The Louisiana permit test has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass. Official source. Page updated 2026-10-22.
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Key Louisiana DMV rules and numbers
These are key rules and numbers from the Louisiana handbook, a few per topic so they fit on one printed page. We favor rules that state a specific number. Every fact below comes from our free Louisiana DMV practice test question bank, which has 500 questions across 9 topics, checked against the Louisiana handbook (last verified 2026-09-07).
Speed limits
- Louisiana's statutory maximum is 70 mph on interstate and controlled-access highways, subject to established speed zones. (Handbook)
- Some high-speed roads post a minimum speed, and drivers are legally required to travel at least that fast so they do not become a hazard to other drivers. (Handbook, p. 27)
- A school speed limit when flashing sign indicates that the reduced school-zone speed is required only while the sign is flashing. (Handbook, p. 27)
- In Louisiana, traffic fines are double for construction zones. (Handbook, p. 31)
- Speed limits are posted for ideal conditions. (Handbook, p. 86)
Right of way
- The guide says speeds of 15 mph or less are adequate inside a roundabout. (Handbook, p. 37)
- The guide's left turn steps are to prepare early, signal and move into the proper lane at least 100 feet ahead, keep your wheels straight while waiting, brake before you begin the turn and use the proper lanes. (Handbook, p. 90)
- The stop sign rule places the vehicle behind the stop line when one is present. (Handbook, p. 27)
- Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to the left, where circulating traffic approaches. (Handbook, p. 37)
- Interstate traffic has the right-of-way over a vehicle entering from a ramp. (Handbook, p. 100)
Alcohol and DUI
- For a driver age 21 or older, Louisiana identifies .08 percent as the legal BAC limit. (Handbook, p. 123)
- Louisiana lists .02 percent for drivers who are 20 years old or younger. (Handbook, p. 123)
- A first refusal to submit to the alcohol analysis test brings a 365-day suspension of driving privileges. (Handbook, p. 126)
- The guide lists 0.04% as the legal BAC limit for operating a commercial motor vehicle. (Handbook, p. 123)
- Louisiana increases the implied-consent suspension to 730 days for a second or subsequent refusal of the alcohol analysis test. (Handbook, p. 126)
Signals and markings
- Louisiana requires a right or left turn signal continuously for at least 100 feet before making the turn. (Handbook, p. 92)
- A steady green permits movement, but a left turn still depends on a clear intersection. (Handbook, p. 33)
- A flashing red light is an active stop control, not a signal that can be ignored when the road looks empty. (Handbook, p. 34)
- A flashing yellow signal is a caution control, not a command to stop automatically. (Handbook, p. 33)
- A single broken yellow line divides opposing traffic on a two-lane road, and the driver must remain to its right during ordinary travel. (Handbook, p. 34)
Parking
- The parking restrictions in the Louisiana guide prohibit parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. (Handbook, p. 70)
- When parallel parked, the vehicle's right wheels must be within 18 inches of the right-hand curb. (Handbook, p. 70)
- Louisiana law makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. (Handbook, p. 70)
- Louisiana prohibits parking within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street, or within 75 feet of the driveway on the other side of the street. (Handbook, p. 70)
- For uphill parking where a curb is present, turn your wheels away from the curb. (Handbook, p. 68)
Safe driving
- Louisiana's guide says you must complete a passing maneuver before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. (Handbook, p. 71)
- Louisiana requires lower headlight beams when you approach within 500 feet of another vehicle. (Handbook, p. 75)
- The Louisiana guide requires lower headlight beams when you follow within 200 feet of another vehicle. (Handbook, p. 75)
- Per mile driven, teenage drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to crash than older drivers, according to the Louisiana guide. (Handbook, p. 6)
- In 2018 a crash in Louisiana occurred every 3 minutes, a serious injury every 7 minutes, and a fatality every 11 hours and 22 minutes. (Handbook, p. 19)
Road signs
- A 4-WAY sign may be added to a stop sign at intersections where all approaching traffic has a stop sign. (Handbook, p. 27)
- This warning sign is the 2-way traffic reminder shown in the guide. (Handbook, p. 26)
- A sign's shape can tell you something about its meaning before you are close enough to read the words. (Handbook, p. 22)
- The octagon is reserved for stop signs, making its shape useful before the lettering can be read. (Handbook, p. 23)
- A yield sign tells the driver to slow down and let traffic with the right-of-way cross before entering. (Handbook, p. 23)
Laws and paperwork
- Louisiana sets a 45 mph maximum when a vehicle is pulling or towing another motor vehicle. (Handbook, p. 128)
- The guide limits school buses to 35 mph when they frequently stop to load or unload children. (Handbook, p. 128)
- The Office of Motor Vehicles maintains DWI convictions for 10 years. (Handbook, p. 11)
- A first-time applicant must correctly answer 80 percent of the knowledge questions to pass. (Handbook, p. 8)
- Class E permits the operation of any single motor vehicle under 10,001 pounds, recreational vehicles and certain farm use vehicles not defined as commercial vehicles. (Handbook, p. 2)
Emergencies
- Louisiana makes it unlawful to follow an emergency vehicle responding to a call closer than 500 feet. (Handbook, p. 97)
- The usual rule is to stop at least 30 feet from a school bus that is loading or unloading children, whether you are behind it or meeting it. (Handbook, p. 88)
- A car that enters water stays afloat only 30 to 60 seconds, so the guide says to try to get out immediately rather than waiting for the car to fill. (Handbook, p. 119)
- The guide's track facts say trains have the right of way 100 percent of the time, over emergency vehicles, cars, police and pedestrians. (Handbook, p. 96)
- An emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals requires you to yield, move parallel to the right edge or curb, clear of intersections, and remain stopped until it passes. (Handbook, p. 121)
Want the reasoning behind these rules? Study the handbook, chapter by chapter, in 25 short lessons quoted from the Louisiana manual.
Signs
Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.
Keep studying
This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free Louisiana DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see Louisiana DMV facts and fees before test day.