Louisiana Online Defensive Driving Course

Can I get my Louisiana traffic ticket dismissed?

Yes! While options for ticket dismissal vary between jurisdictions throughout the state, opportunities to keep a ticket off your driving record do exist. Be sure to contact your parish to get the fine amount, court costs and any other surcharges.

To dismiss a traffic ticket, ask the appropriate clerk or pre-trial director in the court where the ticket was issued if the court allows online courses for ticket dismissals.

Do Louisiana courts allow defensive driving?

Yes. Many Louisiana courts allow state-approved courses as an option for drivers who are seeking to dismiss a ticket. Both in-person and online driver improvement classes are available to eligible Louisiana drivers.

DriveSafeLA is Louisiana’s first state-approved online driving course. Drivers throughout Louisiana have relied on our course for years. Be sure to confirm that your court will accept our certificate of completion prior to enrollment. This ensures that your driving record stays clean and your insurance rates stay low.

Can I take defensive driving for a speeding ticket in Louisiana?

Yes, but first you will need to contact your court to request permission for ticket dismissal with a defensive driving course. Once approved, be sure to complete the course by the deadline set by the court and provide them with your certificate of completion. After they process your course completion, check your driving record to confirm that the ticket has been removed.

The judge overseeing your case may approve the DriveSafeLA Defensive Driving course as an option after you have received a speeding ticket. Successful completion of the course could result in having your ticket dismissed.

How much over the speed limit is reckless driving in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle in a “criminally negligent or reckless manner.” This type of driving is considered a criminal misdemeanor in the state of Louisiana. Driving in excess of the posted speed limit by 15 mph or more is considered reckless driving. Our DriveSafeLA course will teach you how to navigate Louisiana roads safely and avoid these types of penalties.

How do I clear my driving record in Louisiana?

Louisiana residents may be able to avoid infractions appearing on their driving record by taking the state-approved DriveSafeLA Defensive Driving course.

Since options to clear your driving record vary across the state of Louisiana, start by contacting your court clerk or pre-trial director in the court where you received your ticket to get the fine amount, court costs, and any other fees. Then, request permission to take our course to help clear your driving record.

After permission is granted, register and complete the course, pass the assessment and return your course completion certificate to the court.

Do I have to go to court if I take defensive driving?

The DriveSafeLA online course can be taken at any location, on any device. However, you may need to appear in court to request permission to take the course for ticket dismissal. Contact the clerk or pre-trial director in the court where the ticket was issued to confirm whether you need to appear in person.

Once you have permission from the court to take the DriveSaveLA Defensive Driving course for ticket dismissal:

• Register and complete the course
• Pass the assessment and print your completion certificate
• Return your certificate to the courthouse as instructed by the court

Louisiana Driver’s License Point System

Louisiana does not use a driver point system. However, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) does monitor driver performance including the types and frequency of traffic violations committed.

Your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked for the following reasons:

• Too many moving violations
• DWI/DUI
• Reckless driving
• Texting while driving
• Failure to stop for school bus loading/unloading students

Traffic convictions are typically saved on your driving record for 3-5 years from the time of conviction. More serious violations, such as DWI, remain on your record for at least 10 years.

You may purchase a copy of your Official Driving Record (ODR) from the Louisiana OMV.

How long is the Louisiana defensive driving course online?

Some Louisiana driver improvement courses can take as long as six hours to complete. In-person classes may take even longer.

You can complete the DriveSafeLA course in only 1 hour (or less)! Our course does not have any timers to slow you down. Our DriveSafeLA course, state-approved by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, is the shortest course allowed by Louisiana law. You can cruise through at a pace that’s comfortable for you and even stop and continue at a later date since the course saves your progress.

How long does it take to get a defensive driving certificate?

Other courses may take weeks to mail you a completion certificate, but with DriveSafeLA there’s no waiting. After successfully completing the DriveSafeLA assessment in your state-approved online course, you will immediately receive a certificate of completion via email. You can share this certificate with your insurance agent or court electronically or print out copies as needed.

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is the official DMV office for the state. Contact OMV representatives for questions about driver’s license issuance, renewal and status. You may also purchase a copy of your Official Driving Record through the OMV.

Find the Nearest Louisiana DMV Office

The Office of Motor Vehicles has offices throughout Louisiana. Visit the Louisiana OMV website to find the office closet to you. Choose your Parish to access the phone number, address, hours of operation and services available at each office. It’s smart to review this information to help you plan your visit.

Documents to Take to the Louisiana OMV

If you’re applying for a driver’s license, replacing a lost license or need to make changes to your existing information (for example, if you recently moved), you must visit an OMV office in person with documents to prove your identity.

Acceptable documents may include a combination of the following:

• Original/certified copy of birth certificate
• Passport
• Social Security card
• Payroll stub
• W-2 forms for 2-years
• Vehicle insurance policy
• Utility bills with current address

 The specific documents you need to show will depend on your situation. For instance, documents needed by first time applicants will most likely be different than those required for out-of-state transfer applicants.

Review the complete list of OMV identification requirements to know exactly which documents you need.

Graduated Licensing Program

Louisiana follows a graduated licensing program. The plan is designed to allow young drivers the opportunity to gain driving experience during lower risk situations.

The Graduated Licensing Program has three stages:

 Stage 1: Learner’s Permit

• Minimum 15 years of age
• Complete classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
• Pass vision and knowledge exams
• Must hold learner’s permit for at least 180 days

Stage 2: Intermediate License

• Complete Stage 1
• Minimum 16 years of age
• Pass road skills driving test
• Must hold intermediate license until 17^th birthday

Stage 3: Full License (CLASS E)

• Complete Stages 1 and 2
• Or must be at least 17 years of age when applying for first license
• Applicants 18 and older who have not started the Graduated Licensing program may be able to skip Stages 1 and 2. Contact the Louisiana OMV for more information.

Louisiana Driver’s Licenses

Each person who operates a vehicle in Louisiana must have at least one of these designated types of driver’s license:

CLASS E – personal license

CLASS D – chauffeur license

CLASSES A, B, and C – commercial vehicle license

Getting a Class E Driver’s License

CLASS E is the most popular type of driver’s license. Keep in mind that CLASS E licenses expire on your birthday 6 years after date it is issued.

Review the complete list of Louisiana OMV requirements for more information about required tests, identification documents and fees for getting your Louisiana Driver’s license.

How can I access the Louisiana Driver’s Manual?

Whether you are a new or experienced driver, passing the written DMV test is an important step toward securing your license. The Louisiana Driver’s Guide is an excellent study resource. It has all the information you need to help you pass the written test.