Policies and Procedures 

Youth Driver’s Education 

Class E Louisiana License (Ages 15–17) 

Policies and Procedures 

We appreciate the opportunity to teach your child the knowledge and skills necessary to become a safe and responsible driver. 

West Monroe Driving Academy (WMDA) is licensed by the State of Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). As required by the state, WMDA is fully insured and bonded. 

Louisiana law requires students ages 15–17 to complete a 38-hour driver’s education course in order to obtain a driver’s license. 

During this course, students will learn: 

• Louisiana traffic laws 
• The skills necessary for safe, responsible, and incident-free driving 
• The responsibilities of operating a motor vehicle safely 
• The requirements for obtaining a driver’s license 

The 38-hour course includes: 

• 30 hours of classroom instruction 
• 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction 

In accordance with Louisiana Title 55, WMDA conducts a parent meeting prior to the start of class. 

 

Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) 

Students must obtain a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) from the Office of Motor Vehicles before attending class. 

The TIP card is used only for driver’s education instruction with an OMV-licensed instructor. 

 

Required Documents 

Parents must provide the following documents: 

• Student’s TIP card 
• Student’s original birth certificate (no photocopies) 
• Primary parent/guardian’s Louisiana driver’s license or ID 
• Any custody documentation (if applicable) 

Students must bring their TIP card every time they attend class. 

Classroom Attendance and Testing 

Any missed classroom time must be made up. Students who miss more than 8 hours of class will be required to repeat the entire course. 

Students will take the OMV Knowledge Test on the final day of class and must score 80% or higher to pass. 

If a student damages a testing tablet or removes one from the property, a $150 replacement fee will be required before driving sessions can be scheduled. 

Students may bring AUX plug-in headphones if they wish to have the test read aloud. 
Wireless headphones are not permitted. 

 

Classroom Expectations 

Students must: 

• Arrive on time 
• Bring their TIP card and WMDA Driver’s Education Guide that is provided to students on the first day of class. 

The following items are not permitted in class: 

• Electronic devices (except during breaks) 
• Weapons 
• Alcohol or drugs 
• Smoking or vaping 

Students may use their phones during break periods only. 

Students are expected to treat instructors and classmates with respect. Classroom disruptions will not be tolerated. WMDA reserves the right to dismiss any student who fails to follow classroom rules. No refund will be issued. 

If a student does not complete the required classroom hours, no refund will be issued, but the parent may move the student to the next available course. 

 

After Classroom Completion 

After completing the 30 hours of classroom instruction and passing the OMV Knowledge Test, students will be assigned an instructor for their 8 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. 

If a student does not pass the knowledge test, another time will be scheduled to retake the test. 

Once the paperwork has been processed, the parent portal will be updated to reflect: 

• The student’s test score 
• The name and contact information of the assigned driving instructor 
• Driving instructors are given 5 – 10 business days to reach out. 

All fees must be paid before driving instruction begins. 

 

8-Hour Behind-the-Wheel Instruction 

The driving instructor, not the office, schedules driving sessions. The instructor will contact the parent/guardian to arrange drive times. 

All schedule changes must be made directly with the instructor. 

Failure to cancel a scheduled driving session at least 12 hours in advance may result in an additional fee. 

The State of Louisiana allows 120 days (approximately 4 months) to complete the required 8 hours of driving instruction. Once the OMV Knowledge Test is passed. 

No refund will be issued for: 

• Students who fail to attend scheduled lessons 
• Students given reasonable opportunities to complete their driving hours 

 

Driving Session Requirements 

• All driving sessions begin and end at the WMDA office 
• Students must arrive on time 
• Students must have their TIP card 
• 8th – 12th-grade school students cannot drive during school hours 
• Students must wear appropriate shoes (sneakers recommended) 

Any student who disrespects or refuses to follow lawful instructions from the instructor will be dismissed from WMDA with a classroom completion certificate. No refund will be issued. 

 

Instruction Details 



WMDA provides instruction Monday through Saturday between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. 

Students may drive up to 4 hours per day, with a 20-minute break every 2 hours. 

WMDA provides one-on-one instruction. All vehicles are equipped with GPS tracking and interior/exterior cameras. 

All students must complete the full 8 hours of driving instruction, regardless of skill level. 

Students will be evaluated on a final driving assessment and must score 70% or higher to pass. 

(Final driving assessment is not the Road Skills Test) 

 

Course Completion 

Once the 38-hour course is completed and paperwork is processed, the office will contact the parent to schedule a time to receive the student’s Certificate of Completion. 

Upon completion of the required 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction, we ask that you allow 5–10 business days for processing. 

This timeframe is necessary to ensure that all requirements have been properly met. We review camera footage and GPS tracking data to verify that the student has completed the full 8 hours of instruction. Additionally, all required documentation must be reviewed and signed by both the instructor and the owner. 

Please note that while the standard processing time is 5–10 business days, we make every effort to complete this process as quickly as possible, and it often does not take the full allotted time. 

On the scheduled certificate pickup date, parents or legal guardians are required to present a valid government-issued identification, the student’s original birth certificate, the student’s TIP card, and the student must be present. 

In cases involving custody arrangements, official legal documentation must also be provided. 

Please be advised that failure to present all required documentation will result in the inability to issue the certificate, in accordance with Louisiana state law. 

Licensing Requirements 

Students ages 15–16 must obtain a Learner’s Permit. 

To update to a Driver's License 

Students must: 

 

• Be 16 years old 
• Have held their permit for 180 days (about 6 months) 

before they are eligible to take the Road Skills Test. 

Students age 17 may take the Road Skills Test to obtain their driver’s license. (Once the 38-hour course is complete) 

WMDA is a Third-Party Tester for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Once your child is eligible for their driver’s license, please get in touch with our office to schedule the road test. 

📞 318-855-3949 

 

West Monroe Driving Academy does not offer refunds for any reason. 

If a student misses their scheduled class, the payment may be applied to another WMDA course. 

 

Grievance Policy

Any grievances not resolved by the school may be submitted to: 

Department of Public Safety and Corrections 
Public Safety Services – Office of Motor Vehicles 
Attention: Training and Certificate Unit 
PO Box 64886 
Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4886 

 

West Monroe Driving Academy’s goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and responsibility necessary to become safe drivers. We take this responsibility seriously and are committed to providing every student with the full training required by the State of Louisiana. 

Updated: 4/2/2026