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Lagniappe Information and Expectations

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Learning to drive is a milestone in a young person’s life. It is important to know some basic things as your child/student begins this process.

The State of Louisiana, Office of Motor Vehicles wants students and parents to enjoy the Driver’s Education experience. It is an exciting time for young/novice drivers and they should have the best opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills they need to become a safe and experienced driver.

Once a student/parent has chosen a Driver’s Education provider, the parent/student will usually enter into a contract with the school. 

The school agrees to provide the following services:

  • A 38-hour course, which consists of 30 hours in the classroom and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
  • A 14-hour course, which consists of 6 hours in the classroom and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training. (18 years of age or older)

The OMV Knowledge test will be administered upon completion of the 30-hour or 6-hour classroom portion.

Some of the items that may be included in the agreement:

  • Cost of the course—all schools are required to provide a breakdown of the cost of the classroom and behind-the-wheel training and provide a receipt.*
  • Attendance policy
  • Refund policy
  • Cancellation policy
  • Obtain the student’s Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)-The law requires the TIP prior to taking the OMV Knowledge Test (given at the conclusion of the classroom portion of the course) and prior to beginning the 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, however, schools may require the TIP prior to the beginning of the course.*
  • Conduct Policy
  • Grievance policy

*indicates required

**This list is not inclusive of all requirements. These are just the most common items that we have seen in the past and may have had questions regarding.

Driving school instructors are to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Should a driving school instructor not act in this manner, we encourage the parent/student to talk to the owner of the school in an attempt to resolve the issue. If it is not possible to speak to the school owner and the issue is not resolved, the parent/student may contact the Office of Motor Vehicles, Training and Certification Unit at (225) 925-1795 or email us at ladrivingschools@dps.la.gov. If the issue is of a nature that the student/parent feels immediate legal action is necessary, they may contact their local law enforcement agency.

While driving students, driving school instructors are expected to take students on the following types of roadways.

  • Rural Roadways
  • City Roadways
  • Parish, State, and US Highways
  • Interstate Highway (when available)

Instructors are not allowed to do any of the following while driving students:

  • Use any type of mobile device
  • Read any type of book, magazine, newspaper, etc.
  • Eat a meal during instruction
  • Sleep
  • Run personal or business errands
  • Stop at any residence other than to pick up/drop off the student.
  • Expect or allow a student to be on an unexcused absence from school to be driven.
  • Conduct behind-the-wheel training between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Drive students for more than 2 hours without a 15-minute break.

**This list is not inclusive of all prohibited activities and/or requirements. These are the most common items that we have seen in the past and may have had questions regarding.

Below are a few examples of questions or comments that are received by OMV:

Why is it taking so long for me/my student to get the 8 hours of driving done? 

  • Driving Schools have a specified time frame in which they are required to complete the 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driving.
    • For students in a 14-hour course, the school has 90 days to complete the 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training from the last day of the classroom portion.
    • For students in a 38-hour course, the school has 120 days to complete the 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training from the last day of the classroom portion.
  • Scheduling information for behind-the-wheel training should be discussed directly with the school. Schools will ask that students/parents make every effort to be available as often as possible in an effort to schedule and complete the 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

After completing the course, my child/student still cannot drive very well!

  • Keep in mind that the 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training serves as a beginning point for novice drivers. The driving school will teach the basics of driving to each student. Additional practice will be necessary and/or also required by law upon completion of the course.  Novice drivers usually require additional time driving as well as up to five years of experience in order to become good drivers. Click here for the Parent Supervised Driving Program Guide. (Insert link to Parent Supervised Driving Program)
  • You may also elect to have additional behind-the-wheel training conducted through the driver education provider. You will need to contact the provider directly for this as there will most likely be a cost associated.

What can I do if I have contacted the school multiple times to schedule behind-the-wheel training, and get no answer or response?

  • If you have any problems contacting the driving school, after making several attempts, you may contact the Training and Certification Unit at 225-925-1795 or email us at ladrivingschools@dps.la.gov.