Roadwise States Louisiana Driving lessons Stage 1: getting your learner's permit Louisiana driving lesson · Your License
Stage 1: getting your learner's permit A 3-minute lesson from the Louisiana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Your License
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 11, 12 Louisiana's Graduated Licensing Program, the R.Y.A.N. Act (Reduce Youth Accidents Now), began January 1, 1998. It lets new drivers build experience in lower-risk situations first. It has three stages: a learner's permit, an intermediate license, and a full license.
Know the rule
Per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to crash than older drivers, mostly because of inexperience and immaturity.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ The three GDL stages: 1. Learner's permit: drive only while supervised 2. Intermediate license: unsupervised driving with restrictions 3. Full license Handbook p. 12 ↗ 30 + 8 hours Classroom instruction plus behind-the-wheel instruction required for the permit
Handbook p. 12 ↗ 80% Minimum score on the knowledge exam (you must also pass the vision exam)
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Know the rule
A permit holder may drive only with a licensed adult at least 21 years old, or a sibling at least 18 years old.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Know the rule
You must hold the permit at least 180 days AND reach your 16th birthday before you can move up to the intermediate stage.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ 50 hours Supervised driving a parent or guardian must certify before the intermediate license, 15 of them at night
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Know the rule
The 50 hours must be with a licensed parent, guardian, or adult at least 21, and a parent or legal guardian must sign a statement saying so.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Put it into practice
You got your permit at 15 years 3 months. After 180 days you're 15 years 9 months: still too young. You wait until your 16th birthday, and a parent signs that you've driven 50 hours with them, 15 at night.
A useful reminder Permit numbers: age 15, 30 + 8 hours of training, 80% to pass, 180 days held, 50 practice hours (15 at night).
Check your understanding Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the minimum age to obtain a Louisiana learner's permit? 15 14 16 17 Answer: 15
Stage 1 of the Graduated Licensing Program requires a minimum age of 15.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Before taking the permit tests, an applicant must complete how many hours of classroom instruction? 15 hours 30 hours 20 hours 38 hours Answer: 30 hours
The permit stage requires 30 hours of classroom instruction plus 8 hours behind the wheel.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Who may a learner's permit holder legally drive with? An adult 21+ or a sibling 18+ Any licensed driver of any age A friend with a permit as well A licensed adult at least 18 Answer: An adult 21+ or a sibling 18+
Permit holders may only drive supervised by a licensed adult 21 or older, or a sibling at least 18.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ How long must a driver hold a learner's permit before advancing to the intermediate stage? A minimum of 90 days 180 days, and age 16 A minimum of 30 days A minimum of 1 year Answer: 180 days, and age 16
The permit must be held at least 180 days, and the driver must also reach age 16 before advancing.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ To upgrade from a permit to an intermediate license at 16, a parent or guardian must attest to how many hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience? 30 hours, including 8 hours at night 20 hours, with no night requirement 50 hours, 15 of them at night 50 hours, with no night requirement Answer: 50 hours, 15 of them at night
The signed attestation must cover 50 hours total, with at least 15 of those hours at night.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ A 15-year-old has held a learner's permit for 200 days. Can they advance to the intermediate license? Yes, since they've held it more than 180 days Yes, if a parent signs a waiver No, they must wait until they turn 17 No, not until they turn 16 Answer: No, not until they turn 16
Both conditions apply: at least 180 days held AND reaching the 16th birthday.
Handbook p. 12 ↗ Previous lesson Documents you need to apply Next lesson Stage 2: the intermediate license About the source Roadwise’s Louisiana course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 11, 12. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Louisiana’s OMV. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.