Louisiana OMV Permit Test FAQ

80% or better is required to pass any Louisiana OMV knowledge exam. The Louisiana Driver's Guide states: "You must correctly answer 80 percent of these questions to receive a passing score." On a 40-question test that means 32 correct. This is unique to Louisiana — most states require 80%.

If you fail the knowledge test, you may reschedule at your local Louisiana OMV office. Contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 or visit expresslane.org to schedule an appointment (Chapter 1).

You must be at least 15 years old and have completed the classroom phase of a driver education course to apply for a Louisiana Learner Permit. A hardship license may be issued at age 15 under special circumstances (illness, economic hardship, vocational enrollment, or court order). Applicants 18 and older who want to legally practice driving are issued a Class E license with learner restrictions (Chapter 1).

During Phase Two (Intermediate License), drivers under 18 may not: (1) have more than 1 non-family passenger under age 21, or (2) drive between 11 PM and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21+ or a licensed sibling 18+. All drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any wireless device including hands-free, except in emergencies (Chapter 1).

Louisiana Zero Tolerance sets the under-21 BAC limit at 0.02%. Driving with a BAC of 0.02% or more triggers a 730-day suspension on first offense. DWI convictions for under-21 drivers are maintained on record for 10 years (Chapter 9).

For drivers 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. A person is also considered legally intoxicated if they have lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs, regardless of BAC. For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more is illegal under Louisiana Zero Tolerance law. Test failure suspends privileges for 730 days on first offense (Chapter 9).

Maximum speed in Louisiana: 70 mph. I-49: 75 mph. Towing another vehicle: 45 mph. School buses frequently stopping: 35 mph. Speed limits in residential and business areas are posted — always obey the sign. Reduced speeds required near schools, playgrounds, and work zones (Chapter 6).

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Other restricted distances: 20 feet from a crosswalk, 20 feet from a traffic signal, flashing beacon, stop sign, or yield sign, 50 feet from a railroad crossing, 20 feet from a fire station driveway (same side), and 75 feet from a fire station on the opposite side of the street (Chapter 5).

1st DWI: fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months jail, 365-day suspension. 2nd DWI: $1,000 fine, 6 months (48 hrs mandatory), 730-day suspension. 3rd DWI: felony, 1–5 years, $2,000 fine, 1,095-day suspension. 4th DWI: felony, up to 30 years, $5,000 fine, 1,095 days. Refusal: 365-day suspension (1st) / 730 days (2nd+). All DWI convictions require SR-22 for 3 years (Chapter 9).

Louisiana law requires all vehicles driven on public highways to carry liability insurance. You must show proof of insurance to law enforcement on request. Failure to provide proof results in plate seizure — you have 3 days (excluding weekends and holidays) to provide proof at an OMV office. After a DWI conviction or implied consent refusal, you must file an SR-22 for 3 years from conviction date (Class D section).

Yes — but only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. After coming to a complete stop, you may turn left at a red light from a one-way onto a one-way, unless prohibited by a sign. You may always turn right on red (after stopping) unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to all pedestrians and traffic (Chapter 5).

A Louisiana driver license must be renewed every 6 years. You may renew online, by mail, or by phone at 225-925-6146 (OMV) if eligible. All licensees must appear in person at a OMV office periodically to update their photo and pass a vision exam. Notify OMV of any address change within 10 days (Chapter 1).

While holding a Learner Permit, a licensed adult at least 21 years of age, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years of age, must occupy the seat beside you. There is no experience requirement. This person cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or otherwise unable to observe and respond to your driving (Chapter 1).