John W. Redmann | November 6, 2026 | Car Accidents
In Louisiana, a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) may be issued to drivers as young as 14 years old, but a full license is not available until the driver is at least 17. Like many other states, Louisiana now follows a graduated driver’s license system.
Louisiana has adopted a full set of rules surrounding its Graduated Driver’s License program. These rules specify exactly what drivers at each age are allowed to do. Here are the basics:
Age 14 – Classroom Instruction
Drivers who are within 90 days of their 15th birthday may participate in the classroom portion of driver education. These individuals must be in at least the 8th grade. Remember that these drivers CANNOT participate in behind-the-wheel training until they turn 15.
Age 15 – Learner’s Permit or Temporary Instruction Permit
Drivers may apply for a Learner’s Permit upon reaching 15 years of age. To qualify, they need to successfully complete:
- 38 hours of driver education
- A vision test
- A knowledge test with the OMV or education provider
The learner’s permit does come with some restrictions. Drivers who hold a learner’s permit:
- Must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or adult over 21 or a licensed sibling over 18
- CANNOT use a cell phone, even in hands-free mode
- Must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with 15 of those at night
The next step in the process is applying for the intermediate license.
Age 16 – Intermediate License
Drivers who hold an intermediate license are restricted from driving between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, a licensed driver at least 21 years old, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years old.
These license holders also cannot use a cell phone, and between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., they may not transport more than one passenger under 21 years old who is not a family member.
Age 17 – Unrestricted License
Upon turning 17, drivers may apply for a full, unrestricted Class E license. To qualify, an individual must:
- Meet all requirements of the Intermediate license
- Have no moving violations within the previous 12 months
- Have no at-fault crashes for the previous 12 months
- Have no drug, alcohol, curfew, or seat belt violations for the previous 12 months
Drivers who receive the full license can operate a motor vehicle at any time and with any number of passengers. Drivers who are 17 are still restricted from using cell phones except in emergencies.
Contact Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Metairie Car Accident Attorney
Teen drivers are more likely to get into a car accident than older drivers. While the graduated license system aims to reduce these accidents by giving teens more experience, crashes still happen.
If you are injured in an accident caused by a teen driver in Louisiana, you may be able to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. This may require filing a personal injury claim and negotiating with their insurance company.
You do not have to go through this process alone. Contact the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. today for a free consultation. Our team can help protect your rights and fight to maximize your financial recovery.
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