The Louisiana road test
The road skills test shows you can control a car and drive safely in normal traffic. In Louisiana it is usually given by your driving school or another OMV-certified third party tester rather than at a state office.
You need a score of at least 80%. Points come off for each error, and some mistakes end the test straight away.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain who gives the road test and what it may cost.
- You can prepare a vehicle that will pass the pre-test check.
- You can list the skills the examiner grades.
- You can name the errors that fail you automatically.
- You can bring the right people and papers on test day.
What you need to know and understand
- You need a Temporary Instructional Permit or learner's permit to take the road test.
- Third party testers are certified by OMV and charge a fee; some can provide a car for an extra fee.
- If you test in your own car, it must be legally equipped, insured and in safe condition, with a working speedometer and working seat belts.
- Only you, the examiner and an interpreter if needed may be in the car.
- The pass mark is 80%.
- Applicants under 18 must bring a custodial or domiciliary parent, tutor or legal guardian to sign and prove the test car is insured.
- OMV suspends road tests in bad weather.
Skills the examiner scores
The examiner also watches how you look for and react to risks, especially at intersections and when changing lanes. You will not be asked to do anything illegal or be tricked into a mistake.
- Backing.
- Yielding the right of way.
- Approach to a corner and turning.
- Use of signals.
- Keeping in your lane.
- Parking between cars.
- Following other vehicles at a safe distance.
- Attention, plus your response to signs and signals.
Automatic fails
- Breaking any traffic law, such as rolling a stop sign or speeding.
- Any dangerous action or incident.
- Refusing to cooperate or follow instructions.
- A collision.
- Too many small mistakes adding up.
Getting the car ready
If you do not pass, the examiner explains your errors, and you can return later to retest. The guide does not set a waiting period, so ask your tester. Our deeper guide on this site, the Louisiana road test: skills graded and third party testers, has practice drills.
- Check the lights, signals, brake lights, horn, wipers, mirrors and tires.
- Make sure every seat belt works and the speedometer reads correctly.
- Carry current registration and proof of insurance for that car.
- Remove loose objects that could fly around.
- Ask your tester about inspection rules, which are changing for personal vehicles from 2027.
Common mistakes
- Rolling through stop signs. A full stop behind the line is required, and a violation fails you.
- Backing with mirrors only. Turn your head and body to look.
- Ending up too close when parking between cars. The guide's method finishes with bumpers about 2 feet from the other cars.
- Turning up with a car that has a burned-out brake light, so the test never starts.
Test yourself: The Louisiana road test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Class D and E Driver's Guide, DPSMV2052 (R08/25) (Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles); Permits and New Licenses pages (Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, expresslane.la.gov); Student/Parent Information page (Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles); Adaptive Trainers / Third Party Testers page (Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Louisiana licensing agency.