Part I
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Information

CHAPTER 1:
GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE


Who must have a driver's license

You must have a Louisiana driver s license if you are a resident of Louisiana and want to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways. Always carry your license with you when driving. You are required to show it to any police officer. or any officer or agent of the department who may ask to see it.

EXCEPTIONS

You do not need a Louisiana driver s license if:
· You are a non-resident and possess a valid license issued by another state. You are permitted to drive in this state for a period of 90 days.
· You are a student and possess both a valid driver s license issued by your home state and a current student ID card.
· You are operating a farm tractor, farm implements or road machinery temporarily on the highway.
· You are a member of the Armed Forces driving a U.S. government vehicle while on official duty.
· You are a resident member of the Armed Forces or resident military dependent possessing a home state driver's license.

NEW RESIDENTS

When you become a Louisiana resident, you must get a Louisiana driver's license. If you have a valid, unexpired out of state license you are only required to take and pass the eye examination. If your out of state license has expired, the eye, traffic signs, and written examinations will be required. After 6 months expiration a driving examination will be required. If your driver's license from another state has been expired 60 days or more or is lost, you must get a letter of clearance from that state verifying that your license is not suspended or revoked. If your out of state license is lost, you will need to submit proof of identification in addition to your letter of clearance. A letter of clearance is valid for 60 days. You must turn in any other driver's license you may have. It is unlawful in Louisiana to have more than one driver's license.

CLASSES OF LICENSE

The class of driver s license you will need depends on the type of vehicle you plan to drive and it you are employed for the principal purpose of driving. This manual applies only to class D and E drivers licenses.

CLASSES "A", "B" and "C" - are Commercial Driver's Licenses required generally for drivers of large cargo trucks, commercial passenger vehicles or for the commercial transportation of hazardous material. To determine if you need a class "A", "B" or "C" license please consult the Commercial Driver's License Manual for these classes.

CLASS "D" - Permits the operation of any class "D" or "E" vehicle having a gross weight rating of less than twenty-six thousand and one pounds, and not utilized for the transportation of hazardous materials. A class "D" license may be used for the transportation of passengers for hire or fee provided the usage thereof does not fall within the definition of vehicles in classes "A", "B" or "C".

CLASS "E" - Permits the operation of personal vehicles, recreational vehicles and certain farm use vehicles not defined as commercial vehicles.

LEARNER'S LICENSE- Permits the operation of a personal vehicle while learning, but restricts me driver to operating the vehicle when accompanied by one other licensed person in the vehicle.

REQUIREMENTS T0 GET A LICENSE

You must be a legal resident of Louisiana and have a valid Louisiana residence address. You must prove who you are and your date of birth to get a driver's license. One primary and two secondary, or two primary identification documents are required as proof. (Notarized or photo copies are not acceptable.) All first time Louisiana applicants shall present 2 documents which provide proof of not less than 30 days residency in Louisiana. The following documents may be accepted: utility statements, lease/rent agreements, mortgage note installation payment stubs, cable television statement, voter registration card. Applicants must present their original Social Security Card. If the original Social Security Card is unavailable the following documents will be accepted as proof of the social security number: W-2 Form and Income Tax Form.

IDENTIFICATION

Primary documents

1. Original or certified copy of birth certificate, with official seal, issued by a bureau of vital statistics from any state or U.S. territory. In the case of a U.S. territory, birth certificates must be written in English or have an attached notarized English translation.
2. Unexpired Passport (only for persons 18 or older).
3. Certificate of Naturalization.
4. Current out of state driver's license or, if license is lost, full letter of clearance from issuing state.
5. Current U.S. military identification card (Applies to military personnel only).
6. Merchant mariner's ID with photo (Z card).
7. Aliens under 18 years of age must present their foreign birth certificate along with the notarized English translation if necessary.


Secondary Documents
(Examples)

1. Student ID Card with photo (Louisiana college or university) with fee paid receipt for current semester.
2. I-94 Card.
3. Medicare/medicaid card or medical eligibility card.
4. Motor vehicle registration or title.
5. Original high school, college or university diploma.
6. Original or certified copy of marriage license, separation or divorce judgment.
7. Voter registration card.
8. W-2 for 2 years.
9. Original documents of adoption papers.
10. Official certified deeds or title to property in Louisiana, including burial plot deeds.
11. A military dependent ID card.
12. Local utility statements showing name and address of the applicant.
13. Insurance policy (health, home, life, auto).
14. DD214 (Military discharge papers).
15. Selective service notification to applicant at home address.
16. Original or certified copy of any professional degree, certificate or license.
17. Three payroll stubs. Cannot be handwritten and the stubs must show social security number of applicant.

Aliens/Refugees
In certain instances, the following documents may be substituted as primary and/or
secondary documents depending on the immigration status of applicant. For more
information, please contact your nearest Motor Vehicle Office.
1. Non-expired Alien Registration Card (I-551, AR-3A, or "unexpired processed for I-551" stamped in the passport).
2. U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).
3. U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-197).
4. Non-expired Temporary Resident Card (I-688).
5. Non-expired Employment Authorization Card (I-688A, I-688B).
6. Non-expired Refugee Travel Document (I-571).
7. Original "Refugee Resettlement Program" letter with color picture of applicant. Letter is valid for a period of 15 days from issue date.

CHOICE OF NAME

1. The name on your birth certificate may always be used.
2. If your name has been changed by court order, that name may be used up presentation of a certified copy of the court order.
3. Current married name may be used if proven by presentation of a certified copy of the state approved marriage license.
4. Out of state transfers may choose the name shown on the out of state license.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

CLASS D - Minimum 17 years of age.
CLASS E - Minimum 15 years of age.
LEARNER'S LICENSE - Minimum 15 years of age.

NOTE: See new age requirements effective July 1,1993, as stated on next page.

Upon making application for a license, if you are a minor, a custodial parent, tutor, or legal guardian must accompany you and present their own identification, sign your application, and certify that vehicles to be used are insured.

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, l993, THE AGE REQUIREMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

CLASS E - Must be at least 15 years of age and must have completed a "driver education course" 130 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel approved by the department of Public Safety and Corrections or the Department of Education; or must be at least 15 years of age and live with a handicapped parent or parents. If the minor lives with two parents, but only one is handicapped, the minor would not be eligible for licensure.

CLASS E - Must be at least 16 years of age and must have completed a "driver education course" 130 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel) approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or the Department of Education; or

a 6 hour prelicensing training course approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Applicants 16 years of age or above who live twenty-five miles or more distant from a location providing a "prelicensing training course," are exempt from the course requirement.
CLASS E (02 RESTRICTED LEARNER'S LICENSE) - Must be at least 15 years of age. The applicant must have completed a "driver education course" 130 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel) approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or the Department of Education; or if applicant is 16 years of age or older a 6 hour prelicensing training course approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections may be accepted in lieu of the 30 hour classroom and 6 hour behind the wheel course. If applicant is 16 years of age or above and lives twenty-five miles or more distant from a location providing a "prelicensing training course" the applicant is exempt from the course requirement.

CLASS D -Must be at least 17 years of age. If an applicant has never been licensed, the driver education course or prelicensing training course mentioned above is required.

CLASS A, B or C - Must be at least 18 years of age, (or 21 years of age if a hazardous materials endorsement is issued). If an applicant has never been licensed, the driver education course or prelicensing training course mentioned above is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS

A minor is an unmarried person under the age of 18 who is not judicially emancipated.

Minors must have one custodial parent, tutor, or legal guardian physically appear, present proper identification and sign the application for a first time driver's license. Any custodial parent, tutor, or legal guardian may cause the cancellation of a minor's driving privileges by notifying the Office of Motor Vehicles in writing.

Licensed drivers under the age of 17 are not permitted by law to drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday. This restriction is shown by the letter "M" in the restriction block on your driver's license.

If you want to use public roads and streets while learning to drive, you must get a learner's license. You can get a learner's license when you are 15 years of age or older and have passed the vision, traffic signs, and knowledge tests. You must have completed a "driver education course" 130 hours classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel) approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections or the Department of Education; or if applicant is 16 years of age or older a 6 hour prelicensing training course approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections may be accepted in lieu of the 30 hour classroom and 6 hour behind the wheel course. If an applicant is 16 years of age or above and lives twenty-five miles or more distant from a location providing a "prelicensing training course" the applicant is exempt from the course requirement. An "02" restriction will be shown on your learner's license. It means you are restricted to having only one other person in the vehicle when you are driving, and that person must be a licensed driver seated on the front seat with you.

The "02" restriction will be removed after you pass the driving test and no sooner than 30 days after issuance. Bring your learner's license with you, and a custodial parent, tutor, or legal guardian who must sign giving approval to lift the restriction. The parent, tutor, or guardian must present proper identification at the time.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS

A minor applying for a first time license is required to present one of the following, in accordance with Act 648 of 1989, R.S. 32:431:

1. A diploma or other certificate of graduation issued to the applicant from a secondary school or a certificate from a General Education Development Course (GED).

2. Documentation showing that applicant is enrolled in a secondary school of this state, enrolled in a state approved home study course, or is enrolled in and making satisfactory progress in a state approved (GED) course.

3. Proof of marriage or judicial emancipation.

In addition to the above, any minor applicant who is fifteen (15) years of age must comply with the following, in accordance with Act 641 of 1989, R.S. 32:407B:

A minor who is 15-17 years of age and applying for a license shall be required to submit documentary evidence of school enrollment in the form of a currently dated parish "School Enrollment Status" form.

FEES FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE AND IDENTIFICATION CARD

Type Fee Term
Class D $27.50 (4 years)
Class D (In City of New Orleans) 35.00 (4 years)
Class E 12.50 (4 years)
Learner's License 12.50 (4 years)
Motorcycle Endorsement 8.00 (4 years)
Duplicate License 5.00 (Remaining term of license)
Delinquent License Renewal 15.00 (In addition to class license fee)
Delinquent License Renewal (For Persons 70 or Older) N0 FEE
Identification Card 10.00 (4 years)
ID Card (For persons 60 or older) N0 FEE (4 years)
Duplicate Identification Card 5.00 (Remaining term of card)

Some offices have an additional local fee ranging from $.50 to $2.00.

There is a S5.50 service fee in addition to the listed fees, except for Identification Cards and Duplicate Identification Cards for applicants 60 or older.

LICENSE RENEWALS

Your driver's license will expire tour years from your nearest birthday. Licenses may be renewed anytime within 90 days before the expiration date. You must pass the eye test and may be required to pass a knowledge test before your license is renewed. 8e sure that all information on your license is correct.

Persons entering the Armed Forces and their dependents who have a valid license will not be required to renew their license while in active service outside the state of Louisiana. The license is valid for 60 days after discharge.

RENEWAL BY MAIL

If you are a Louisiana resident temporarily living out of state or in a foreign country you can renew your license by mail within 90 days before the expiration date. Your renewal request should be sent in writing to:
State of Louisiana
Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64B86 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 708964886

When writing you must give: your full name, Louisiana address, driver's license number, date of birth, and out of state mailing address. You must submit a cashier's check or money order for the fee, made payable to Department of Public Safety.

In the near future a Mail-in Renewal System will be available.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NAME

Whenever you change your residence address you must, within 10 days, have your license corrected at any motor vehicle office. There is no fee for this service.

You may change your name on your license by presenting to the Office of Motor Vehicles a certified copy of a state approved marriage license or a certified copy of a court order authorizing a name change. Additional documentation may be required in a given situation by the department. If you change your name between license renewals, a duplicate license will be issued at a fee of $5.00 plus a $5.50 service fee.

DUPLICATE LICENSE

If your license is lost, stolen or destroyed you can get a duplicate at any motor vehicle office. You must apply in person and proof of identity must be provided in the form of one primary document and one secondary document or three secondary documents. (See page 3 for complete listing.) A minor applying for a duplicate must have a custodial parent, tutor, or legal guardian physically appear with proper identification to sign the application.

LICENSE RESTRICTIONS

The Office of Motor Vehicles and/or the Court is authorized to impose restrictions on licenses. For example, you may be required to wear corrective lenses, drive specialized equipment, be limited to certain times of day and/or routes, etc.

Any restriction placed on you to operate a motor vehicle will appear on your driver's license. Any violation of a restriction is a violation of the law and can result in suspension of your driving privileges.

MEDICAL REPORTS REQUIRED

Every physically handicapped person, and persons over age 60 applying for a first time Louisiana driver's license must submit a detailed report from a physician and/or vision specialist. This report must state the severity of any visual or physical condition which might impair your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

The Office of Motor Vehicles may, for cause, require anyone to submit a medical and/or visual report. The required form must be obtained from any Office of Motor Vehicles.

YOUR DRIVING RECORD

The Office of Motor Vehicles keeps a public record of all your traffic convictions and accidents for five years. This includes traffic convictions received in other states.

If you receive excessive or serious moving violations you may lose your license.

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS

Any Louisiana resident can get a personal identification card. It is widely accepted as proof of identity, but it does not give you the privilege to drive.

To get a personal ID card you must prove your identity with the same documents as required for issuance of a driver's license. (See fee schedule for the cost of ID cards.)

Driver's license tests

The following tests will be given when you apply for a driver's license:
· Vision (eye) · Knowledge of traffic laws
· Traffic signs · Driving (road)

You must pass the vision, traffic signs, and knowledge tests before you can take the driving test.

VISION TEST

An eye test will determine if your vision meets minimum standards for safe driving. If you fail, you may take the test again after the problem has been corrected. If you need corrective lenses to pass the test, your license will show that you must wear them while driving.

TRAFFIC SIGN TEST

You must know the meaning of standard road signs, and be able to identify certain signs by shape, color, or symbol.

KNOWLEDGE TEST

You will be given written questions about your responsibility as a driver, including knowledge of laws and safe driving practices. Everything you will need to know is covered in this manual.

DRIVING TEST

You must provide the vehicle to be used in this test. Your vehicle must be in safe driving condition before you can be given the test. Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection, have a valid inspection sticker, current vehicle license and be insured according to the Compulsory Motor Vehicle Liability Law.

EXAMINER CANNOT GIVE DRIVING TESTS UNLESS YOUR CAR IS SAFETY INSPECTED AND LEGALLY EQUIPPED!

SAFETY BELTS MUST BE INSTALLED AT THE TIME OF SALE ON ALL MODELS LATER THAN 1964

Note: Speedometer must be operative.

The following driving skills are most important as they will demonstrate your ability to safely operate your vehicle in ordinary traffic conditions. You will be graded on:
- smooth quick stop
- backing 50 feet
- keeping in lane
- turning
- following other vehicles
- use of clutch
- parking between cars
- attention to driving
- response to signs & signals
- approach to corner
- yield right of way
- use of signals

Your examiner will direct you to make certain stops, starts, turns and so forth during the test. You will not be asked to do anything contrary to motor vehicle laws or safe driving practices. Points will be deducted for driving errors throughout the test.

The applicant may be failed for any of the following:
1. Violation of any traffic law.
2. Any dangerous act.
3. Lack of cooperation or refusal to perform.
4. Accident.

Upon completion of the driving test you will be advised of your errors. If you fail the test you will be told when to return for another test, and what maneuvers you need to improve.

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