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Louisiana driving lesson · Your License

Who needs a license & license classes

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
6, 7, 9

If you live in Louisiana and drive on public streets and highways, you need a Louisiana driver's license. Carry it every time you drive. The class of license you need depends on the vehicle you drive and whether driving is your main job.

Know the rule

Always carry your license when driving, and show it to any law enforcement officer who asks to see it.

Handbook p. 6 ↗
30 days

New residents' deadline to get a Louisiana license after establishing residency

Handbook p. 6 ↗

You do NOT need a Louisiana license if you are:

  • A non-resident with a valid license from another state (you may drive here for 90 days)
  • A non-resident student with a valid home-state license and a current student ID card
  • Operating a farm tractor, farm implements or road machinery temporarily on the highway
  • An Armed Forces member driving a U.S. government vehicle on official duty
  • A resident Armed Forces member or military dependent with a valid home-state license
Handbook p. 6 ↗
90 days

How long a non-resident may drive in Louisiana on a valid out-of-state license

Handbook p. 6 ↗

License classes

License classes
ClassWhat it lets you drive
A, B, C (CDL)Large cargo trucks, commercial buses, hazmat
D (chauffeur)Single commercial vehicle 10,001 to under 26,001 lbs
ESingle vehicle under 10,001 lbs, RVs, some farm vehicles
Handbook p. 6 ↗

Know the rule

Class D may tow a vehicle of no more than 10,000 lbs GVWR as long as the combined truck-and-trailer rating is less than 26,001 lbs. Class D never covers hazardous materials.

Handbook p. 6 ↗

Know the rule

Class D may carry passengers for hire (if the vehicle isn't a Class A, B or C vehicle), and it also lets you drive any Class E vehicle.

Handbook p. 7 ↗

Know the rule

This handbook applies only to Class D and Class E licenses; CDL drivers use the Commercial Driver's License manual.

Handbook p. 6 ↗

Know the rule

If you drive in interstate commerce, you must also meet Department of Transportation (DOT) physical standards.

Handbook p. 7 ↗

Minimum ages

Minimum ages
LicenseMinimum age
Class E learner's permit15 (then complete every GDL stage)
Class D17
Class A, B or C, in-state only, no hazmat18
Class A, B or C interstate, or hazmat endorsement21
Handbook p. 9 ↗

Put it into practice

You're a Texas college student with a valid Texas license and a current student ID. You don't need a Louisiana license. Your cousin who moves to Baton Rouge for a job is different: she becomes a resident and has 30 days to get a Louisiana license.

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.

How long do new Louisiana residents have to obtain a Louisiana driver's license after establishing residency?
  1. 30 days
  2. 10 days
  3. 60 days
  4. 90 days

Answer: 30 days

New residents have 30 days from establishing residency to get a Louisiana license.

Handbook p. 6 ↗
A non-resident with a valid license from another state may drive in Louisiana without a Louisiana license for how long?
  1. 30 days
  2. 90 days
  3. 10 days
  4. 6 months

Answer: 90 days

Non-residents with a valid out-of-state license may drive in Louisiana for 90 days.

Handbook p. 6 ↗
A Class D license covers a single commercial vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of:
  1. Under 10,001 pounds
  2. 26,001 pounds or more
  3. 10,001 to less than 26,001 pounds
  4. 6,001 to 10,000 pounds

Answer: 10,001 to less than 26,001 pounds

Class D covers vehicles from 10,001 up to but not including 26,001 pounds GVWR.

Handbook p. 6 ↗
A Class E license covers:
  1. Commercial passenger vehicles for hire only
  2. Vehicles hauling hazardous materials
  3. Any vehicle over 10,001 pounds
  4. Any single motor vehicle under 10,001 pounds, RVs, and certain farm vehicles

Answer: Any single motor vehicle under 10,001 pounds, RVs, and certain farm vehicles

Class E is the standard personal license for vehicles under 10,001 pounds, RVs, and some farm vehicles.

Handbook p. 7 ↗
What is the minimum age to obtain a Class D license in Louisiana?
  1. 17
  2. 15
  3. 16
  4. 18

Answer: 17

A Class D license requires a minimum age of 17.

Handbook p. 9 ↗
Which of these people is NOT required to obtain a Louisiana driver's license?
  1. Any Louisiana resident who drives on public roads
  2. A new resident who has lived in Louisiana for 45 days without a license
  3. A service member on duty in a U.S. government vehicle
  4. A resident military dependent with no license

Answer: A service member on duty in a U.S. government vehicle

Armed Forces members driving a government vehicle on official duty are exempt; a resident of 45 days has exceeded the 30-day grace period.

Handbook p. 6 ↗
Take the lesson checkpoint in the app

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