Louisiana Class D License Demystified: An In-Depth Expert Guidance
Summary of Louisiana Class D
The Louisiana Class D license is the state’s equivalent to a standard driver’s license. Absent specific disqualifying factors, it is the most common type of license issued to drivers for standard passenger vehicles. The purpose of the Louisiana Class D license is to show that a person has met all the general requirements for driving in Louisiana. To be issued a Class D license, an applicant must demonstrate that he or she has the requisite knowledge, skill and physical ability to operate a standard passenger vehicle in a safe and lawful manner. An applicant must also be a Louisiana resident and be at least 16 years of age.
While a Class D license is sufficient for many people , other individuals may need special licenses or permits for the types of vehicles they operate. For example, a Class M license is needed to operate motorcycles, a Class E license is required to operate public buses and a Class H license is necessary for operators of taxicabs, limousines and other common carriers. Drivers of commercial trucks and other large vehicles require a Class A, B or C commercial driver’s license (CDL). Each of these types of licenses has different requirements.
Eligibility and Age Requirements
The first step toward acquiring a Class D Louisiana driver’s license is to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. An individual must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a Class D license. Restrictions exist for those under the age of 18, and most of those individuals must apply for a Class E license.
Another essential eligibility requirement is that you must already possess a Louisiana Class E learner’s or intermediate license before you can advance to a Class D license. The Class D license subsumes the Class E license, but prior possession of a Class E license is a prerequisite to obtaining a Class D license.
Required Documentation and Paperwork
The first bundle of information you will need shows proof of your identity, age, (and if applicable, parental rights). Acceptable documents vary from a birth certificate to military ID, so it is imperative that you create a complete checklist of the documents approved by the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). For some people, shopping for a house without a clear list is a bad idea, and the same goes for the Class D License requirements in Louisiana. The next category of documents helps prove where you currently reside. Your most recent utility bill, mortgage statement, or rental agreement are all good options. Like the documents listed above, the DMV provides a complete list of the options available. It will take some time to gather everything needed, but it is vital nonetheless. Culminating the process is a comprehensive form that covers basic personal information like your Social Security number, height, and weight. The DMV provides it free of charge; you need only download it to fill it out before turning it in.
Applying for a Class D License
To obtain a Class D license in Louisiana, applicants must complete several steps. First, applicants can apply directly at their local DMV office. A mandatory application fee must be paid at this time. This fee may be waived for people who fulfill military service requirements. After paying this fee, candidates will need to fill out a form outlining their medical history, including any medications and disabilities they have. Individuals may also be asked to provide proof of their identity and information about prior identifications they have possessed. A birth certificate, social security card, and other forms of identification may be requested. Many DMV offices have these forms on hand.
In addition to the forms outlined above, the Louisiana DMV website provides a downloadable Mental and Physical History Statement that must be completed. This form asks for medical history and the details of any disabilities the applicant has or has had.
Forms may be filled out at a DMV office or downloaded from the DMV website. Downloadable forms are filled out and submitted in person, by fax, or by mail. All forms must be completely filled out and signed before they are submitted. Answers to all questions should be written in black ink and should not contain any white-out. All corrections made must be initialed.
After forms are filled out and submitted, they are reviewed by the DMV, generally within two weeks of the application being filed.
The forms in this system will often be able to be completed with an electronic signature, meaning that the applicant can submit the form online without needing to print and sign it. However, in some regions, applicants will need to print the form and submit it using an actual pen and ink signature. Session law enacted in 2014 made it possible for the Louisiana DMV to base part of their medical review of applicants on a medical examination report completed by the applicants’ doctors.
The DMV may require additional documentation if they are concerned that the applicant may pose a danger to themselves or others. In these cases, the DMV may request supporting medical records, a second medical opinion, or further testing. Individuals applying for a Class D license may also be required to undergo a functional assessment. This further examination may include a supervised road test. Road tests may be conducted either at a DMV office or in a driver’s home city.
Training and Testing Process
Louisiana Class D license applicants may be required to complete training and testing requirements depending on their driving experience and whether certain education requirements were met. Applicants who have never been licensed to drive a motor vehicle in any state, territory, or country must complete a 32-hour, state-approved pre-licensing driver’s education program regardless of their age. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections publishes a list of course providers for these pre-licensing programs. These programs include between six (6) and eight (8) hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and between twenty-two (22) and twenty-six (26) hours of classroom instruction, like the Behind the Wheel Driving program taught at the Louisiana State Police Academy. Successful completion of the program gives applicants a Certificate of Completion that will be submitted to the Office of Motor Vehicles by the course provider. Some drivers, like those 18 years or older, applying for a Class D license for the second time, will need to complete the 32-hour program if the previous license was expired for more than 6 months, but less than 24 months . Drivers can obtain a waiver of this course if they present documented proof of enrollment in a state-approved driver’s education program to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Pursuant to Louisiana Administrative Code, an applicant for a Class D license must also pass a basic road skills test, even when requesting a waiver of the pre-licensing driver’s education program requirement. Applicants must provide a properly licensed driving instructor with a copy of their driving record and either participate in a behind-the-wheel driving test, also called a "road test," with the driving instructor or present a Certificate of Completion from the Office of Motor Vehicles. The waiver form required for obtaining a waiver of the 32-hour pre-licensing public education course can be found at this link. This waiver must be completed and uploaded to the Office of Motor Vehicles on the day of testing or completed in person at one of the regional office locations.
Fees and Renewal Criteria
The fees associated with obtaining a Louisiana Class D license total $25. This is a nominal fee which must be paid upon submission of the initial application. Note that unlike some other licenses, there is no exam fee required when applying for a Louisiana Class D license. The application and licensing process can take anywhere from six weeks to ninety days. There is no option for expedited processing available, so applicants should apply well in advance and anticipate the substantial timeframe. The Class D license must be renewed every three years. Applicants for renewal must submit documentation proving they have completed a minimum of six hours of continuing education. Continuing education requirements must be fulfilled through authorized providers. Many students choose to take several of their courses online. The continuing education deadlines for renewal of the Class D license are as follows: The Department of Insurance will send out a notice to all licensed agents 90 days prior to license expiration. If the licensee does not receive the notice for whatever reason, it is still the responsibility of the licensee to make sure the requisite continuing education is complete by the expiration date.
Reasons for Application Refusal
Common reasons for application denial include:
Criminal Records
Firstly, any criminal record will be a reason to deny your application. Depending on the severity of the crime, the Board may choose to take the application based on the nature of the crime. A DUI will not automatically deem you unworthy of a license; whereas a sexual offense conviction is a board decision which the Board has ruled to deny license application in such cases. When people see this category, they may assume that it is only for felons or sexual offenders. Be advised that this section does not discriminate, and is subjectively judged on a case by case basis. If you’ve had one conviction ten years back, then you would be surprised as to why the board didn’t grant your request for licensure. If you have had multiple convictions including more recent crimes or like a domestic battery conviction only five years back, then you probably can understand why you have been denied.
Professional Discipline
The board will evaluate your past employment history for prior disciplinary actions. This includes formal reports for altercations with co-workers or customers, repeated tardies, and other various issues which may have led to a license suspension and/or dismissal from the job. After investigation, the staff will write a report to the Board in executive session to inform them of the findings. The Board decides whether or not to accept the staff’s recommendations. If you have worked in the state of Louisiana for more than one year and have had no issues, the board will consider granting licensure. But if you have a pattern of unresolved issues and documented disciplinary action through your employer, you may be rejected.
Prior Incorrect Licensure Application Submission
Finally, if you have previously submitted an application that was either incomplete or did not meet the requirements (after you applied), the board will deny your current application. If you have previously applied for licensure, you may be able to reapply 5 years after the date of your last application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Louisiana Class D License
How long is my Louisiana Class D license valid?
Your Louisiana Class D license is valid for four years.
Can I apply for a Louisiana Class D license if my out-of-state driver’s license is expired?
You must renew an expired out-of-state license before applying for a Louisiana Class D license. You will need to go through the process of providing evidence of identity, residency, and legal presence, as well as taking the tests for a Louisiana Class D license, and passing all those tests before then proceeding to take the final portion of taking a photo for the Louisiana Class D license.
Do I need to bring a parent or guardian if I’m under 18 years old?
If you are under 18 years old, you’ll need to bring one of your parents or your legal guardian with you to the Office of Motor Vehicles when you apply for a Louisiana Class D license. They will then need to sign that you consent to the granting of a Louisiana Class D license to you and that they are responsible for your actions while you are driving.
Can I have my picture made for my Louisiana Class D license instead of having to go to the Office of Motor Vehicles?
No, pictures are taken at the Office of Motor Vehicles .
What forms of identity are acceptable to present for a Louisiana Class D license?
In order to prove your identity for a Louisiana Class D license, you will need to provide one primary form of identification along with two secondary forms of identification. Your primary identification must be a copy of your U.S. Birth Certificate, valid U.S. passport, or a valid U.S. Citizenship Naturalization Certificate. Your secondary identification shall come from the following list:
Valid U.S. military identification card
Original social security card or a W-2 form with the social security number
Driver’s permit or out-of-state driver’s license
Department of Corrections Identification Card, issued by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
For each of the documents listed above, please make sure to check what is required in order for the document to be considered valid as identification. For example, your passport should not be expired. Any documents that are photocopies are not considered valid identification to get a Louisiana Class D license.
Do I need to have evidence of insurance on the car I bring to the skills test?
Yes, you will need proof of insurance on the vehicle you bring to the Office of Motor Vehicles to take your road test for your Louisiana Class D license.