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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:
- Any traffic law violation
- Any dangerous action or incident
- Not cooperating or refusing to follow instructions
- A collision
- 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)