What to bring to the Louisiana OMV permit test
Bring the right documents and you can take the knowledge and vision tests on the same visit. The official requirements change from time to time, so check the OMV's own page before you go.
For the learner's permit and knowledge test
- Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) and Certificate of Successful Completion of driver education
- Certified birth certificate (minors) or one primary + additional ID (adults); no photocopies
- Social Security number verification
- Proof of address
- Custodial parent or legal guardian present to sign (17 and under), with their ID and custody/guardianship papers
Fees
- Learner's permit / Class E license (basic fee, until age 69): $32.25
- Class E license age 70+: $18.75
- Office service fee: up to $8.00 at some offices (New Licenses page); the Permits page says up to $6.00 and the guide says $0.50-$6.00
The vision test
20/40 in one or both eyes (minimum standard). Failing applicants get a vision report for a specialist to complete. Corrective-lens restriction code 01.
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.
For the road test
- Vehicle that is safety inspected (valid inspection sticker), legally equipped, with current plate and registration; working speedometer; seat belts (post-1964 vehicles)
- Proof of liability insurance for the test vehicle
- Minors: custodial/domiciliary parent, tutor or legal guardian must accompany, sign and prove the vehicle is insured
After you pass: your permit
- Hold it for at least 180 days and until age 16 for those who start at 15; a 16-year-old holds it 180 days or until turning 17; applicants 17 and older need not hold it 180 days before the road test.
- Log 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of them at night.
- You must complete driver education: 30 hours classroom plus 8 hours behind the wheel (38-hour course). Adults 18 and older may take a 6-hour pre-licensing course plus 8 hours behind the wheel
- Drive only with a licensed parent, guardian or adult at least 21, or a licensed sibling at least 18
- No cell phone use, including hands-free
- 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 at night, confirmed by a parent or guardian before the intermediate license
- No at-fault crashes, moving violations, or seat belt, curfew, drug or alcohol violations while on the permit
- Vision 20/40 in one or both eyes; pass the 40-question knowledge test with 80%
Before you go
Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the OMV says copies are accepted.
Questions
How old do I need to be to take the Louisiana permit test?
15 (learner's permit); 14 for the Class E Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) used only during driver education.
How much does the Louisiana permit test cost?
OMV lists no separate state knowledge-test fee. Driving schools and third-party testers set their own fees. The learner's permit costs $32.25, plus an office service fee of up to $6-8.
Can I take the Louisiana permit test online?
The OMV gives the knowledge test in person: Multiple-choice test on traffic signs, signals, safe driving and Louisiana law, taken from the Driver's Guide; given on a computer in most offices. For teens the knowledge and skills tests are administered by the driver education provider. A Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) is required before taking the knowledge test.
Do I need an appointment?
Check the OMV's website: requirements for appointments differ by office and change often. Bring every document on the list above so you don't have to come back.
Source: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (Department of Public Safety & Corrections, Public Safety Services), checked 2026-10-27.