In New Orleans, LA, if you are 15 years old, you can start working towards your driver’s license.
The first step is to find a good driving school that will teach you all the basics, as well as help you satisfy state requirements.
To make things easier for you, we’re going to list the best driving schools in New Orleans, LA this 2022. This way, you won’t have to go through the long list.
And, you can be sure that, whichever you pick, you’ll be in great hands.
So buckle up and let’s go!
Best In-Person Driving School in New Orleans, LA
Unfortunately, Louisiana doesn’t yet authorize online driver’s ed. So you’ll have to go with a traditional classroom learning.
The best thing about in-person driving schools in New Orleans, though, is that you get to complete the driver’s ed AND behind-the-wheel training in one go.
That said, let’s explore some of the best in-person driving schools in the city.
Crescent City Driving School
Address: 2022 Saint Bernard Avenue, Bldg. C New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone number: (504) 603-4555
Email: crescentcitydrivingschool@gmail.com
Crescent City Driving School is one of the highly-rated driving schools in NOLA. They offer a 38-hour driver education course for 14 to 17-year-olds. This includes 30 hours of in-classroom lessons and 8 hours of driving a vehicle. Meanwhile, a 14-hour course is available for people 18 years old and above.
What we like about Crescent City Driving School:
- Instructors are very nice, friendly, and patient.
- The fees are very reasonable.
- The course is easy to understand.
- Instructors ensure you are comfortable while driving.
Progressive Coalition of New Orleans (PCNO) Driving School
Address: New Orleans East, 7500 Bullard Avenue, Suite #103 New Orleans, LA 70128
Phone number: 504 333-6321
The Progressive Coalition of New Orleans (PCNO) Driving School is another well-established institution for people who want to get their driver’s license. PCNO offers programs for those who want to get Class “E” and “D” driver’s licenses, as well as third-party road tests.
Thought only 8 hours of actual road test is require by law, PCNO recommends first-time drivers to take 10 hours of driving behind the wheel.
What we like about PCNO Driving School:
- Instructors are patient and make sure you fully know the course before taking the test.
- The staff are easy to talk to and assists you through the whole process.
- Instructors make sure you are comfortable and confident behind the wheel.
- Fees are affordable.
Coach Dave’s Ultimate Driving Academy
Address: 3805 Ponchartrain Drive, Suite 22 Slidell, LA 70458
Phone number: (504) 914-2555
Email: ultimatedrivingacademy@gmail.com
If you don’t mind traveling from New Orleans to Slidell, then Coach Dave’s Ultimate Driving Academy is one to check out. They offer a 38-hour course for those below 18 years old, and 14 hours for 18 years old and older.
For those who have already completed driver’s ed, Coach Dave’s Ultimate Driving Academy also offers an 8-hour driving only course.
What’s more, this driving school offers private driving lessons for a minimum of 2 hours.
What we like about Coach Dave’s Ultimate Driving Academy:
- The instructors get to a personal level that allows them to become more relatable to students, which makes lessons easy to remember.
- Teaches practical things that can help you on the road like calculating miles per gallon.
- Classroom and driving instructors are very patient and nice.
- Fees and downpayments are very cheap.
Best Online Driving Schools in New Orleans, LA
Yes, we said that online driver’s ed is not yet authorized in Louisiana. However, that doesn’t mean that they are totally useless.
For one, you can always ask special permission from your local DMV if they will accept an online driver’s ed.
On top of that, you can use it for supplementary learning or to get an auto insurance discount.
If you’re interested, then here are the best online driving schools in Louisiana.
DriversEd
DriversEd offers online drivers’ education courses to teens who want to study on their own before taking the knowledge test.
They also have driver’s ed for adults. So there’s something for any age group here.
Now, signing up for DriversEd is straightforward: create a username, make a password, and pay the fee.
As for the materials, the course discusses topics including Louisiana road rules, vehicle safety, and other important things you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
And, as you study it, you won’t get bored. This is because they incorporate images, videos, and graphics to keep the lessons interesting and engaging.
Enrolling in DriversEd also gives you access to 50 FREE practice permit tests and 1 month FREE of AllState Roadside Assistance.
DriverEdToGo
Another online driving school to consider is DriverEdToGo.
They cater to different learners.
If you like reading, then you will like that their course is mostly text-based. This makes it faster to go through everything.
But despite that, DriverEdToGo makes sure the lessons are easy to understand and follow. So you won’t be bombarded with walls of text.
If you don’t like reading, then you can buy the read-along upgrade. This will narrate the whole lesson for you, perfect if you want to study while doing something else.
On top of that, there are several other upgrades that you might want. These include practice tests, a study guide, a behind-the-wheel training DVD, and so much more.
FAQs
Why do you need to attend a driving school in Louisiana?
Some may think enrolling in a driving school is a waste of time. However, it’s the best way for people to learn about traffic laws and road safety. It will help you identify traffic signs and observe proper driving etiquette.
Enrolling in a driving school also includes actual driving on the road. You will be familiarized with real traffic scenarios and how to deal with them.
And, of course, it is a state requirement to get hold of your driver’s license. So there’s no avoiding driving schools.
Can you take online driver’s education in the state of Louisiana?
No, online driver’s education is not yet authorized in the state of Louisiana. That means if you take it, it will not be honored by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
You will have to enroll in a physical class.
However, you can still take the online driving course to get to know the rules of the road or as preparation for the written test.
And, if you want, there’s no harm in asking your local DMV if they will accept an online driver’s ed, especially after the pandemic.
Can you take online driver’s education to lower insurance points?
Yes, you can take the online program to help lower your insurance premium. But before you enroll, be sure this is something your insurance provider offers.
At what age can you get a driver’s license in New Orleans, LA?
The earliest age you can get a provisional license in New Orleans is 16 years. This means you need to acquire a student permit at the age of 15 and be in possession of it for 180 days or more. After that, you need to pass the driving test to get your provisional license and be able to drive on your own with limitations.
What do you need to get a learner’s permit in New Orleans, LA?
The requirements for a learner’s permit include:
- Be at least 15 years of age.
- Complete 38 hours of state-approved driving school course which includes 30 hours in a classroom and 8 hours of actual driving.
- Fill up a learner’s permit application form which should then be signed by a parent or guardian.
- Bring approved ID documents (birth certificate, or passport) to the Louisiana OMV office.
- Take and pass the written knowledge exam at the OMV.
What are the requirements to get a provisional license in LA?
The requirements to get a provisional license in New Orleans include:
- A learner’s permit that has been in your possession for at least 180 days.
- Your birth certificate and Social Security Card.
- Certificate of completion from the driving school you attended.
- A parent or guardian
- A vehicle you will use to take the driving test that has valid registration, insurance, and has a current safety inspection sticker.
Can you get a driver’s license without a student permit in New Orleans?
Yes, if you’re 17 years old or older, you can apply for a permanent driver’s license without getting a student permit.
If so, you need to:
- Attend a driver education course with:
- 30 hours in-class learning and 8 hours of driving behind the wheel for a total of 38 hours, or
- 6 hours of pre-licensing class and 8 hours driving behind the wheel for a total of 14 hours
- Personally apply in your local Office of Motor Vehicles
- Bring all ID documents to the OMV as well as additional identifying documents such as a work ID with photo, high school diploma, insurance card, etc.
- Driving education certificate of completion
- Proof of residence
- Social Security Verification
- Pass a vision test
- Pass the knowledge test
- Pass the road skill test
- Pay the associated fees
Conclusion
Whether you’re a student who wants to get your learner’s permit or an adult who wants a permanent driver’s license, the prerequisite in New Orleans is to enroll in a driver’s education course.
Depending on your age or the type of license you are getting, you need to sit through 6 to 30 hours of in-class learning and 8 hours of actual driving.
And, if you choose from any of the best driving schools mentioned above, you’ll be in great hands.
So pick your school and get started right away!