Louisiana uses a graduated licenses system to advance unlicensed drivers from an instructional permit to a learner's license, and, finally, an unrestricted driver's license.
Ninety days prior to turning 15 years old, a teen can begin taking the required 30-hour driver's education course. After passing a vision and written test (covering local traffic signs and traffic laws), the teen can apply for an instruction permit.
An instruction permit authorizes the operation of a vehicle while under the supervision of an instructor. Once the teen turns 15, he or she can begin the eight hours of required behind-the-wheel training. (La. Stat. Ann. § 32:402.1 (2024).)
Successful completion of the driver's education course and behind-the-wheel training allows the teen to apply for a learner's license. A learner's license permits the holder to drive only under the supervision of a parent, licensed adult who's at least 21 years old, licensed instructor, or sibling who's at least 18 years old.
However, with a learner's license, the driver generally can't transport any passengers other than the authorized supervisors. Other student drivers are permitted to be in the vehicle if with a licensed instructor.
(La. Stat. Ann. § 32:422 (2024).)
Intermediate license requirements. After holding a learner's license for at least 180 days, a driver who's 16 years old or older can apply for an intermediate license. The applicant must pass the driving test and be free of any traffic violations. The parent or guardian needs to certify that the applicant has completed at least 50 hours of supervised drive time, including 15 nighttime hours.
Intermediate license restrictions. Intermediate license holders can drive only from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and cannot carry more than one non-family member passenger between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. These restrictions don't apply if the licensee is supervised by a parent, licensed adult who's at least 21 years old, licensed instructor, or sibling who's at least 18 years old.
Penalties for license restriction violations. Restriction violations and other traffic violations can result in fines and may also preclude the driver from advancing to the next license level for 30 to 180 days. The parent or guardian of the student driver can also be held liable and convicted. A parent who permits an unlicensed ward to violate restrictions faces a fine of $100 to $500 and up to six months in jail.
(La. Stat. Ann. § 32:407 (2024).)
After holding an intermediate driver's license for 12 months and completing all requirements explained above without violations, a teen can apply for an unrestricted driver's license.
Minimum insurance coverage. Before any driver can lawfully operate a vehicle in Louisiana, the vehicle must be properly insured. Mandatory liability insurance must include at least $15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. (La. Stat. Ann. § 32:861 (2024).)
Administrative penalties for driving without insurance. Failure to have valid insurance is a traffic violation. The officer is permitted to immediately impound the vehicle and seize the license plate. The vehicle can be released once the driver or vehicle owner shows valid proof of insurance. The license plate can be reinstated after a $100 fine ($250 for second offense) is paid. (La. Stat. Ann. § 32:863.1 (2024).)
Crimnal penalties for uninsured driving. A person convicted of failing to provide valid proof of insurance will also pay a fine of $500 to $1,000. A violation that involved an injury accident will additionally result in a 180-day registration revocation and a one-year driver's license suspension. (La. Stat. Ann. § 32:865 (2024).)