Minimum age for a car driving licence in Louisiana (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A Class E learner's licence is available from 15 and an intermediate licence from 16 in Louisiana, subject to a holding period and supervised practice.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | The learner's licence must be held at least 180 days (unless the holder turns 17 first). It can then be converted to an intermediate licence from 16 on a parent's or guardian's statement of 50 hours of supervised practice and a passed on-road driving skills test. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | For an intermediate licence a parent or guardian must attest to at least 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed parent, guardian or adult aged 21 or over, at least 15 of them at night. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | An intermediate licence holder under 17 may not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian, a licensed adult aged 21 or over, or a licensed sibling aged 18 or over. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | Unless accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian or adult aged 21 or over, an intermediate licence holder may not carry more than one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family between 6:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. [1] |
Notes
- This is the age for a restricted licence (intermediate or provisional stage). The restrictions are described under driving before the minimum age.
- No official page on age conditions for visitors holding an out-of-state licence was read.
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature: Louisiana Laws - Louisiana State Legislature (R.S. 32:407) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Louisiana and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (learner's licence) | Intermediate at 16 after 180 days and 50 hours | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | 16 (intermediate licence) | 14 (learner's licence) | Intermediate from 16; unrestricted at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Mississippi | 16 (regular licence) | 15 (learner's permit) | Permit 12 months or to 17; hardship licence 15-17 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texas | 16 (Class C, after 6 months on permit) | 15 (learner licence) | Learner licence at 15; Class C at 16 | Nonresident 16+ with a home licence |
More rules in Louisiana
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Fine up to $100 (14 g or less) · Growing at home: Production is an offence
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 55 mph unless posted lower · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph unless posted lower
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: Class 3: 12
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers, set periods) · Minimum age to buy: 15
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule; dangerous-weapon rule applies
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: No · Current adult minimum wage (gross): Federal $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free calls allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, every occupant · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, every occupant
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (no purchase or public possession under 21)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.