Louisiana DMV Permit Practice Test 2026
This page covers what you need to know for the Louisiana driver's license knowledge exam: how the test works, the Louisiana-specific rules that often show up on it, and sample questions with explained answers. Everything here is based on the official Louisiana driver's manual and state traffic code (sources are listed at the bottom). The real Louisiana test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass.
When you're ready, take a free 25-question practice test that mixes Louisiana-specific questions with general driving questions, with an explanation after every answer. Each attempt draws a new set. No signup needed.
Louisiana Permit Test and Licensing Facts
| Knowledge Test | 40 questions, must score 32/40 (80%) to pass |
| Minimum Permit Age | 15 |
| Minimum License Age | 16 |
| Speed Limits | Highway: up to 75 mph | Residential: 25 mph | School Zone: 15 mph |
| DWI Law | BAC limit: 0.08% (Under 21: 0.02%) |
| Point System | No point system. Louisiana may suspend after conviction of certain offenses. |
Rules Specific to Louisiana
- Louisiana uses the term DWI and has drive-through daiquiri shops — but open containers for the driver are still illegal
- Louisiana does not use a point system — suspensions are based on specific violation types
- Teen drivers under 17 may not drive between 11 PM and 5 AM unless for work, school, or emergencies
Sample Louisiana Permit Test Questions
These questions cover rules that are specific to Louisiana. They're the ones people most often miss, because the answer differs from state to state.
At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a driver considered over the per se limit for DWI?
- A. 0.08% BAC
- B. 0.10% BAC
- C. 0.05% BAC
- D. 0.02% BAC
Answer: 0.08% BAC. A BAC of 0.08% or higher meets the per se standard for alcohol-impaired driving. Lower levels can still lead to arrest if impairment is shown.
For a driver under 21, which BAC level can trigger underage alcohol driving consequences?
- A. 0.02% BAC
- B. 0.08% BAC
- C. 0.05% BAC
- D. 0.00% BAC
Answer: 0.02% BAC. Drivers under 21 are subject to a lower alcohol threshold. A small measurable BAC can bring penalties.
Which child must be placed in a rear-facing child restraint system (unless the seat’s limits are reached)?
- A. A child younger than 2 years old
- B. A child younger than 4 years old
- C. A child younger than 1 year old
- D. A child younger than 8 years old
Answer: A child younger than 2 years old. Young children must ride rear-facing until at least age 2, subject to the seat’s height/weight limits. This is a minimum legal standard, not a best-practice ceiling.
When a turn signal is required, how long must it be given before turning?
- A. During at least the last 100 feet traveled before turning
- B. During at least the last 50 feet traveled before turning
- C. During at least the last 200 feet traveled before turning
- D. During at least the last 25 feet traveled before turning
Answer: During at least the last 100 feet traveled before turning. The signal must be continuous for the required distance so other drivers can anticipate your movement. Signal earlier if traffic conditions call for it.
What is the general maximum speed limit on highways unless a different limit is posted (with exceptions such as interstates)?
- A. 55 mph
- B. 60 mph
- C. 65 mph
- D. 70 mph
Answer: 55 mph. The general maximum is 55 mph unless a different speed is posted. Certain road types (like interstates) have higher statutory limits.
What percentage must you answer correctly to pass the Louisiana written exam?
- A. 70%
- B. 75%
- C. 80%
- D. 85%
Answer: 80%. You must correctly answer 80 percent of the questions, which come from the driver's guide.
How far from a stopped Louisiana school bus that is loading or unloading children must you stop?
- A. At least 10 feet
- B. At least 20 feet
- C. At least 30 feet
- D. At least 50 feet
Answer: At least 30 feet. Louisiana requires you to stop at least thirty feet from a stopped school bus loading or unloading children.
When don't you have to stop for a Louisiana school bus stopped in the opposite lanes?
- A. When no children are visible
- B. When the roadway is separated by a ditch, grassy median, raised concrete barrier, or other obstacle
- C. On any four-lane road
- D. After 4 p.m.
Answer: When the roadway is separated by a ditch, grassy median, raised concrete barrier, or other obstacle. If a ditch, grassy median, raised barrier, or other obstacle that traffic can't drive on separates the lanes, you don't have to stop.
What is the speed limit in Louisiana when pulling or towing another motor vehicle?
- A. 35 mph
- B. 45 mph
- C. 55 mph
- D. 65 mph
Answer: 45 mph. The maximum for any vehicle is 70 mph, except 45 mph when towing another motor vehicle and where lower limits are posted.
In Louisiana, you may not park within how many feet of a railroad crossing?
- A. 15 feet
- B. 25 feet
- C. 50 feet
- D. 100 feet
Answer: 50 feet. Don't park within 15 feet of a hydrant, 50 feet of a railroad crossing, or 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
In Louisiana, you may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?
- A. 10 feet
- B. 15 feet
- C. 20 feet
- D. 30 feet
Answer: 20 feet. Parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection is illegal.
Where must you stop at a Louisiana railroad crossing when required?
- A. At the tracks
- B. Within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail
- C. At least 100 feet away
- D. Anywhere before the crossbuck
Answer: Within 50 feet but not closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail. Stop within 50 feet but no closer than 15 feet from the nearest rail, and don't change gears while crossing.
When must you use low beams while following another vehicle in Louisiana?
- A. Within 100 feet
- B. Within 200 feet
- C. Within 300 feet
- D. Within 500 feet
Answer: Within 200 feet. Use low beams within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle or within 200 feet of a vehicle you're following.
When does Louisiana law require headlights?
- A. Only after dark
- B. Between sunset and sunrise, and when moisture or precipitation requires windshield wipers
- C. Only on highways
- D. Only in fog
Answer: Between sunset and sunrise, and when moisture or precipitation requires windshield wipers. Headlights (not just parking lights) are required from sunset to sunrise and whenever conditions require wipers.
According to the Louisiana guide, about how far ahead do low beams let you see clearly?
- A. 50 to 100 feet
- B. 150 to 200 feet
- C. 350 to 400 feet
- D. About 500 feet
Answer: 150 to 200 feet. Low beams let you see about 150 to 200 feet (safe at about 45 mph). High beams show 350 to 400 feet (about 65 mph).
How long is the suspension for a first refusal of a chemical test in Louisiana?
- A. 90 days
- B. 180 days
- C. 365 days
- D. 730 days
Answer: 365 days. Refusal suspends your driving privileges for 365 days on a first offense and 730 days on a second or later offense.
After a Louisiana refusal or DWI suspension, how long must you maintain SR-22 insurance?
- A. 1 year
- B. 2 years
- C. 3 years
- D. 5 years
Answer: 3 years. You must file an SR-22 (or $30,000 in cash or security) and maintain the SR-22 for three years.
In Louisiana, what speed are school buses limited to when frequently stopping to load or unload children?
- A. 25 mph
- B. 35 mph
- C. 45 mph
- D. 55 mph
Answer: 35 mph. School buses are limited to 35 mph when making frequent stops to load or unload children.
Can you coast downhill in neutral in Louisiana?
- A. Yes, to save fuel
- B. No, coasting with the clutch disengaged or in neutral is not allowed
- C. Only on interstates
- D. Only below 25 mph
Answer: No, coasting with the clutch disengaged or in neutral is not allowed. You must not let your vehicle coast downhill with the clutch disengaged or the gear in neutral.
Louisiana Permit Test FAQ
How many questions are on the Louisiana permit test?
The Louisiana knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need at least 32 correct answers (80%) to pass.
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Louisiana?
The minimum age for a learner's permit in Louisiana is 15. The minimum age for a driver's license is 16.
What is the legal blood alcohol limit in Louisiana?
Louisiana calls impaired driving DWI. The limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.
How does the Louisiana driver point system work?
No point system. Louisiana may suspend after conviction of certain offenses.
What are the default speed limits in Louisiana?
Typical limits in Louisiana are up to 75 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas and 15 mph in school zones. Posted signs always take priority.
Sources
The facts and questions on this page are based on the following official Louisiana government sources:
- https://expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov/expresslane.html
- https://expresslane.dps.louisiana.gov/CDLForms/newDriverInformation.aspx
- https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=88231
- https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88480
- https://dpsweb.dps.louisiana.gov/DPSForms.nsf/c0ec5167a2d5162786257d110074d2fc/5402fbe0178e092686257c1a005ff1cb/$FILE/Guide%202017.pdf
Facts and questions last checked against the Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide on September 26, 2026.
Laws change. Always check the current Louisiana driver's manual before your test. This site is unofficial and not affiliated with any Louisiana government agency.