The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Louisiana OMV knowledge test (Class E) is approximately 40 questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 32 correct and can miss up to 8. Note: Louisiana requires 80% to pass — the same standard used by most states.
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may reschedule at your local Louisiana OMV office. Contact the OMV at 225-925-6146 or visit expresslane.org (Louisiana Driver's Guide, Chapter 1).
The knowledge exam is taken at a Louisiana OMV driver license office. All in-person services are by scheduled appointment. Book online at expresslane.org.
All applicants younger than 25 years of age must complete an approved Impact Louisiana Drivers (ITD) course prior to taking the driving exam. Upon successful completion of certain driver ed courses, the written exam at the OMV office may be waived.
The legal BAC limit in Louisiana is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. Louisiana uses Zero Tolerance for minors — driving with a BAC of 0.02% or more under age 21 is a DWI offense. Louisiana Zero Tolerance law suspends driving privileges for 730 days on first test failure (Chapter 9).
1st DWI: up to $1,000 fine, 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 days. 4th DWI: felony, 30 years, $5,000 fine, 1,095 days. DWI records kept 10 years (Chapter 9).
Learner Permit (Stage 1): minimum age 15 (with driver education). Must hold for at least 180 days before applying for a Intermediate License. Supervisor must be a licensed adult 21+ OR licensed sibling 18+ — seated beside you. No experience requirement. Intermediate License (Stage 2): no more than 1 non-family passenger under 21; no driving 11 PM to 5 AM (unless accompanied by licensed 21+ adult or sibling 18+) (Chapter 1).
Louisiana uses the 3-second rule at any speed. Watch the car ahead pass a fixed point — count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand." If you reach it first, drop back. Increase to 4 seconds in bad weather, wet pavement, low visibility, or when following a motorcycle (Chapter 5).
Maximum speed: 70 mph statewide. I-49: 75 mph. Towing another vehicle: 45 mph. School buses (loading/unloading): 35 mph. Speed limits in residential and business areas are posted — always obey the sign (Chapter 6).
Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or stopping. Signal also when changing lanes, pulling from a parking space, entering or leaving a highway, and pulling to the side of the road. You may turn right on red after a complete stop unless prohibited. A left turn on red is only allowed when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street (Chapter 5, 6).
You must stop when approaching a school bus from either direction displaying alternately flashing red lights. Do not proceed until: (1) the bus has resumed motion, (2) you are signaled by the driver, or (3) the red lights are no longer flashing. You are not required to stop when the bus is on a different road or stopped in a loading zone on a controlled-access highway where pedestrians are not permitted to cross (Chapter 6).
Louisiana law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise. Also required when wipers are in use or when visibility is less than 500 feet. Dim to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following. Also use low beams in fog, rain, sleet, snow, or dust (Chapter 5).
Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, 20 feet of a traffic signal, flashing beacon, stop sign, or yield sign, 50 feet of a railroad crossing, or within 20 feet of a fire station driveway (same side) / 75 feet opposite. When parallel parking on a two-way road, your right-hand wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb (Chapter 5).
Louisiana child restraint law (R.S. 32:295): birth–2 years = rear-facing car seat; 2–4 years = forward-facing car seat; 4–9 years = booster seat; 9+ years = seatbelt; under 13 = rear seat when available. All drivers and passengers must use safety belts — primary enforcement (Chapter 4).
Louisiana requires 80% to pass — the same standard as most states. Aim for 85%+ on practice tests so test-day nerves don't drop you below the threshold.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Louisiana test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to OMV.
Download the Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide at expresslane.org. Every question comes directly from this manual.
Louisiana speed limits: max 70 mph statewide, 75 mph on I-49. Speed limits in residential and business areas are posted — always obey the sign. Work zone fines are doubled when workers are present.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
530+ questions based on the official Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide. Free, no signup required.
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