Category: Louisiana

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Louisiana’s driver’s guide gives staged crashes, repair shop scams and car theft their own section, and the topics can appear on the knowledge test. This page covers the warning signs of a staged crash, what to do at the scene and Louisiana’s proof of insurance rules. If you cannot show insurance when stopped, police seize your license plate.

Signs you may be in a staged crash

The guide’s advice points to these red flags:

• A crash that happens because you were following too closely, such as a car ahead braking hard for no reason
• Other drivers who will not exchange information or show a current driver’s license
• People who were not involved coming up to ask whether you have a lawyer or a doctor
• A tow truck that just happens to show up and offers to take your car to a shop you have never heard of
• Extra passengers in the other car who were not there when the crash happened

What to do after a crash in Louisiana

1. Call the police right away and get an item number for the official crash report.
2. Exchange contact information using each driver’s current driver’s license. If someone refuses, ask the officer to get it for you.
3. Take photos of the damage to every vehicle and of how many people are in each one.
4. Avoid people who were not involved, especially anyone asking about lawyers or doctors.
5. Arrange your own tow through your roadside assistance if you have it. If you use a tow truck that turns up at the scene, send your car to a repair shop you chose in advance.
6. Report the crash to your insurer or agent quickly, with the police item number. Send any calls about the crash to your claims handler.

Louisiana law also requires you to stop, identify yourself and give reasonable help after any crash you are involved in. Hit and run can mean a fine and jail. Full national checklist: what to do after a car accident.

The five common types of auto insurance fraud

Type	What happens
Fictional theft	An owner reports a car “stolen” that is really in storage
Repair shop rip-off	A shop offers to inflate the damage estimate to cover your deductible
Uncompleted repairs	A shop does not replace parts the repair needs
Deceptive claim	Someone claims for damage that was already claimed before
Staged collision	A crash is set up on purpose to make claims

A shop that offers to “cover your deductible” by inflating the estimate is asking you to join in insurance fraud.

Avoiding repair fraud

• Use a reputable collision shop with ASE-certified mechanics.
• Get a recommendation from your insurer, family or friends.
• Pick a clean, orderly shop with up-to-date equipment.
• Ask for a written damage report, not just a price estimate.
• Get a written warranty on parts and paint.

Proof of insurance rules in Louisiana

• Every vehicle used on Louisiana highways must have liability insurance or an allowed substitute.
• Your insurance card must be in the vehicle at all times. You must show it whenever a law enforcement officer asks.
• To count, the proof must show the company name, policy number, effective dates, vehicle description, insured person’s name and NAIC number.
• When you get a license, you must show proof of insurance for the vehicles you own.

If you cannot show proof when stopped

1. The officer seizes your license plate, and your vehicle may be impounded.
2. You have 3 calendar days, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, to show proof at the OMV office named on your notice.
3. Miss that deadline and the plate is destroyed. You then pay all the fees to register the vehicle again.

Giving false information about your insurance can get your registration suspended, plus a court fine and jail. If you stop driving a vehicle, surrender the plate to the OMV before you cancel the insurance. Otherwise you face penalties. For minimum coverage, see car insurance for new drivers and check the current amounts with the Louisiana Department of Insurance.

Park Smart: stopping car theft

Tips from the Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA):

• Do: lock the doors, close the windows, park in well-lit areas, put valuables in the trunk, and use immobilizers and theft deterrents.
• Don’t: leave the keys in the ignition, even while pumping gas or running into a store. Don’t leave a purse, laptop, phone or packages in view, hide a spare key on the car or keep a firearm in the vehicle.

How to report insurance fraud in Louisiana

Contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance Fraud Division through “Report Insurance Fraud” on ldi.la.gov, or call 225-342-5900. For theft prevention resources, contact LATIFPA on 225-219-0452.

Common questions

Is staging a crash a crime in Louisiana?

Yes, it is insurance fraud. The Louisiana Department of Insurance handles fraud reports and can explain the penalties.

Do I have to keep my insurance card in the car in Louisiana?

Yes, at all times while the vehicle is in use.

How do I get my plate back after it was seized?

Take valid proof of insurance to the OMV office named on your notice within 3 calendar days, not counting weekends and legal holidays.

Can a learner be tested on this?

The knowledge test draws on the whole Class D and E Driver’s Guide, and this is part of Chapter 6. See the Louisiana knowledge test guide.

Related: Louisiana road test vehicle checklist (proof of insurance is required). Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25), Chapter 6: Automobile Insurance Fraud, Staged Crashes, Park Smart (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25), Chapter 1 and Chapter 11: Proof of Insurance (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25), Chapter 9: Hit and Run Driving (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)

Photo: Fernando B M, Pexels

If you are 18 or older and have never been through Louisiana’s graduated licensing program, you still need driver education. You can choose the 14-hour pre-licensing course, which is 6 hours in the classroom plus 8 hours behind the wheel, or the full 38-hour course. When you finish, you can apply for a learner’s permit or go straight to a full Class E license. This page is for adult first-time drivers in Louisiana.

Key facts

• Who: applicants 18 and older who have not entered the graduated licensing program (rule in effect since August 1, 2012)
• Course: 6 hours classroom plus 8 hours behind the wheel (14 hours total), or the 38-hour course (30 plus 8)
• Tests: vision (20/40 in one or both eyes), knowledge (40 questions, 80%), road skills (80%)
• Cost: the course price is set by each school; the basic Class E license fee is $32.25 (as of November 2026)

Is it a 6-hour course or a 14-hour course?

Both names are used. The “6 hour” part is the classroom portion. The 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training are also required, so OMV pages call the full package the 14-hour pre-licensing course. You cannot get a license with the 6 classroom hours alone.

	14-hour pre-licensing course	38-hour driver education course
Classroom	6 hours	30 hours
Behind the wheel	8 hours	8 hours
Who can take it	18 and older	Teens 14 years 9 months to 17, and adults who choose it
School deadline for the 8 driving hours	90 days after the last classroom day	120 days after the last classroom day
Knowledge test	At the end of the 6-hour classroom portion	At the end of the 30-hour classroom portion

Steps for adults

1. Get a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) at the OMV. Bring a primary ID such as a certified birth certificate or current passport. Also bring Social Security verification, one more ID (such as a photo work ID or insurance card) and proof of address. Originals or certified copies only.
2. Enroll at an OMV-licensed driving school. Get the cost breakdown and refund policy in writing.
3. Complete the 6 classroom hours and take the knowledge test. You may bring a translator if you do not read English well. See the Louisiana knowledge test guide.
4. Complete the 8 behind-the-wheel hours with your TIP on you.
5. Take the road skills test. If you trained at a private driving school, test there or at another certified third party tester. See the Louisiana road test guide.
6. Go to the OMV with your TIP and Certificate of Successful Completion. Pass the vision test and get your license. Converting the TIP costs nothing extra.

Learner’s permit or full license?

Adults can take either after the course. A learner’s permit lets you keep practicing with a licensed adult 21 or older before the road test. If you are ready, you can take the road test and go straight to a full license. The intermediate license curfew and passenger limits apply to teens, not to adults starting at 18.

Fees (as of November 2026)

Item	Cost
Class E license, up to age 69, about 6 years	$32.25
Class E license, age 70 and older	$18.75
Pre-licensing course	Set by the school
Third party road test	Set by the tester

Some OMV field offices add a service fee. The OMV permits page says up to $6.00 and the new licenses page says up to $8.00.

Adults moving to Louisiana

The course is for first-time drivers. If you already hold a valid license from another state, you transfer it within 30 days of becoming a resident and pass a vision test. See transferring your license to a new state. Holders of a foreign license should read driving in the US on a foreign license and check with the OMV.

Common questions

Can I take the 6 hour pre-licensing course online in Louisiana?

Ask the school whether the classroom part can be taken online, and check that it is licensed by the OMV.

Do I need the course if I am 25?

Yes. The OMV says all applicants must complete a driver education course, and people who have not passed one are not eligible for a license. The OMV’s DouxWe advisor on expresslane.la.gov can confirm what applies to you.

Is the knowledge test the same for adults?

Yes: 40 questions from the Class D and E Driver’s Guide, with 80% to pass.

Can I bring my own car to the road test?

Yes, if it has a current inspection sticker, plate, registration and proof of insurance. Third party testers may also rent you a car for a fee.

Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana. New to US driving? Start with the national guide.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Student/Parent Information” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Lagniappe Information and Expectations” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Permits” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “New Licenses” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25), Graduated Licensing Program (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)

Photo: K, Pexels

Louisiana teens need a 38-hour driver education course (30 hours of classroom and 8 hours behind the wheel) before a learner’s permit. Before an intermediate license they also need 50 hours of supervised practice, 15 of them at night, confirmed in a signed parent statement. This checklist is for parents and teens planning each step.

Checklist: Louisiana teen driver ed to intermediate license

1. Choose an OMV-licensed driving school or a secondary school program. The OMV lists schools on expresslane.la.gov. Course prices vary by school.
2. Get a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) at an OMV office. You can get one from age 14. The law requires it before the knowledge test and before behind-the-wheel training, and some schools want it before the course starts.
3. Classroom (30 hours). You can start at 14 if you are at least in eighth grade and within 90 days of your 15th birthday.
4. Knowledge test. Given at the end of the classroom portion: 40 questions, 80% to pass. See the Louisiana knowledge test guide.
5. Behind the wheel (8 hours) from age 15. Carry your TIP during every lesson.
6. Learner’s permit. Take your TIP and the Certificate of Successful Completion to the OMV. Converting costs nothing extra.
7. 50 hours of supervised practice, 15 at night, over at least 180 days.
8. Parent or guardian signs the statement for the OMV.
9. Road skills test at your driving school or another third party tester. See the Louisiana road test guide.

What your driving school must provide

The OMV sets these expectations for licensed schools:

• A written agreement that breaks down the cost of classroom and behind-the-wheel training, with a receipt
• Attendance, refund, cancellation, conduct and grievance policies
• All 8 behind-the-wheel hours within 120 days of the last classroom day on the 38-hour course
• Lessons on rural roads, city roads, parish, state and US highways, and interstates where available
• No behind-the-wheel training between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• No more than 2 hours of driving without a 15-minute break
• No phone use, eating meals or personal errands by the instructor during lessons

Complaints go to the school owner first. If that fails, contact the OMV Training and Certification Unit at (225) 925-1795 or [email protected].

The 50-hour practice rule

Requirement	Louisiana rule
Total hours	At least 50
Night hours	At least 15 of the 50
Who supervises the logged hours	A licensed parent, guardian or adult aged 21 or older
Proof	A signed statement from a parent or legal guardian to the OMV
When	Before the intermediate license is issued (in force since January 1, 2011)

A licensed sibling aged 18 or older may ride with a permit holder. The OMV wording for the 50 logged hours, however, names a parent, guardian or adult 21 or older. The OMV does not say whether driving school hours count toward the 50. Ask the OMV before relying on them.

What the parent statement covers

By signing, the parent or guardian confirms that the teen:

• completed at least 50 hours, including 15 at night
• had no at-fault crashes on the permit
• had no moving violations on the permit
• had no seat belt, curfew, drug or alcohol law violations

Making the 50 hours count

• Spread the hours across the 180 days rather than cramming them into the last month.
• Practice the road test skills: backing, parking between cars, signals, lane keeping, turns and following distance.
• Get night hours in different settings, such as rural roads with no streetlights and busy city streets.
• Add interstate merging once the basics are solid. See freeway driving for new drivers.
• Keep phones away. Permit holders may not use one at all, including hands-free.

The OMV points parents to the Parents Supervised Driving Program guide for structured lessons.

Common questions

How much does driver’s ed cost in Louisiana?

Prices are set by each school. Schools must give you a cost breakdown and a receipt.

Can I take driver’s ed at 14 in Louisiana?

Yes, the classroom part, if you are at least in eighth grade and within 90 days of turning 15. Behind-the-wheel training waits until 15.

Why is my school taking so long to schedule my 8 hours?

Schools have 120 days after the classroom ends to finish the 38-hour course’s driving lessons. If the school will not respond after several attempts, contact the OMV Training and Certification Unit.

Do I need a practice log?

The OMV requires a signed parent statement, not a set log form. A written record of dates and night hours makes signing the statement easy.

How do other states compare?

See supervised driving hours by state.

Next: Louisiana intermediate license rules. Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Student/Parent Information” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Lagniappe Information and Expectations” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Louisiana Graduated Driver’s License Laws” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Upgrading to a Class E Intermediate License” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25) (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)

Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Louisiana intermediate license lets you drive alone from 16, with two main limits. First, no driving from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. without a licensed adult 21 or older or a licensed sibling 18 or older. Second, from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., no more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, unless a licensed adult 21 or older is with you. You hold the license until you turn 17. These rules come from the R.Y.A.N. Act (Reduce Youth Accidents Now), Louisiana’s graduated licensing law since January 1, 1998.

Louisiana graduated licensing: the three stages

	Stage 1: Learner’s permit	Stage 2: Intermediate	Stage 3: Full license
Minimum age	15	16	17
Driving alone	Never	Yes, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.	Yes
11 p.m. to 5 a.m.	With supervisor only	Only with a licensed parent, guardian, adult 21+ or sibling 18+	No curfew
Teen passengers	No set limit while supervised	6 p.m. to 5 a.m.: max 1 under 21 who is not immediate family, unless a licensed adult 21+ is with you	No limit
Phone	No use, including hands-free	No talking or texting at 17 and under, except emergencies	Same until 18; all drivers hands-free only
Minimum time	180 days	Until your 17th birthday	n/a

How to get your intermediate license

1. Be at least 16.
2. Hold your learner’s permit for at least 180 days.
3. Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of them at night, with a licensed parent, guardian or adult 21 or older.
4. Have a parent or legal guardian sign a statement to the OMV. It confirms the 50 hours, and that you had no at-fault crashes, no moving violations, and no seat belt, curfew, drug or alcohol violations on your permit.
5. Pass the vision test (20/40 in one or both eyes) and the road skills test (80%). See the Louisiana road skills test guide.
6. A custodial parent signs the upgrade application. In joint custody, only the domiciliary parent may sign. Married or emancipated minors are the exception.

Your license will show the word “Intermediate”. Licenses for drivers under 21 also look different, with a different color and orientation.

Intermediate license restrictions in detail

Curfew: 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

You may not drive in these hours unless one of these people is in the car with you: a licensed parent or guardian, a licensed adult aged 21 or older, or a licensed sibling aged 18 or older. The OMV and the driver’s guide list no exceptions for work or school.

Passengers: 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.

You may carry no more than 1 passenger under 21 who is not a member of your immediate family. The limit does not apply when a licensed adult 21 or older is with you. Brothers and sisters do not count toward the limit. Before 6 p.m., the guide sets no passenger limit.

Phones

Drivers 17 and under may not use a wireless device to talk or to read, write or send texts, except in an emergency. All Louisiana drivers must be hands-free, and no driver may text or use social media while driving. See hands-free and texting laws.

Seat belts

You must make sure every passenger is properly buckled before you move off.

Scenarios: is this allowed?

Situation (driver aged 16, intermediate license)	Allowed?
Driving two friends aged 16 home at 4 p.m.	Yes. No passenger limit before 6 p.m.
Driving two friends aged 16 home at 7 p.m.	No, unless a licensed adult 21+ is in the car
Driving your two younger siblings at 8 p.m.	Yes. Immediate family do not count
Driving home alone from work at 11:30 p.m.	No
Driving at midnight with your licensed 19-year-old brother	Yes
Taking a call through the car’s speaker system	No, unless it is an emergency

Moving to a full license at 17

To get a full Class E license at 17, you need either a completed intermediate stage, or the 38-hour driver ed course plus a road skills test. You also need 12 consecutive months with:

• no at-fault crashes
• no moving violations
• no seat belt, curfew, drug or alcohol violations

The phone ban for drivers 17 and under still applies on a full license until you turn 18.

What happens if you break the rules?

• Driving against a license restriction is a violation of the law. It can lead to suspension of your driving privileges.
• Seat belt, curfew, drug or alcohol violations, at-fault crashes and moving violations affect your eligibility for the next stage.
• Under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more brings a 180-day suspension. See zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.
• Drivers aged 15 to 17 can lose their license for leaving school before graduating or for habitual absence or tardiness.

Check with the OMV how far a violation delays your next stage. National overview: points systems and license suspensions.

Common questions

What time can a 16-year-old drive in Louisiana?

Alone, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. From 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., only with a licensed parent, guardian, adult 21 or older, or sibling 18 or older.

How many passengers can a 16-year-old have in Louisiana?

Before 6 p.m., the guide sets no limit. From 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., 1 passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, unless a licensed adult 21 or older is with you.

Does the curfew apply after I turn 17?

The intermediate stage lasts until your 17th birthday. After that you can apply for a full license, which has no curfew. You need 12 clean months to qualify.

I moved to Louisiana at 16 with an out-of-state license. Do I start over?

Not necessarily. If you have held a license or permit for at least 180 days, you may go straight to an intermediate license. See moving to a new state.

How does Louisiana compare with other states?

See US graduated driver licensing compared.

Related: Louisiana knowledge test and learner’s permit and Louisiana teen driver ed and 50 hour practice. Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25), Graduated Licensing Program (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Upgrading to a Class E Intermediate License” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Louisiana Graduated Driver’s License Laws” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Permits” (expresslane.la.gov)

Photo: K, Pexels

For the Louisiana road skills test you need a score of 80% to pass. Where you take it depends on your driver ed. If you took driver ed at a private driving school, you test at that school or another certified third party tester. If you took it at a secondary school, the OMV may give the test, but you provide the car. This page covers what is graded, what fails you on the spot and how to get your car through the safety check.

Where do you take the Louisiana road test?

Your situation	Who gives the test	Vehicle
Driver ed at a private driving school (after August 1, 2014)	Your driving school or another certified third party tester	The tester may provide one for a fee
Driver ed at a secondary (high) school (after August 1, 2014)	The OMV may give it	You must provide it

Every third party tester is certified by the OMV, and they charge a fee. Ask the tester for the price. The OMV lists certified testers on expresslane.la.gov.

The OMV permits page also says that all road skills tests must be performed at a driving school. Check with your school or local OMV office before you book.

What is graded on the Louisiana road skills test?

The examiner deducts points for errors. You are graded on:

• Backing
• Yielding the right of way
• Approach to a corner
• Keeping in your lane
• Parking between cars
• Use of signals
• Following other vehicles
• Attention
• Turning
• Response to signs and signals

The examiner also watches how you notice and react to risks, and how well you check at intersections and when changing lanes. You will not be asked to do anything illegal, and the examiner will not try to trick you.

Practice drills for the graded skills

• Parking between cars: the guide’s parallel parking method ends with your bumpers no closer than 2 feet to the other cars. See parking rules for new drivers.
• Backing: turn your head and body to look back. Do not rely on mirrors alone.
• Turning: signal for at least 100 feet before the turn and get into the proper lane at least 100 feet ahead.
• Following: keep a 3-second gap.
• Signs: make full stops at stop signs and know who goes first at four-way stops.

What is an automatic fail?

You fail the Louisiana skills test for any of these:

1. Any traffic law violation
2. Any dangerous action or incident
3. Not cooperating or refusing to follow instructions
4. A collision
5. Too many minor mistakes adding up

National list of common fails: why people fail the US driving test.

Vehicle checklist for an OMV road test

The examiner cannot start the test unless your vehicle has passed a safety inspection and is legally equipped. Check every item:

• Valid inspection sticker
• Current license plate and registration document
• Proof of liability insurance for that vehicle
• Working speedometer
• Working seat belts (required on vehicles made after 1964)
• All equipment in safe working order, because you do a safety equipment check before driving
• No loose objects that could break or cause injury

Use a car you are comfortable driving. Only you, the OMV examiner and an interpreter (if needed) may be in the car.

On the day

• Under 18: a custodial or domiciliary parent, tutor or legal guardian must come with you, show ID, sign the application and prove the test vehicle is insured.
• Bring: your TIP or learner’s permit, and the parent-signed statement of 50 practice hours if you are upgrading to an intermediate license. See Louisiana teen driver ed and the 50 hour practice statement.
• Weather: the OMV suspends road tests in bad weather.

If you fail

The examiner tells you which errors you made and what to work on. If you do not already have a permit, you may be given one so you can practice. You can come back and retest later. The guide does not set a waiting period, so ask your tester or OMV office.

Common questions

What score do I need to pass the Louisiana driving test?

80%. Points come off for each driving error.

Can I use a car with a backup camera?

The guide does not say whether you may use a backup camera on the test. Either way, the examiner expects you to turn and look when backing. Ask your tester.

How much does a third party road test cost in Louisiana?

Each tester sets its own fee. Ask what is included, especially the use of the tester’s car.

Is parallel parking on the Louisiana road test?

“Parking between cars” is one of the graded skills. See how other states compare in US road tests by state.

What happens after I pass?

At 16 or older, with 180 days on your permit and 50 practice hours, you get an intermediate license. See Louisiana intermediate license rules. At 17 or older you can get a full license.

Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25), Road Skills (Driving) Test (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Upgrading to a Class E Intermediate License” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Permits” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Student/Parent Information” (expresslane.la.gov)

Photo: Fernando B M, Pexels

The Louisiana permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% to pass. You also need 20/40 vision in one or both eyes. This page is for Louisiana teens and parents. It covers how the test fits into driver ed, what to bring and what you can do once you have your learner’s permit.

Louisiana permit test at a glance

Item	Louisiana rule
Questions	40, multiple choice (OMV permits page)
Pass mark	80%
Where	Your driver education provider, after the classroom portion, or the OMV
Format	Computer-based in most OMV offices
Study material	Class D and E Driver’s Guide (traffic signs, signals, safe driving and Louisiana law)
Vision standard	20/40 in one or both eyes
Before you test	You need a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)
Language help	You may bring a translator for Class D or E knowledge tests (not CDL)

Step by step: from TIP to learner’s permit

1. Get a TIP from the OMV (age 14 or older). You must have it before the knowledge test, before any behind-the-wheel lessons and before a road test. It lets you drive only with a licensed driving school instructor.
2. Take the 38-hour driver ed course. That is 30 hours in the classroom and 8 behind the wheel. You can start the classroom part at 14 if you are at least in eighth grade and within 90 days of your 15th birthday. Behind-the-wheel training waits until 15. Details: Louisiana teen driver ed and the 50 hour practice statement.
3. Pass the knowledge test. Driving schools give it when the 30-hour classroom portion ends.
4. Finish the 8 hours behind the wheel.
5. Go to the OMV. Take the vision test, hand in your TIP and the school’s Certificate of Successful Completion, and come out with your learner’s permit. Converting the TIP costs nothing extra.

Documents for a Louisiana learner’s permit

• Certified birth certificate (original or certified copy only; no photocopies)
• Social Security Number verification, such as your card, a W-2 or a printout from the Social Security Administration
• Proof of address
• Driver ed Certificate of Successful Completion
• Your custodial parent or legal guardian, who shows ID and signs. In joint custody, only the domiciliary parent can sign. A guardian also brings guardianship papers.

Fee: the OMV driver’s guide lists the learner’s permit at $32.25. Some offices add a service fee (as of November 2026).

What’s on the Louisiana knowledge test?

The questions come from the Class D and E Driver’s Guide. They cover traffic signs and signals, safe driving practices and Louisiana driving law. The guide tells you to learn every number in it. These come up often:

Topic	Louisiana figure
Stopped school bus loading or unloading	Stop at least 30 feet away
Railroad crossing stop	Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail
Following distance	3 seconds, or 4 in bad weather
Interstate maximum	70 mph unless posted otherwise
Dim high beams	Within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 200 feet of a vehicle ahead
Following an emergency vehicle	Not within 500 feet
Turn signal before a turn	At least 100 feet
Parking near a hydrant	Not within 15 feet
BAC limits	0.08% at 21 and over; 0.02% under 21
Refusing a chemical test	365-day suspension for a first offense
Children rear facing	From birth to at least age 2

For signs, use US road signs by shape and color.

Test day tips from the official guide

• Read the guide at least three times.
• Read the whole question and every answer before you choose.
• If unsure, pick the safest-sounding answer.
• At the OMV, arrive at least an hour before the last test of the day.
• Bring proper ID every time you take the test.

Learner’s permit rules in Louisiana

• Supervisor: a licensed parent, guardian or adult aged 21 or older, or a licensed sibling aged 18 or older.
• Phones: no cell phone use at all, including hands-free.
• Practice: log at least 50 supervised hours, 15 at night, before you upgrade.
• Time held: at least 180 days. If you got the permit at 15, you also have to wait until you turn 16.

Next step: Louisiana intermediate license rules, then the Louisiana road skills test.

Common questions

Can I take the Louisiana permit test online?

No online option appears on the OMV pages. The test is given by your driver ed provider or at the OMV, on a computer in most offices.

Can I get a learner’s permit without driver’s ed?

No. Teens need the 38-hour course. Adults 18 and older need either the 14-hour pre-licensing course or the 38-hour course. See the Louisiana pre-licensing course for adults.

What happens if I fail the vision test?

You get a vision report for a vision specialist to complete. If you need glasses or contacts to pass, your license will carry restriction code 01.

Do I need a permit if I’m 17?

No. At 17 you can apply for a learner’s permit or go straight to a full license by passing the vision, knowledge and road skills tests.

How does Louisiana’s test compare with other states?

See US permit tests by state and driving with a permit in another state.

Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Permits” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “New Licenses” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Louisiana Graduated Driver’s License Laws” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Lagniappe Information and Expectations” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25) (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)

Photo: Mark Stebnicki, Pexels

This guide is for Louisiana teens, their parents and adults getting a first license. It covers the full route under Louisiana’s graduated licensing law (the R.Y.A.N. Act): a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) at 14, a learner’s permit at 15, an intermediate license at 16 and a full Class E license at 17. It also summarizes the Louisiana rules in each chapter of the official Class D and E Driver’s Guide.

Key facts

• Agency: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), part of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
• Driver education is required for all first-time applicants: a 38-hour course (30 hours classroom plus 8 hours behind the wheel) for ages 14 years 9 months to 17, or a 14-hour pre-licensing course (6 plus 8) for adults 18 and older.
• Knowledge test: 40 questions, 80% to pass. Vision: 20/40 in one or both eyes.
• Road skills test: 80% to pass, at a driving school, another certified third party tester, or in some cases the OMV.
• Practice: 50 supervised hours, 15 at night, before the intermediate license.
• Fee: $32.25 basic Class E license fee, plus a field office service fee at some offices (as of November 2026).

How to get a driver’s license in Louisiana: the stages

Stage	Minimum age	What you need	Main limits
Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)	14	ID, proof of residency, Social Security verification, parent signature	Drive only with a licensed driving school instructor
Learner’s permit	15	Driver ed course, vision test, knowledge test (80%)	Licensed adult 21+ or licensed sibling 18+ with you; no cell phone use, including hands-free
Intermediate license	16	Permit held 180 days, 50 hours practice (15 at night), road skills test (80%)	Curfew 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; 1 passenger under 21 from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Full Class E license	17	12 months with no at-fault crashes or moving violations	Drivers 17 and under still may not use a phone to talk or text

Every stage is explained in detail in these guides:

• Louisiana OMV knowledge test and learner’s permit
• Louisiana teen driver ed and the 50 hour practice statement
• Louisiana intermediate license rules under the R.Y.A.N. Act
• Louisiana road skills test and third party testers
• Louisiana 6 hour pre-licensing course for adults
• Louisiana insurance fraud and staged crash warning signs

When you start matters

• Permit at 15: hold it at least 180 days and until you turn 16.
• Permit at 16: hold it at least 180 days, or until you turn 17, then apply for an intermediate or full license.
• Age 17: you can get a learner’s permit or go straight to a full license after the vision, knowledge and road skills tests.
• 18 and older, never in the program: take the 38-hour course or the 14-hour pre-licensing course, then apply for a learner’s permit or a full license.
• Moving in at 16: if you have held another state’s license or permit for at least 180 days, you may be able to skip the learner’s permit and get an intermediate license.

What to bring to the OMV

Louisiana accepts only original documents or certified copies. Photocopies are refused, notarized or not.

• Minors: certified birth certificate, Social Security Number verification, proof of address, and the driver ed Certificate of Successful Completion when converting a TIP.
• Adults: one primary document (such as a certified birth certificate or current passport), Social Security verification, one additional ID (such as a photo work ID, high school diploma or insurance card) and proof of address.
• Under 18: a custodial parent or legal guardian must come, show ID and sign. In joint custody, only the domiciliary parent may sign. A guardian also brings guardianship papers.
• REAL ID: you need proof of identity, lawful status, date of birth, Social Security number and at least 2 documents showing your home address. See REAL ID and your first driver’s license.

Male U.S. citizens aged 15 to 26 are registered with the Selective Service automatically when the OMV issues any credential.

Louisiana license fees (as of November 2026)

Item	Fee
Class E license (up to age 69), valid about 6 years	$32.25
Learner’s permit	$32.25
Converting a TIP to a learner’s permit or full license	No extra charge
Duplicate license	$17.00

Some field offices add a service fee. The OMV permits page says up to $6.00 and the new licenses page says up to $8.00, so check with your office. Driver ed course prices are set by each school.

What the Louisiana driver’s guide covers

The knowledge test questions come from the Class D and E Driver’s Guide. These are the Louisiana-specific points from each chapter that learners most often miss.

Chapter 1: Getting a license

• New residents have 30 days to get a Louisiana license. Visitors with a valid license from another state can drive for 90 days.
• Class E covers single vehicles under 10,001 pounds, and it is the license teens work toward through graduated licensing. Class D, the “chauffeur’s” license, is for driving for work: single vehicles of 10,001 to 26,000 pounds used in commerce, or carrying passengers for hire, below CDL level. You must be at least 17, it also covers Class E vehicles, and it costs $54.75 for 6 years (as of November 2026).
• Update the address on your license within 10 days of moving.
• Littering is illegal, even by accident. Under R.S. 30:2531, simple littering costs $150 or 8 hours of community service for a first offense and up to $900 or 20 hours for a second. The driver is liable for anything that leaves the car or truck bed, including a passenger’s trash, so cover and secure loads.
• The OMV keeps traffic convictions and crashes on your record for 5 years, and DWI convictions for 10.
• Drivers aged 15 to 17 can lose their license for dropping out of school or being habitually absent or tardy.

Chapters 2 and 3: The road system, signs and markings

Chapter 2 introduces the Highway Transportation System (people, vehicles and roadways). Chapter 3 covers sign shapes and colors, signals and lane markings. Louisiana’s move over law requires you to slow down and change lanes when you approach a roadside incident. National guides: US road signs by shape and color, traffic signals, pavement markings and move over laws.

Chapter 4: Seat belts and child seats

• Everyone in the front and back seats of cars, vans and pickups must be buckled.
• Under R.S. 32:295, children ride rear facing from birth to at least 2, forward facing from 2 to 4, and in a booster seat from 4 to 9. From 9 they use a lap and shoulder belt. Children under 13 ride in the back seat when one is available.
• A child who fits more than one category uses the more protective one.

More: seat belt and child car seat laws.

Chapter 5: Safe driving habits

• Keep at least a 3-second following distance, and 4 seconds in bad weather or on wet pavement.
• Leave 4 to 5 seconds behind a large truck in good conditions.
• Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following.

More: sharing the road with motorcycles, bicycles and trucks.

Chapter 6: Traffic laws

• Stop at least 30 feet from a school bus that is loading or unloading children, whether you are meeting it or following it, and never pass it on either side while its red lights flash. Yellow lights come on 100 to 500 feet before the stop. Oncoming traffic need not stop when the road is split by a ditch, grassy median, barrier or similar obstacle, or on a four or five lane road divided by a two-way left turn lane. A four-lane road with no barrier, or a two-lane road with a center turn lane, is not divided, so everyone stops. See school bus stopping laws.
• At a railroad crossing, stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail when required. See railroad crossings.
• Turn on your low-beam headlights whenever you need your windshield wipers.
• Do not follow an emergency vehicle answering a call within 500 feet.
• Headphones in both ears are banned. One ear is allowed.
• No more than 3 people in the front seat. No passengers under 12 in an open truck bed, and nobody in an open truck bed on an interstate.
• Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. See parking rules.

Chapter 7: Interstates and rural roads

The maximum speed for any vehicle is 70 mph unless a different limit is posted (75 mph on posted portions of I-49), and 45 mph when you are towing another motor vehicle. Never back up on an interstate if you miss your exit. On rural roads, the slow-moving vehicle emblem marks vehicles traveling under 25 mph. More: freeway driving for new drivers and speed limits and the basic speed law.

Chapter 8: Hazards, phones and emergencies

• All Louisiana drivers: no handheld wireless device use (hands-free only), no texting and no social media while driving (R.S. 32:59 lists the exceptions).
• Drivers 17 and under: no wireless device use for calls or texts. Learner’s permit holders: no cell phone use, including hands-free.
• If you break down, put flares at least 100 feet behind your car.

More: hands-free and texting laws and driving in snow, fog and rain.

Chapter 9: Alcohol and losing your license

• Under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more suspends your license for 180 days.
• Aged 21 or over: 0.08% to 0.149% means a 180-day suspension, and 0.15% or more means 730 days.
• Refusing a test means a 365-day suspension for a first offense and 730 days for a second.
• Every conviction for driving while suspended adds one year to the suspension.

More: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21, implied consent and DUI and drugged driving.

Chapter 11: Registration, title and insurance

• You must keep your insurance card and registration certificate in the vehicle at all times.
• After buying a used vehicle, you have 5 days to apply for a title. The title fee is $68.50 (as of November 2026).
• Every vehicle needs a current inspection sticker. New Orleans, Kenner and Westwego run their own inspection programs.
• If you cannot show proof of insurance when stopped, your plate is seized. You then have 3 calendar days, not counting weekends and holidays, to show proof at an OMV office.

More: Louisiana insurance rules and fraud warning signs and car insurance for new drivers.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to drive in Louisiana?

You can get a TIP at 14 and drive with a driving school instructor. You can get a learner’s permit at 15, an intermediate license at 16 and a full license at 17.

Is driver’s ed mandatory in Louisiana?

Yes, for every first-time applicant. Under 18, you take the 38-hour course. At 18 or older, you take either the 14-hour pre-licensing course or the 38-hour course. The OMV’s online advisor, DouxWe, on expresslane.la.gov can tell you which you need.

How many questions are on the Louisiana permit test?

The OMV permits page says 40 questions, with 80% needed to pass.

Can I drive alone at 16 in Louisiana?

Yes, once you have an intermediate license, but not between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. From 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. you can carry only 1 passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, unless a licensed adult 21 or older is with you.

I just moved to Louisiana. How long do I have to switch my license?

30 days from when you become a resident. You will take a vision test. See transferring your license to a new state.

How does Louisiana compare with other states?

See US graduated driver licensing compared, US permit tests by state, supervised driving hours by state and the national guide to learning to drive in the US.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25) (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Permits” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “New Licenses” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Louisiana Graduated Driver’s License Laws” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Student/Parent Information” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Upgrading to a Class E Intermediate License” (expresslane.la.gov)

Photo: Dominik Gryzbon, Pexels

Louisiana lets you drive with bioptic telescopic lenses under R.S. 32:403.5 if you have at least 20/200 vision in one or both eyes through your carrier lenses and at least 20/60 through the telescope, without field expanders. You also need 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved bioptic instructor and a skills test with a certified third-party tester. You can hold only a Class E license, restricted to daylight driving and to good weather, and you can’t ride a motorcycle or motor scooter. The daylight restriction can be lifted after a year if you reach 20/40 through the telescope and pass a night test.

Louisiana bioptic requirements

Requirement	Louisiana rule
Carrier acuity	At least 20/200 in one or both eyes, with or without corrective carrier lenses. Worse than 20/200 (for example 20/300) does not qualify
Field of vision	110 degrees horizontal; with vision in one eye, at least 40 degrees temporal and 30 degrees nasal
Through the telescope	At least 20/60 in one or both eyes, without field expanders
Eye report	Bioptic Telescopic Lens Vision Examination Form (DPSMV 2008) from an ophthalmologist or optometrist
Driver education	The 30-hour classroom course (ages 15 to 17) and/or the 6-hour pre-licensing course (18 and over), plus the written exams
Behind-the-wheel training	At least 30 hours with a Department of Public Safety approved adaptive/bioptic instructor
Skills test	A comprehensive driving skills test by a third-party tester certified in adaptive training
License	Class E only; no motorcycles or motor scooters

What the eye report must say

Your ophthalmologist or optometrist completes form DPSMV 2008. It must certify that no eye diagnosis or prognosis exists, or is likely during the license period, that would take your acuity or field below the minimum standards.

Step by step

1. Get the DPSMV 2008 completed by your eye doctor.
2. Complete the required driver education course for your age and pass the written exams.
3. Apply for a learner’s permit if you need one. The skills test is not required for a permit.
4. Complete at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved bioptic instructor. The trainer sends confirmation on letterhead or a completion certificate, signed by the instructor who trained you.
5. Pass the comprehensive skills test with a certified third-party tester. The results go to the Office of Motor Vehicles in a sealed envelope.
6. Receive a Class E license with restriction codes 08 (daylight driving only) and 66 (bioptic lenses required).

The usual Louisiana learner steps also apply: see learning to drive in Louisiana.

Restrictions on a Louisiana bioptic license

• Daylight only (code 08): from half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset.
• Bioptic lenses required (code 66).
• No driving in adverse weather.
• Any other restriction the OMV considers necessary.

Codes in general are explained in restriction codes explained.

How to lift the daylight-only restriction

You must meet all of these:

1. licensed with bioptic lenses for at least one year
2. at least 20/40 in one or both eyes through the telescope, without field expanders
3. a comprehensive night driving skills test passed with a qualified third-party tester or adaptive bioptic trainer
4. no license suspensions, revocations or at-fault crashes in the previous 12 months

Finding a trainer

The OMV policy lists approved third-party testers and adaptive bioptic trainers by name and location. Ask the OMV for the current list, as trainers change. Questions about your own eyes are for your eye doctor.

Compare Louisiana with other states in bioptic driving laws by state and the Southern vision rules. Similar statutes: Virginia and North Carolina.

All medical and disability topics: the US guide to driving with a medical condition or disability.

Want to practise the eyesight check? Our sister site Driving Eyesight Test has a free US letter chart on drivingeyesighttest.com. It is a practice screen, not an eye test.

Sources

• Louisiana Department of Public Safety, Office of Motor Vehicles, “Policy 9.01 Bioptic Telescopic Lenses”, effective 15 August 2004, revised 25 November 2025 (powerdms.com/ladpsc)
• Louisiana State Legislature, “R.S. 32:403.5” (legis.la.gov), cited as the policy’s authority

Photo: Dominik Gryzbon, Pexels

Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) does not describe a driver points system in its Class D and E Driver’s Guide. Instead, it lists the specific offenses that lead to suspension or revocation, such as DWI, failing to stop for a school bus, three reckless driving convictions in 12 months and ignoring a traffic ticket. For teens, the bigger day-to-day risk is the graduated license: a single moving violation, crash, seat belt or curfew violation can hold you back a stage. This guide sets out both, plus the 0.02 alcohol limit for drivers under 21.

Key facts (Louisiana, as of November 2026)

• No point totals appear in the OMV driver’s guide (revision 08/25). Suspensions follow from listed offenses.
• Your record: OMV keeps traffic convictions and crashes on your public record for five years, and DWI convictions for 10. Out-of-state convictions are included.
• Under 21: a test result of 0.02% or more means a 180-day suspension.
• Teens: the intermediate license needs no moving violations or at-fault crashes on your permit. The full Class E license at 17 needs 12 months in a row without them.
• Driving while suspended: each conviction extends your suspension by one year.

Does Louisiana have a points system?

The OMV guide does not set out any point values or point thresholds. It lists the offenses that lead to losing your license, and traffic convictions and crashes go on your driving record.

What gets a Louisiana license suspended or revoked?

The guide lists these grounds, among others:

Offense	Type
Driving while intoxicated (DWI)	Alcohol and drugs
Refusing an alcohol test after a DWI arrest, or a result of 0.08% or more (21+) or 0.02% or more (under 21)	Alcohol and drugs
Failing to stop for a school bus loading or unloading children	Driving
Three reckless driving convictions within 12 months	Driving
Failing to stop and help at a crash you were involved in that injured or killed someone	Driving
Manslaughter or negligent homicide from driving, or any felony committed while driving	Driving
Driving in violation of a license restriction	License rules
Driving with a suspended license	License rules
Failure to answer a traffic law charge	Court
Not complying with the financial responsibility (insurance) law when required	Insurance
Altering a license, unlawful use, or false statements on an application	License rules
An offense in another state that would be grounds here	Out of state
Failure to pay child support or state income taxes	Other
Withdrawing from school before graduation at 15 to 17, or being habitually absent or tardy	Teen

“Failure to answer a traffic law charge” catches many young drivers. Ignoring a ticket can cost your license even if the ticket itself was minor.

Teen rules: how violations hold back your license

Permit to intermediate license

A parent or legal guardian must sign a statement to OMV confirming, among other things, that while you held your learner’s permit you had:

• no at-fault crashes
• no moving violations
• no seat belt, curfew, drug or alcohol law violations

Intermediate to the full Class E license at 17

To move to the full Class E license you need, for 12 consecutive months:

• no at-fault crashes
• no moving violations
• no seat belt, curfew, drug or alcohol law violations

So one ticket at 16 and a half can push your full Class E license well past your 17th birthday. Breaking an intermediate license restriction (curfew, passengers, phone) is also a violation of the law that can lead to suspension. The full restrictions are in Louisiana intermediate license rules under the RYAN Act.

Scenario

Taylor gets an intermediate license at 16 and is ticketed for not wearing a seat belt at 16 years and 4 months. The 12 clean months then start again, so the earliest Taylor can qualify for the full Class E license is 17 years and 4 months, not 17.

Alcohol rules for drivers under 21

Situation	Suspension
Under 21, test result 0.02% or more	180 days (penalties increase for later offenses)
Refusing the test, first offense	365 days
Refusing the test, second or later offense	730 days

After a refusal, you must also file proof of future financial responsibility (an SR-22 or $30,000 in cash or security) before reinstatement, and keep the SR-22 for three years. More: zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21.

Can a course clear a Louisiana record?

The OMV guide does not describe any course that removes convictions or lowers a penalty. With no point totals to reduce, what matters is whether a ticket ends in a conviction. Ask the court about your options before you pay the ticket. More: getting a traffic ticket as a new driver.

Adults getting a first license take a different route: see Louisiana 6-hour pre-licensing course.

Common questions

How many points does it take to lose your license in Louisiana?

The OMV guide uses no point totals. Suspension follows specific offenses, such as DWI or three reckless driving convictions in 12 months.

Will a speeding ticket stop me getting my full Class E license at 17?

Yes. A moving violation restarts the 12 months you need without moving violations.

Does a seat belt ticket count for teens?

Yes. Seat belt violations are listed separately in the graduated license requirements.

How long do tickets stay on my record?

OMV keeps traffic convictions and crashes for five years, and DWI convictions for 10.

What happens if I drive while suspended?

You can be arrested, fined or jailed, and each conviction adds a year to your suspension. A reinstatement fee is due when it ends.

How do other states compare?

See points systems and license suspensions in the US.

Main guide: learning to drive in Louisiana.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D & E Driver’s Guide” DPSMV2052 (R08/25) (public.powerdms.com/LADPSC)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Louisiana Graduated Driver’s License Laws” (expresslane.la.gov)

Photo: Mark Stebnicki, Pexels

The Louisiana knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% (32 correct) to pass. This practice test is the same length, so you can time and score it like the real one. All 40 questions are original and unofficial: they are written from the Louisiana Class D and E Driver’s Guide and OMV rules, not taken from the OMV’s own test.

Louisiana knowledge test: key facts

• 40 multiple-choice questions on traffic signs, signals, safe driving and Louisiana law.
• Pass mark: 80%, which is 32 correct. You can miss 8.
• Teens take it through their driver education provider after the 30-hour classroom part, or at the OMV.
• You need a Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) before you test.

How the test works and what to bring: the Louisiana OMV knowledge test guide. The full licensing process is in learning to drive in Louisiana.

Louisiana road signs (questions 1 to 6)

1. You can recognize a STOP sign from behind, or when it is covered in snow, because it is the only sign that is:

• A. Triangular
• B. Round
• C. Eight-sided (an octagon)
• D. Shaped like a pennant

Answer: C. Only STOP signs use the octagon shape. Driver’s Guide topic: signs.

2. A yellow diamond-shaped sign usually warns you about:

• A. A law you must obey
• B. A hazard or change in the road ahead, such as a curve
• C. Gas, food and lodging
• D. A route number

Answer: B. Yellow diamonds are warning signs. Driver’s Guide topic: signs.

3. A yellow pennant-shaped sign on the left side of the road means:

• A. You are entering a no-passing zone
• B. A narrow bridge is ahead
• C. The road is slippery when wet
• D. Two-way traffic ends

Answer: A. The pennant marks the start of a no-passing zone and is placed on the driver’s left. Driver’s Guide topic: signs.

4. Orange signs with black letters or symbols tell you that:

• A. A school is nearby
• B. A hospital is nearby
• C. A scenic area is ahead
• D. You are coming to a work zone

Answer: D. Orange is the color for work zone signs. Slow down and watch for workers and equipment. Driver’s Guide topic: signs.

5. Fluorescent pink signs with black lettering are used for:

• A. School zones
• B. Hospital zones
• C. Unplanned incidents such as crashes, spills and road closures
• D. Scenic routes

Answer: C. Pink signs guide traffic around incidents and emergency detours. Louisiana’s move over law also applies near roadside incidents. Driver’s Guide topic: signs.

6. A SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT WHEN FLASHING sign means the lower school limit applies:

• A. Only while the lights are flashing
• B. All day on school days
• C. Only when you can see children
• D. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday

Answer: A. When the lights are not flashing, the normal posted limit applies. Driver’s Guide topic: signs.

Signals and pavement markings (questions 7 to 10)

7. A steady yellow traffic light means:

• A. Speed up to beat the red light
• B. The light is about to turn red, so stop if you can do so safely
• C. Stop even if you are already in the intersection
• D. Pedestrians have the right of way

Answer: B. Steady yellow warns that red is next. If you are too close to stop safely, go through with care. Driver’s Guide topic: signals.

8. A flashing red traffic light means:

• A. Slow down and go ahead with caution
• B. The signal is broken, so you may ignore it
• C. Stop only if other cars are there
• D. Come to a complete stop, then go when it is safe, as at a STOP sign

Answer: D. Treat a flashing red light exactly like a STOP sign. Driver’s Guide topic: signals.

9. A flashing yellow left-turn arrow means you may turn left:

• A. Without stopping, because oncoming traffic must stop
• B. Only after waiting three seconds
• C. After yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
• D. Only if a police officer waves you on

Answer: C. This is a permissive turn. Oncoming traffic may have a green light, so wait for a safe gap. Driver’s Guide topic: signals.

10. Two solid yellow lines down the center of a two-lane road mean:

• A. Passing is allowed in both directions
• B. No passing in either direction
• C. Passing is allowed only in daylight
• D. The road is one-way

Answer: B. Double solid yellow lines mark a no-passing area for traffic both ways. Driver’s Guide topic: pavement markings.

Right of way, turns and roundabouts (questions 11 to 18)

11. You and another car reach a four-way stop at the same time. The other car is on your right. Who goes first?

• A. You do, because you are on the left
• B. Whoever is driving the larger vehicle
• C. Whoever signals first
• D. The car on your right

Answer: D. When drivers arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Driver’s Guide topic: right of way.

12. You are turning left on a solid green light with no arrow. You must:

• A. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before you turn
• B. Go first, because you have a green light
• C. Turn quickly before oncoming cars reach you
• D. Wait for the light to turn yellow

Answer: A. A plain green light lets you turn left only when there is a safe gap. Driver’s Guide topic: right of way.

13. A pedestrian is crossing in a marked crosswalk ahead of you and there is no signal. You must:

• A. Yield and let the pedestrian cross
• B. Sound your horn so the pedestrian hurries
• C. Drive around the pedestrian
• D. Go first because cars have the right of way

Answer: A. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. Driver’s Guide topic: pedestrians.

14. An ambulance with its siren and lights on is coming up behind you. You must:

• A. Speed up to stay ahead of it
• B. Stop at once, even in the middle of an intersection
• C. Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes
• D. Move to the left lane and keep going

Answer: C. Clear any intersection first, then pull to the right and stop. Driver’s Guide topic: emergency vehicles.

15. What is the closest you may follow an emergency vehicle that is answering a call in Louisiana?

• A. 100 feet
• B. 200 feet
• C. 300 feet
• D. 500 feet

Answer: D. Following an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet is unlawful. Driver’s Guide topic: emergency vehicles.

16. A funeral procession is passing through an intersection in front of you. You should:

• A. Join the procession to get through faster
• B. Yield and let the vehicles in the procession go through
• C. Drive between two of the procession cars
• D. Go if your light is green

Answer: B. Louisiana requires drivers to yield the right of way to vehicles taking part in a funeral procession. Driver’s Guide topic: right of way.

17. The Louisiana guide says a suitable speed inside a roundabout is:

• A. 15 mph or less
• B. 25 mph
• C. 35 mph
• D. 45 mph

Answer: A. Slow down before you enter, yield to traffic already circulating and keep your speed low. Driver’s Guide topic: roundabouts.

18. Louisiana law requires you to signal continuously for at least how far before a turn?

• A. 25 feet
• B. 50 feet
• C. 100 feet
• D. 500 feet

Answer: C. Signal and get into the proper lane at least 100 feet before you turn. Signal earlier at higher speeds. Driver’s Guide topic: turns.

Speed, space and lights (questions 19 to 23)

19. On a dry road, the Louisiana guide tells you to follow no closer than:

• A. 1 second
• B. 2 seconds
• C. 3 seconds
• D. 5 seconds

Answer: C. Count from when the car ahead passes a fixed object. If you reach it before three seconds, you are too close. Driver’s Guide topic: following distance.

20. In bad weather or on wet pavement, increase your following distance to at least:

• A. 2 seconds
• B. 3 seconds
• C. 4 seconds
• D. 10 seconds

Answer: C. The guide adds a second for wet roads and bad weather, and more at night. Driver’s Guide topic: following distance.

21. Unless an exception applies, the highest speed limit for any vehicle in Louisiana is:

• A. 55 mph
• B. 65 mph
• C. 70 mph
• D. 80 mph

Answer: C. The guide sets 70 mph as the general maximum, with lower limits where posted and 75 mph on parts of I-49. Driver’s Guide topic: speed limits.

22. You must dim your high beams when you come within how far of an oncoming vehicle?

• A. 100 feet
• B. 200 feet
• C. 500 feet
• D. 1,000 feet

Answer: C. Dim within 500 feet of oncoming traffic, and within 200 feet when you are following another vehicle. Driver’s Guide topic: headlights.

23. The Louisiana guide says partial hydroplaning can start at about:

• A. 15 mph
• B. 35 mph
• C. 55 mph
• D. 75 mph

Answer: B. The risk grows with speed, so slow down on wet roads and keep your tires in good shape. Driver’s Guide topic: hydroplaning.

Parking (questions 24 to 25)

24. In Louisiana you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 25 feet

Answer: C. Keep 15 feet clear of a hydrant so fire crews can reach it. Driver’s Guide topic: parking.

25. You may not park within how many feet of a railroad crossing?

• A. 10 feet
• B. 15 feet
• C. 25 feet
• D. 50 feet

Answer: D. The guide also bans parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. Driver’s Guide topic: parking.

School buses and railroad crossings (questions 26 to 29)

26. A school bus ahead has stopped to load children, with red lights flashing. In Louisiana you must stop at least how far from it?

• A. 10 feet
• B. 15 feet
• C. 20 feet
• D. 30 feet

Answer: D. Stop at least 30 feet away and wait until the bus moves on. This applies whether you are behind it or meeting it. Driver’s Guide topic: school buses.

27. A school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on the other side of a highway divided by a grassy median. You:

• A. Do not have to stop, but should watch for children
• B. Must stop and wait for the lights to go off
• C. Must stop only if children are visible
• D. Must stop for 30 seconds

Answer: A. Drivers on the far side of a ditch, grassy median or barrier are not required to stop. Driver’s Guide topic: school buses.

28. What do a school bus’s flashing yellow lights tell you?

• A. The bus has finished its stop
• B. The bus is about to stop, so slow down and get ready to stop
• C. You may pass the bus on the right
• D. The bus is carrying no children

Answer: B. Bus drivers switch on the yellow lights at least 100 feet, and no more than 500 feet, before a stop. Driver’s Guide topic: school buses.

29. A crossing gate is down at a railroad crossing. Louisiana law says you must stop:

• A. Within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail
• B. Right against the gate arm
• C. At least 100 feet from the tracks
• D. On the tracks, if the gate is behind you

Answer: A. R.S. 32:171 sets this stopping zone when gates are down or signals show a train coming. Driver’s Guide topic: railroad crossings.

Alcohol and DWI (questions 30 to 33)

30. What is the only thing that lowers your blood alcohol level?

• A. Black coffee
• B. A cold shower
• C. Eating a large meal
• D. Time

Answer: D. Your body removes alcohol at a steady rate, and nothing speeds it up. Driver’s Guide topic: alcohol.

31. For drivers 21 and older, the Louisiana legal limit is a BAC of:

• A. 0.02%
• B. 0.05%
• C. 0.08%
• D. 0.10%

Answer: C. At 0.08% or more, a driver 21 or older is over the limit. Driver’s Guide topic: alcohol and drugs.

32. A driver under 21 takes a chemical test and shows a BAC of 0.02% or more. In Louisiana, driving privileges are suspended for:

• A. 30 days
• B. 90 days
• C. 180 days
• D. 730 days

Answer: C. Louisiana’s under-21 limit is 0.02%, and penalties increase with each later offense. Driver’s Guide topic: alcohol and drugs.

33. You are arrested for DWI and refuse the chemical test. On a first refusal, Louisiana suspends your driving privileges for:

• A. 30 days
• B. 90 days
• C. 180 days
• D. 365 days

Answer: D. A second or later refusal brings 730 days. You also need proof of future financial responsibility, such as an SR-22, to reinstate. Driver’s Guide topic: implied consent.

Louisiana permit, intermediate license and phone rules (questions 34 to 40)

34. Before you can take the Louisiana knowledge test as a teen, you must hold a:

• A. Intermediate license
• B. Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP)
• C. Hardship license
• D. Full Class E license

Answer: B. The TIP comes first. It also lets you drive only with a licensed driving school instructor. OMV permits page: licensing.

35. How long must you hold a Louisiana learner’s permit before you can move to an intermediate license?

• A. 30 days
• B. 90 days
• C. 180 days
• D. 1 year

Answer: C. You also need to be at least 16 and to have logged 50 supervised hours. OMV GDL rules: graduated licensing.

36. How many of your 50 supervised practice hours must be at night?

• A. 5
• B. 10
• C. 15
• D. 20

Answer: C. A parent or guardian signs a statement confirming the 50 hours, 15 of them at night. OMV GDL rules: graduated licensing.

37. A 16-year-old on a Louisiana intermediate license may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless:

• A. A licensed parent, guardian, adult 21 or older, or sibling 18 or older is in the car
• B. They are driving home from work
• C. They are driving to school
• D. They are alone in the car

Answer: A. The guide and OMV pages list no work or school exceptions. See Louisiana intermediate license rules. OMV GDL rules: graduated licensing.

38. From 6 p.m. to 5 a.m., an intermediate license holder may carry how many passengers under 21 who are not immediate family, unless a licensed adult 21 or older is with them?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: B. Brothers and sisters do not count toward the limit. Before 6 p.m. no passenger limit is set. OMV GDL rules: graduated licensing.

39. A Louisiana driver aged 17 or younger may use a wireless device to make a call or text while driving:

• A. Not at all, except in an emergency
• B. Only with a hands-free device
• C. Only at a red light
• D. Only after one year of driving

Answer: A. Drivers 17 and under may not call or text while driving. All drivers must be hands-free, and nobody may text or use social media. Driver’s Guide topic: distracted driving.

40. Under Louisiana’s child seat law, a child rides rear facing in an approved seat from birth until at least age:

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 6

Answer: B. From 2 to 4 a child uses a forward-facing seat, then a booster from 4 to 9. Driver’s Guide topic: safety belts and child seats.

How to score yourself against the Louisiana standard

Correct out of 40	What it means
36 to 40	Ready to book.
32 to 35	A pass at the 80% standard. Reread the sections you missed.
Under 32	A fail on the real test. Go back to the Driver’s Guide, starting with the numbers.

The Driver’s Guide tells you to learn every number in it: 30 feet for school buses, 15 to 50 feet at railroad crossings, 500 feet behind emergency vehicles and 100 feet for turn signals. Those figures come up often.

Common questions

Are these the real Louisiana OMV test questions?

No. They are original, unofficial practice questions written from the Class D and E Driver’s Guide and OMV pages. The real test draws on the same guide.

How many questions can I miss on the Louisiana permit test?

Eight. You need 32 of 40 correct (80%).

Can I take the Louisiana permit test online?

No online option appears on the OMV pages. Teens usually take it through their driver education provider. See the knowledge test guide.

Do I need driver’s ed before the test?

Yes, for teens. The 38-hour course is 30 hours in the classroom and 8 behind the wheel, and the test is given when the classroom part ends. See Louisiana teen driver ed and the 50 hour practice statement.

What should I study besides signs?

Louisiana’s own rules: the intermediate license curfew and passenger limits, the phone ban for drivers 17 and under, the 0.02% under-21 limit and the 365-day refusal suspension.

Are there practice tests for other states?

Yes. See US permit practice tests by state.

Sources

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Class D and E Driver’s Guide” (DPSMV 2052, R08/25) (public.powerdms.com)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Permits” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Upgrading to a Class E Intermediate License” (expresslane.la.gov)
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, “Louisiana Graduated Driver’s License Laws” (expresslane.la.gov)