as your:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Military ID
Provide your social security number (SSN)
Submit proofs of Louisiana residency
Submit a Certificate of Required Attendance from your school’s office or a Home Study Approval Notification Letter from the Department of Education
Pass the Louisiana vision exam
Pass the Louisiana road skills test (if applicable)
Pay the $32.25 driver’s license fee and any other local fees that may apply. The Louisiana driver’s license fee can be a maximum of $38.25.

Payments that are made using a debit or credit card, or e-checks will have additional fees to pay. If you are younger than 17 years old, you must visit the LA OMV office with your parent or legal guardian, and they are required to present their photo ID.

Louisiana GDL Program and Restrictions

The Louisiana GDL program is separated into the following steps:

Learner’s Permit, which allows:
- Supervised driving practice with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old
Intermediate driver’s license, which allows:
- Unsupervised driving between the hours of 5 AM and 11 PM
- Supervised driving with a licensed adult at ANY time
- No more than 1 passenger who is younger than 21 years old between the hours of 6 PM and 5 AM., UNLESS:
  - You are accompanied by a licensed adult
  - The passenger is an immediate family member
Full, unrestricted driver’s license

Age Requirements

The minimum age requirements of the Louisiana OMV GDL program are as follows:

Learner’s Permit: 15 years old
Intermediate Driver’s License: 16 years old
Full Driver’s License: 17 years old

Louisiana Learner’s Permit

The first step in the LA GDL program is completing the Driver’s Education and obtaining your learner’s permit. To apply for your learner’s permit, you need to visit your local LA OMV branch with your parent or legal guardian and submit the following:

A certified birth certificate that proves you are at least 15 years old
Your social security card or verification
Your Driver’s Ed completion certificate that proves you have completed a minimum of 38 hours of driver’s education, which includes:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction
- 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
Submit a Certificate of Required Attendance from your school’s office or a Home Study Approval Notification Letter from the Department of Education
Payment for the $32.25 permit fee and any applicable local fees

Payments that are made using a credit or debit card or an e-check will be required to pay additional fees. You will also need to pass a vision exam and Louisiana DMV written test.

Driving Restrictions and Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

Once you obtain an LA learner’s permit, you are only allowed to operate a motor vehicle while you’re accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old or a sibling who is at least 18 years old who is also licensed.

You will also need to obtain your permit for a minimum of 180 days and complete at least 50 hours of driving at night.

Intermediate Driver’s License

If you have a Louisiana learner’s permit, you will be allowed to upgrade to an intermediate license when you:

Are at least 16 years old
Have obtained your learner’s permit for at least 180 days
Submit a signed statement confirming that you have completed a total of 50 hours of supervised driving, which includes 15 hours of driving completed at night. (This statement must be completed with your licensed parent, legal guardian, or another adult who is at least 21 years old.)

You must also pass the Louisiana road test with the LA OMV or at a third-party testing facility. Some LA OMV offices only offer the skills test on certain days. You can contact your local LA OMV office to schedule a road test or to receive more information regarding testing hours.

If you complete your driving test with the LA OMV, you are required to provide a car and have:

A current safety inspection sticker
A valid registration sticker and certificate
Proof of a valid LA auto insurance policy

Once you pass the LA OMV road test, your parent or legal guardian needs to accompany you to the LA OMV office. You must:

Provide your learner’s permit and birth certificate
Submit a Certificate of Required Attendance from your school’s office or a Home Study Approval Notification Letter from the Department of Education
Provide additional required proof of identity, social security number, and residency for a REAL ID-compliant license
Pass the Louisiana vision exam
Payment for the $13 upgrade fee and any applicable local fees (a maximum of $6)

Be advised that payments that are made using a credit or debit card or e-checks will be charged an additional fee.

Louisiana Driving Restrictions

When you obtain your intermediate driver’s license, you are required to follow the driving and passenger restrictions below:

You are only allowed to drive unsupervised between the hours of 5 AM and 11 PM
You can operate a motor vehicle at any time IF you are accompanied by a licensed adult (if you are driving between the hours of 6 PM and 5 AM, you are NOT allowed to carry more than 1 passenger who is under 21 years old UNLESS they are an immediate family member, EXCEPT when you are accompanied by a licensed adult).

Full Unrestricted LA Driver’s License

You will be eligible for a Louisiana unrestricted driver’s license in Louisiana when you are 17 years old. To upgrade your current license to an intermediate driver’s license, you need to visit your local Louisiana OMV branch and present the following:

Your intermediate driver’s license
Your birth certificate
Your Social Security card
Proof of Louisiana residency
A Certificate of Required Attendance (obtained from your school’s home or provide a Home Study Approval Notification Letter from the Department of Education
Payment for the LA license upgrade fee of $13 (certain Louisiana OMV offices charge an additional $6 fee)

After you complete the above steps, you will receive your unrestricted Louisiana driver’s license.

Receiving Your Driver’s License as. New Resident of Louisiana

Welcome to Louisiana! As a new resident, you may be eligible to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license to the state of Louisiana. You must transfer your current driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. You will need to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license and submit a driving record from your previous state or submit a clearance letter.

If you have a valid driver’s license, you are not required to complete the LA Driver’s Education course, the pre-licensing course, or any other driving test. However, you will still be required to complete the vision test and provide proof of a valid Louisiana auto insurance policy. Depending on your current situation, the Louisiana OMV may waive some of your OMV tests.

Non-Commercial Driver’s Licenses in Louisiana

There are special driver’s licenses in the state of Louisiana. The Louisiana OMV offers different driver’s license classes and endorsements depending on the type of vehicle you want to operate, the number of passengers you want to transport, and the types of materials you want to carry.

You may be required to obtain a license class that is different from your standard, non-commercial Louisiana driver’s license, or you may be required to obtain additional license endorsements.

Commercial Driver’s Licenses

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required to operate vehicles that carry a large number of passengers or weigh a certain amount. The class of Louisiana CDL and the endorsements you obtain will determine the following:

The maximum weight of the vehicle you can operate
The number of passengers you can carry
The type of materials you can transport

Driving a School Bus

If you want to operate a school bus in the state of Louisiana, you must:

Be at least 21 years old
Pass a criminal records check
Pass a driving record check and maintain a clean driving record
Have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a passenger endorsement and a school bus endorsement
Pass a physical
Submit to a pre-service training course (includes classroom instruction of 30 hours and bus training of 10 hours)
Spend 4 hours becoming familiar with the vehicle as a part of the training listed above
Pass an in-service drug and alcohol screening

Some parish school districts may have their specific requirements.

Shuttle License

You must obtain a CDL if your shuttle van or bus is designed to carry at least 16 passengers. If your vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 to 26,001 lbs, you will be required to apply for a Louisiana Class D license.

Taxi License

You can check with your local municipality for driver’s license regulations. To become a licensed taxi driver in the state of Louisiana, you need to:

Pay the taxi licensing fee
Pass a physical exam
Have a clean criminal record and pass a background check
Maintain a clean driving record
Hold a valid, non-commercial driver’s license
Complete a taxi driver training and certification course

Chauffeur License

To obtain a chauffeur’s driver’s license in Louisiana, you need to:

Be at least 17 years old
Pass a chauffeur’s knowledge test
Obtain a valid, Class E license
Pay the $54.75 Class D fee and any additional fees of up to $6

Louisiana Sport Vehicles License

The state of Louisiana does not mandate a minimum age requirement for operating an ATV. However, you may be required to obtain a motorcycle license for certain off-road vehicles.

Married, Divorced, or Name Change?

If you have changed your name, you will be required to provide proof of a legal name change if you are applying for a new LA driver’s license or identification card. If you are applying for a REAL ID-compliant LA driver’s license or ID, you will need to submit name change documents, such as a marriage license for the REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID to be issued in your true full name.

The documents you may be required to submit to prove your true full name can include the following:

Adoption documents that contain the legal names as a result of the adoption
A marriage certificate
A name change document that contains the legal name of both before and after the name change
A certificate, declaration, or registration document verifying the formation of a domestic partnership
A dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action

Does the REAL ID Act Impact the Residents of Louisiana?

The REAL ID Act in Louisiana was passed by Congress in 2005 and establishes the minimum-security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that can be used for official federal purposes.

Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Louisiana?

Getting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card in the state of Louisiana is NOT mandatory. Keep in mind that if you have valid TSA-approved documentation, you can use these documents to pass the TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide. Also with TSA-approved documents, you can enter secure federal buildings and military installations at any time.

If you will not be boarding a domestic flight or visiting a secure federal facility or military base, you are NOT required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Louisiana driver’s license or identification card. You are not required to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card to perform any of the following:

Drive
Vote
Enter a federal facility that does NOT require an ID (such as a post office)
Apply for or receive federal benefits (Social Security Administration (SSA), Veterans Affairs, etc.)
Visit a hospital or receive life-saving services

How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID?

To prepare to obtain a Louisiana REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, you need to visit your local LA OMV office and provide proof of the following:

Birth certificate
Passport
Permanent residency card

Lawful status, which can include the previous documents, and the following:

Foreign passport with I-94 record
Voter registration card

Louisiana residency (2 documents are required), which can include:

Utility bill that was issued within the last 60 days
Paycheck or pay stub from the last 60 days
Valid Louisiana license

Social security:

Social security card
W-2 or 1099 tax form
Pay stub with your full name and social security number

Louisiana REAL ID Fees

There are no fees associated with obtaining a Louisiana REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. If you choose to upgrade your standard LA driver’s license to a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, you will be charged the same standard renewal fee. You can expect to pay the following fees:

Driver’s license renewal: $2.25
Non-driver ID renewal: $8
Class D license renewal: $4.75 to $6.00
Duplicate license or ID fee: $3
Credit card fee: $0.25+1 of the transaction total

Local Louisiana OMV offices may charge a maximum of $6 service fee for license transactions.

Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in Louisiana

Are you thinking of operating a semi-truck, school bus, or another large vehicle for a living? If so, you must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The CDL regulations are created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the state of Louisiana. These safety rules are enforced by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

Who Can Get a Louisiana CDL?

FMCSA regulations state that any commercial driver’s license applicant must already have a valid non-CDL driver’s license. Anyone who is under 21 years old will be restricted to driving commercial vehicles within the state where their CDL was issued, also referred to as interstate commerce.

If you have a CDL from a different state and want to transfer it to the state of Louisiana, you must visit your local LA OMV office and:

Take your current CDL
Take all the medical and ID requirements for an LA CDL
Provide proof of a valid auto insurance policy for all vehicles you’ve already registered in Louisiana
Complete the vision exam
Pay the required fee for your Louisiana commercial driver’s license

If you have a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement and want to transfer this endorsement, you are required to re-take the correct written exam at the OMV.

Louisiana Commercial Learner’s Permits

Before you are eligible to apply for a CDL in the state of Louisiana, you must have to get your commercial learner’s permit (CLP).

While you are not required to, it is recommended that you complete a CDL training course to help you complete and pass the required exams. When you’re ready to take the exam, you can schedule an appointment with your local LA OMV office.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles requires you to present the following at your CDL appointment:

Your driver’s license
The proper medical forms
Your social security card (or a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that states your social security number (SSN)
Proof of a valid auto insurance policy (on any personal vehicles you own in the state of Louisiana)
Proof of Louisiana residency, which can include:
- Voter registration card
- Tax receipts
- Lease agreement
The $15 license fee (must be cash ONLY)

You will also be required to submit a driving record check. This driving record will be conducted for the past 10 years in ALL 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Next, you must take and pass the required written exams for the type of commercial driver’s license for which you are applying. Once you’ve completed this step, you will be issued your commercial learner’s permit. Congratulations!

Louisiana Commercial Learner’s Permit Considerations

Your Louisiana commercial learner’s permit is valid for 60 days. You will be eligible to apply for your full commercial driver’s license after you maintain your CLP for 14 days. The FMCSA regulations restrict individuals who obtain a learner’s permit from driving on private roads. If you have a learner’s permit, you are restricted to driving ONLY on public roads when you are accompanied by someone who obtain a CDL.

Obtaining a Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License

To receive your full CDL in the state of Louisiana, you must complete and pass the second part of the skills test through a third-party examiner. Third-party skills tests cost $100 if you provide a vehicle. If you need to rent a vehicle, you will be charged an additional fee at the discretion of the provider.

Once you successfully pass the skills test, you will be issued a Certificate of Successful Completion. Your test results will arrive in a sealed envelope. Make sure you keep the envelope sealed because tampering with it could result in a violation of your test.

You need to take the results back to your Louisiana OMV office and pay the $61.50 CDL fee. If you are an Orleans parish resident, the fee will be $76.50. After you complete the previous steps, you will be issued your full commercial driver’s license. Congratulations!

Louisiana CDL Medical Exams

You will also need to be deemed physically fit to receive your CDL. When you go to your local LA OMV branch to apply for your CDL, make sure you bring the following:

A Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876). This form must be completed and signed by you and your physician.
A signed and completed Medical Examination Form (Form MCSA-5875)

You must also declare the type of driving you intend to perform with your CDL, known as self-certification. You are required to submit a completed Supplemental Form for CDL Application (Form DPSMV 2211).

Federal Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify the type of vehicle you’re operating with the LA OMV. You are required to self-certify one of the following driving categories:

Non-excepted interstate
Excepted interstate
Non-excepted intrastate
Excepted intrastate

Commercial Driver’s License Classifications

The FMCSA has established different classes of CDLs depending on the type of vehicles they allow you to operate, including:

Class A CDL – allows individuals to operate multiple vehicles that exceed a certain with, such as a tractor-trailer
Class B CDL – allows you to operate a single vehicle that is over a specific weight, such as a box truck
Class C CDL – allows you to operate all commercial vehicles that are NOT addressed by Class A or Class B CDLs.

CDL Endorsements and Restrictions

An endorsement is an additional certification on your CDL. Having an endorsement on your CDL allows you to operate vehicles other than standard cars and trucks. To obtain an endorsement, you must complete and pass additional tests at the LA OMV.

You can obtain multiple endorsements that allow you to operate vehicles that include:

HAZMAT vehicles
School buses
Tanks
Double or triple trailers

Be advised that you can have a restriction placed on your CDL, which limits the number of vehicles you can drive. You may receive a restriction if you complete the road skills test in a vehicle type other than the vehicle that you’re permitted to operate for your particular CDL class, or if you fail certain aspects of the medical exams.

Restrictions can also be removed from your CDL by completing and passing additional tests or filling out specific paperwork.

CDL Fees in Louisiana

The LA OMV currently charges the following fees for CDLs and related services:

Commercial learner’s permit application fee: $15
Third-party skills test: $100 (does not include vehicle rental costs)
Commercial driver’s license fee: $61.50 (fee for Orleans parish residents: $76.50)
Endorsements: $7.50 each

Applying for a Louisiana Motorcycle License

If you want to enjoy the open road on a motorcycle, you must obtain a motorcycle endorsement. You must transfer your motorcycle endorsement within 30 days of establishing residency in the state of Louisiana. You will also be required to transfer your motorcycle registration within 30 days of establishing residency in LA. To transfer your motorcycle endorsement, you need to visit your local LA OMV branch and:

Submit proof of identification by providing your:
- Valid driver’s license or official driving record
- Social security card
- Proof of an active Louisiana auto insurance policy (if you currently own a vehicle)
Pass the vision exam
Be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a valid photo ID (if you are 17 years old or younger)

If your out-of-state driver’s license is current and valid, you will not be required to take any exams. The LA OMV will issue you an equivalent LA license to the out-of-state license you surrender.

Louisiana Motorcycle Endorsement

The state of Louisiana requires you to add a motorcycle endorsement to your standard license to operate a motorcycle in the state of Louisiana.

To receive a Louisiana motorcycle endorsement, you need to go to your local LA OMV branch and:

Present a completed Application for License or Identification Card (Form DPSMV 2003)
Provide primary and secondary proofs of identification (if you have an LA photo ID or driver’s license, no additional identification is required)
Be accompanied by a parent or guardian with a photo ID (if you are 17 years old or younger)
Pay the $12 endorsement fee
Pass the LA motorcycle knowledge exam
Pass an on-cycle skills test

To complete the on-cycle skills test, you must provide:

Your own motorcycle
A helmet (must be worn during the exam)
Proper eye protection (goggles, face shield, or safety goggles) UNLESS your motorcycle has a windshield

You can waive the on-cycle skills exam if you complete a state-approved motorcycle safety course from the LA DPS Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program. You must also provide proof of completion when you apply for your endorsement. Your first motorcycle endorsement will be valid for 6 years.

Louisiana Motorcycle Safety Courses

The Louisiana Motorcycle Safety, Awareness, and Operator Training Program offer motorcycle safety courses to help you understand the rules of the road and enhance your on-cycle skills.

You may be able to waive your on-cycle skills test if you complete a motorcycle safety course. You will be required to present proof of course completion when you apply for your motorcycle endorsement.

The motorcycle training program offers basic, intermediate, and advanced courses. Be advised that certain prerequisites may be required.

LA Basic Rider Course

The Louisiana basic rider course is offered to students who have little to no experience operating a motorcycle. This course covers riding skills and mental preparation. The basic rider course class takes 15 ½ hours to complete and involves classroom instruction and practical training on the road in a controlled environment off the street.

You are allowed to use your own motorcycle or use a provided motorcycle. If you choose to use a motorcycle that is provided, your basic rider course will be more expensive. If you choose to use your own motorcycle, its engine displacement can’t exceed 550cc.

LA Intermediate Rider Course

The Louisiana intermediate rider course is offered to motorcyclists that have experience riding and want to improve their mental and practical skills. This rider course is 5 hours and includes all practical training.

The intermediate rider course reviews:

Cornering
Braking
Defensive riding and risk management strategies

To enroll in the intermediate rider course in Louisiana, you must graduate from the basic rider course or have a valid LA motorcycle endorsement. You also have the option to use your own motorcycle or use a provided motorcycle. If you choose to use a provided motorcycle, you will have to pay an additional fee.

LA Advanced Rider Course

The advanced rider course in Louisiana is 5 hours and includes classroom and on-cycle instruction. This course is available for motorcycle riders who have significant experience with riding a motorcycle and are interested in fine-tuning the following skills:

Managing risk
Braking
Assessing your riding skill
Cornering
Swerving
On-cycle behavior

If you are younger than 18 years old, you must have signed consent from a parent or legal guardian on the application. For more information about the Louisiana rider courses, you can call 225-658-7522. Once you are assigned to a course, the fees can’t be refunded, UNLESS the Louisiana Department of Public Safety cancels the course.

The state of Louisiana does not differentiate between renewing a driver’s license and a motorcycle endorsement.

Louisiana OMV Locations

You will find multiple OMV locations in the state of Louisiana. We’ve created a list of OMV locations to help you find an OMV branch near you. Check out the list below!

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles – Lafayette Branch
3200 Johnston St
(337) 541-0007
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles – Metairie Branch
3939 Veterans Memorial Blvd
Ste 204
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 272-2333
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles – Baker Branch
2250 Main St.
Baker, LA 70714
(225) 361-2921
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles – Alexandria Branch
3730 S Macarthur Dr
Alexandria, LA 71302
(855) 250-3496
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles – Baton Rouge Branch
12690 Perkins Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225) 366-6600
Monday – Friday (8 AM – 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)