Road Coach › States › Louisiana
Louisiana permit test essentials
Last verified September 28, 2026 against the official Louisiana Class D and E Driver’s Guide (DPSMV 2052, R08/25).
Study for the Louisiana knowledge test with free practice questions written from the official manual.
Practise Louisiana questions free Your checklist in the app Road signs
Quick facts
- Score to pass
- 80%Official source, checked September 23, 2026
- Earliest age for a learner permit
- 15 You must be at least 15 for a learner’s permit, after 30 hours of classroom and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driver education.Manual PDF p. 12, Stage 1: learner’s permit
- What to bring
- 4 kinds of documents: see your DMV checklist.
Numbers to know
As the Louisiana manual states them; these often come up on the test.
- 0.08
Blood alcohol limit, 21 and older
The legal limit is .08 if you are 21 or older.
Manual PDF p. 128, Alcohol - 0.02
Blood alcohol limit, under 21
The legal limit is .02 if you are 20 or younger.
Manual PDF p. 128, Alcohol - 3 seconds
Following distance
Use the three-second rule; increase it to four seconds in bad weather or on wet pavement.
Manual PDF p. 70, Following distances - 100 feet
Signal before you turn
Louisiana law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn.
Manual PDF p. 95, Left turn - 500 feet
Dim high beams for oncoming traffic
Use low beams when approaching within 500 feet of another vehicle.
Manual PDF p. 80, Headlights - 200 feet
Dim high beams behind a vehicle
Use low beams when following within 200 feet of another vehicle.
Manual PDF p. 80, Headlights - 15 feet
No parking near a fire hydrant
When you park, stay at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant.
Manual PDF p. 75, Parking - 30 feet
School bus with red lights flashing
Stop at least 30 feet from a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children.
Manual PDF p. 93, Stopped school buses - 15 to 50 feet
Stopping at a railroad crossing
When you must stop at a railroad crossing, stop within 50 feet but no closer than 15 feet to the nearest rail.
Manual PDF p. 99, Railroad grade crossing - 180 days
How long you hold the permit
Keep your learner’s permit at least 180 days, and until your 16th birthday, before the intermediate license.
Manual PDF p. 12, Stage 1: learner’s permit - 50 hours
Supervised practice
A parent or guardian signs that you drove at least 50 hours with a licensed parent, guardian or adult before the intermediate license.
Manual PDF p. 12, Stage 1: learner’s permit - 21 or older
Your supervising driver
With a learner’s permit, drive only with a licensed adult at least 21 or a sibling at least 18.
Manual PDF p. 12, Stage 1: learner’s permit - 20/40
Your Louisiana DMV checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Documents to bring
- Manual PDF p. 7, Identification requirements
- Manual PDF p. 10, Acceptable primary documents
- Manual PDF p. 8, Social Security requirement
- Manual PDF p. 12, Stage 1: learner’s permit
Fees
Tests at the office
Parent or guardian (under 18)
Appointment and visit
Rules and fees can change. Check with the Louisiana DMV before you go.
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the Louisiana permit test?
To pass you need 80%.
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in Louisiana?
You must be at least 15 for a learner’s permit, after 30 hours of classroom and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel driver education.
What documents do I need for a Louisiana learner permit?
Original or certified identity documents: one primary and two secondary, or two primary (photocopies are not accepted). 17 and under: a certified birth certificate or papers proving custody or legal guardianship. Your Social Security number (or a letter from Social Security if you have none). Proof of driver education (30 classroom hours and 8 behind-the-wheel hours for a learner’s permit).