No person shall cause or knowingly permit his child or ward, under the age of seventeen years, to drive a motor vehicle or a power cycle upon any public road or highway unless such child or ward is licensed by the state to do so. However, the provisions of this Section shall not apply to a minor who is participating in a driver education course or a prelicensing training course approved and certified by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, public safety services.
La. R.S. § 32:416