Minors’ Rights & Restrictions
You might be a finely responsible young man or woman, but statistics don't lie. You have too many minor brethren that make up the majority of motor vehicle crashes.
So, to protect everyone from your relatively high odds of crashing, we rein you in, especially during your teenage years.
You'll first get this piece of paper that says "Learner's Permit" on it. You're permitted to drive, but you have to have a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older—or licensed sibling 18 years of age or older—in the front passenger seat at all times.
This bears repeating. You can't drive alone. Anywhere. This is huge. If a cop catches you driving alone with only a Learner's Permit, it's likely that you won't get your real license until you're at least 18.
Think you're cool because you're 16 and have your Intermediate License? You can't drive between the hours of 11:00PM and 5:00AM without that 21-year-old—or 18-year-old sibling—in your passenger seat.
The belief is that in this probationary time, you'll be extra super extra extra cautious. And if you're not, then you aren't ready to be inflicted on everyone else who has to use the same roads as you.
Already feeling antsy? Want to upgrade your Learner's Permit to an adult license? Let's play a little game to see if you're eligible.
Learner's Permit: Choose Your Own Adventure (As Long As It Sticks to State Rules)
A. Are you 17 or older? If YES, go to B. If NO, go to C.
B. Congrats! Once you turn 17, you don't need that Learner's Permit anymore and can skip right to a full license. Time to upgrade.
C. Have you had your Learner's Permit for at least 180 days? If YES, go to D. If NO, go to E.
D. Are you at least 16 years old? If YES, go to F. If NO, go to E.
E. Sorry kid, you're gonna have to wait a while.
F. Has a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult driver aged 21 or older certified that you have had at least 35 hours of driving practice and 30 hours of classroom instruction? If YES, go to G. If NO, go to E.
G. Have you passed a driving test? If YES, go to H. If NO, go to E.
H. Congrats! You're the proud owner of a shiny new Class E Louisiana Intermediate Driver's License.