LA Permit Practice Test

How to use this LA practice test

1. Take the 40 question exam-length practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at 80 percent or better, book the real test.

LA practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable LA practice test with answer key

All 40 questions, LA exam length

Every question below comes from the Louisiana question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. What BAC limit applies to a Louisiana driver who is 21 years of age or older?

   1. .08 percent
   2. .02 percent
   3. .04 percent for every driver
   4. .10 percent
   Show answer

   .08 percent. For a driver age 21 or older, Louisiana identifies .08 percent as the legal BAC limit. The . Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Before entering a Louisiana roundabout, to which direction must a vehicle yield?

   1. To the left
   2. To the right
   3. Only to vehicles behind it
   4. To no direction if signaling
   Show answer

   To the left. Vehicles entering a roundabout must yield to the left, where circulating traffic approaches. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. When may a driver travel at the maximum speed shown on a Louisiana speed limit sign?

   1. Only in ideal driving conditions
   2. Whenever the driver is late
   3. Only when following another vehicle
   4. Regardless of rain or fog
   Show answer

   Only in ideal driving conditions. A posted maximum speed is intended for ideal driving conditions. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. What is the Louisiana speed limit for a school bus that frequently stops to load or unload children?

   1. 35 mph
   2. 25 mph
   3. 45 mph
   4. 70 mph
   Show answer

   35 mph. The guide limits school buses to 35 mph when they frequently stop to load or unload children. Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. How close may a driver follow an emergency vehicle responding to a call in Louisiana?

   1. Not closer than 500 feet
   2. Within 100 feet if traveling slowly
   3. Within 50 feet when the road is clear
   4. Any distance if the driver uses hazard lights
   Show answer

   Not closer than 500 feet. Louisiana makes it unlawful to follow an emergency vehicle responding to a call closer than 500 feet. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. Which condition requires a Louisiana driver to stop at a railroad crossing?

   1. A lowered crossing gate
   2. A clear track with no warning device active
   3. A green traffic light on a nearby street
   4. A vehicle parked more than 100 feet away
   Show answer

   A lowered crossing gate. A lowered crossing gate is one of the conditions that requires a stop at a Louisiana railroad crossing. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. What does Louisiana's knowledge test cover for a first-time applicant?

   1. Traffic signs and signals, safe driving practices, and Louisiana driving laws
   2. Vehicle repair and engine rebuilding only
   3. Road construction employment procedures only
   4. Navigation and fuel economy only
   Show answer

   Traffic signs and signals, safe driving practices, and Louisiana driving laws. The knowledge test confirms understanding of traffic signs and signals, safe driving practices, and Louisiana laws related to driving. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. At a simultaneous intersection approach, which driver must yield?

   1. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
   2. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left
   3. Both drivers must proceed together
   4. The larger vehicle always goes first
   Show answer

   The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. When two vehicles approach an intersection together, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What is the maximum speed on a Louisiana road when the vehicle is towing another motor vehicle?

   1. 45 miles per hour
   2. 70 miles per hour
   3. 35 miles per hour
   4. 15 miles per hour
   Show answer

   45 miles per hour. Towing another motor vehicle triggers Louisiana's 45 mph maximum. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What color is used for temporary traffic control signs in Louisiana’s guide?

    1. Orange
    2. Blue
    3. Brown
    4. Green
    Show answer

    Orange. Orange identifies temporary traffic control signs and signals a construction or maintenance setting. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. According to the Louisiana guide, about how long does the body take to remove one normal drink from circulation?

    1. About one hour
    2. About fifteen minutes
    3. About three hours
    4. Only after a full night's sleep
    Show answer

    About one hour. The guide says the body takes about an hour to get rid of one normal drink from the circulatory system. Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. What does Louisiana's open-container law prohibit inside a vehicle?

    1. Possessing an open alcoholic beverage container and consuming alcohol
    2. Transporting any sealed bottle in a trunk
    3. Drinking water while a passenger is present
    4. Carrying a nonalcoholic drink in a cup holder
    Show answer

    Possessing an open alcoholic beverage container and consuming alcohol. Louisiana's rule prohibits both possession of an open alcoholic beverage container and consumption of any alcoholic beverage in a vehicle. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. How many supervised driving hours must be documented before a Louisiana Class E intermediate license is issued?

    1. 50 hours, including at least 15 at night
    2. 30 hours, including at least 5 at night
    3. 40 hours, all during daylight
    4. 60 hours, including at least 20 at night
    Show answer

    50 hours, including at least 15 at night. The intermediate license upgrade requires a documented total of at least 50 practice hours, and the manual adds a separate nighttime minimum Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What does the octagon shape tell a driver about a traffic sign?

    1. It is used exclusively for stop signs
    2. It marks a railroad advance warning
    3. It identifies a no-passing zone
    4. It marks a guide sign to a service
    Show answer

    It is used exclusively for stop signs. The octagon is reserved for stop signs, making its shape useful before the lettering can be read. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What does a one-way street sign with an arrow tell drivers?

    1. Traffic flows only in the arrow’s direction
    2. Traffic may travel either way after yielding
    3. The arrow marks a lane reserved for turning around
    4. The street is closed to all motor vehicles
    Show answer

    Traffic flows only in the arrow’s direction. A one-way sign establishes the permitted direction of traffic. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What does a black and white speed limit sign show?

    1. The maximum legal speed or, where posted, the minimum legal speed
    2. A recommended speed that may always be exceeded
    3. The speed required in every weather condition
    4. The speed permitted only when no other vehicles are present
    Show answer

    The maximum legal speed or, where posted, the minimum legal speed. Black and white speed signs can show a maximum legal speed or a minimum legal speed. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. Which locations may be identified by fluorescent yellow warning signs?

    1. School zones, school crossings, and pedestrian crossings
    2. Truck inspection stations and weigh scales
    3. Recreational areas and cultural attractions
    4. Temporary construction detours and lane closures
    Show answer

    School zones, school crossings, and pedestrian crossings. The guide says some warning signs may be fluorescent yellow, including signs for school zones, school crossings, and pedestrian crossings. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. How should a driver use a roundabout after entering it?

    1. Do not stop inside; traffic already in the roundabout has the right-of-way
    2. Stop inside whenever another vehicle approaches from the right
    3. Drive clockwise against the circulating traffic to reach the exit
    4. Change lanes repeatedly until the desired exit appears
    Show answer

    Do not stop inside; traffic already in the roundabout has the right-of-way. Once inside a roundabout, do not stop, and remember that the vehicle circulating there has the right-of-way. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What kind of roadway information is conveyed by the yellow diamond sign shown?

    1. A warning about a possible hazard ahead
    2. A command to enter a reserved bus lane
    3. A guide to a recreational destination
    4. A notice that the vehicle registration is due
    Show answer

    A warning about a possible hazard ahead. The skidding car image is a warning sign, and its yellow diamond shape tells the driver to prepare for a possible roadway hazard. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. How should a driver interpret the yellow diamond shape of this crossroad sign?

    1. It warns of an approaching roadway condition
    2. It establishes a four way stop at the sign
    3. It gives the distance to the next airport
    4. It prohibits all turns at the intersection
    Show answer

    It warns of an approaching roadway condition. The crossroad picture is a yellow diamond warning sign. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign generally communicate?

    1. A warning about a possible hazard or changing roadway condition
    2. A binding speed limit that applies until the next town
    3. A service location such as fuel or lodging
    4. A parking rule that applies only during business hours
    Show answer

    A warning about a possible hazard or changing roadway condition. Yellow diamond signs are warning signs. They alert drivers to possible danger, a special situation, or a roadway condition ahead, allowing t Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. How can a driver apply the three-second following rule?

    1. Count three seconds after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object
    2. Keep exactly three car lengths behind at every speed
    3. Count three seconds before the vehicle ahead reaches an object
    4. Follow one second behind when the pavement is dry
    Show answer

    Count three seconds after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object. Choose a fixed object such as a sign, pole, or tree. When the vehicle ahead passes it, count three seconds. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. What should an approaching driver do at a flashing yellow traffic signal?

    1. Slow down, look for entering traffic, and proceed with caution
    2. Stop as though facing a stop sign
    3. Accelerate before cross traffic can enter
    4. Wait for a steady yellow signal before moving
    Show answer

    Slow down, look for entering traffic, and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow signal is a warning that calls for reduced speed and careful observation, not an automatic stop. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. After a property damage crash, what should you do to reduce the risk of another collision?

    1. Remove the vehicles from the roadway to the nearest soft shoulder when possible
    2. Leave both vehicles in the travel lanes until every report is finished
    3. Drive away if the vehicles can still move under their own power
    4. Park across a lane so approaching traffic must stop
    Show answer

    Remove the vehicles from the roadway to the nearest soft shoulder when possible. Louisiana's Move It campaign emphasizes clearing damaged vehicles from the roadway when it can be done safely. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. On a multilane highway, how should you respond to a stopped emergency vehicle displaying warning lamps?

    1. Change to a lane not adjacent to it when safe, or slow to a reasonably safe speed
    2. Stop in the lane next to the emergency vehicle
    3. Keep your speed and pass without changing lanes
    4. Move onto the emergency vehicle's shoulder
    Show answer

    Change to a lane not adjacent to it when safe, or slow to a reasonably safe speed. Louisiana's emergency vehicle rule gives priority to creating space around a parked responder. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. Why is speed difficult to judge while cornering?

    1. Cornering force depends on speed squared
    2. Cornering force stays the same at every speed
    3. A curve removes the need to watch for roadside obstacles
    4. Advisory signs guarantee the same safe speed in every condition
    Show answer

    Cornering force depends on speed squared. Cornering force rises with the square of speed, so a small increase can produce a much larger demand on the tires. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What are Louisiana's penalties for simple littering?

    1. A $10 fine
    2. A $150 fine or eight hours of community service for a first offense, up to $900 or 20 hours for a second
    3. A warning
    4. Jail for a first offense
    Show answer

    A $150 fine or eight hours of community service for a first offense, up to $900 or 20 hours for a second. Under state law the penalties for simple littering range from a first offense of a $150 fine or eight hours of community service to a $900 f Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. What does a steady yellow traffic light mean when you are already in the intersection?

    1. You may continue safely through the intersection
    2. You must reverse out of the intersection
    3. You must stop immediately in the crossing path
    4. You may turn in any direction without yielding
    Show answer

    You may continue safely through the intersection. Yellow normally warns that the signal is about to turn red, so a driver approaching the stop bar should slow and stop when that can be done Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. How should you treat an intersection when its traffic control signal is not functioning?

    1. Treat it as an all way or four way stop
    2. Proceed without stopping because no light is showing
    3. Give priority only to the wider roadway
    4. Treat it as a flashing yellow signal
    Show answer

    Treat it as an all way or four way stop. A dark or otherwise nonfunctioning traffic signal does not erase the intersection's controls. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. How often did a crash, serious injury and fatality occur in Louisiana in 2018, according to the guide?

    1. A crash every hour
    2. A fatality every week
    3. A crash every day
    4. A crash every 3 minutes, a serious injury every 7 minutes, and a fatality every 11 hours and 22 minutes
    Show answer

    A crash every 3 minutes, a serious injury every 7 minutes, and a fatality every 11 hours and 22 minutes. 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. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. What causes hydroplaning as speed rises on a wet roadway?

    1. The tires ride up on a layer of water and lose pavement contact
    2. The engine becomes flooded by rainwater
    3. The brakes lock because the road is too dry
    4. The steering wheel automatically turns toward the shoulder
    Show answer

    The tires ride up on a layer of water and lose pavement contact. Hydroplaning begins when water cannot be removed from the roadway quickly enough by the tires. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. Who has priority when a driver approaches a roundabout entrance?

    1. Traffic already circulating in the roundabout
    2. The vehicle entering from the widest approach
    3. The first vehicle to sound its horn
    4. Traffic entering from the left regardless of position
    Show answer

    Traffic already circulating in the roundabout. At a roundabout, entering traffic yields the right of way to vehicles already circulating. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. How does the three-second rule help a driver judge following distance?

    1. It checks whether the vehicle takes at least three seconds to reach a reference point
    2. It measures three car lengths at every speed
    3. It permits a two-second gap in rain
    4. It replaces the need to watch the road ahead
    Show answer

    It checks whether the vehicle takes at least three seconds to reach a reference point. To use the three-second rule, choose a fixed object ahead, begin counting when the vehicle in front passes it, and compare that count with y Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. When turning right at a roundabout, when should the driver use the right signal?

    1. While approaching and until exiting the roundabout
    2. Only after passing the intended exit
    3. Only while traveling straight through
    4. Never, because roundabouts do not use signals
    Show answer

    While approaching and until exiting the roundabout. For a right turn through a roundabout, the guide directs the driver to signal right while approaching and continue signaling until the exit Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. What does an orange and red triangle on the rear of farm or construction equipment indicate?

    1. The vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph
    2. The vehicle can travel at the posted maximum speed
    3. The vehicle is an emergency vehicle with priority
    4. The vehicle is stopped and may be passed without checking
    Show answer

    The vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph. The fluorescent or reflective orange and red triangle identifies a slow-moving vehicle traveling less than twenty-five miles per hour. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. What information does a typical yellow diamond-shaped warning sign provide?

    1. A possible danger or special roadway condition ahead
    2. A maximum legal speed that applies in all weather
    3. The location of a fuel or lodging service
    4. A command to enter only in the arrow's direction
    Show answer

    A possible danger or special roadway condition ahead. Warning signs alert drivers to possible danger, a hazard, or a special situation ahead. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. After stopping for a school bus, when may a driver begin moving again?

    1. After the bus moves and the driver scans before proceeding
    2. As soon as the flashing red lights turn off, without checking
    3. After waiting ten seconds even if the bus remains stopped
    4. When the driver can see around the bus from the stopped position
    Show answer

    After the bus moves and the driver scans before proceeding. After stopping for a school bus, the driver must wait for the vehicle to move and scan before starting to drive again. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What should a driver do when visibility ahead is blocked by a curve, hill, or vehicle?

    1. Slow down and be ready to adjust the path of travel
    2. Maintain speed because the obstruction hides danger
    3. Move immediately into the opposing lane
    4. Use the shoulder as a normal passing lane
    Show answer

    Slow down and be ready to adjust the path of travel. A blocked view removes the time needed to react to a hazard, so the guide calls for slowing down and preparing to adjust the path. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What does a steady DON'T WALK pedestrian signal tell a person at the curb?

    1. Do not enter the roadway toward the signal
    2. Cross if no vehicle is immediately visible
    3. Cross normally because the signal is not flashing
    4. Wait only for a vehicle to wave the pedestrian through
    Show answer

    Do not enter the roadway toward the signal. The steady DON'T WALK indication means pedestrians must not enter the roadway toward that signal. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. When confronted by an aggressive driver, which action is recommended?

    1. Avoid eye contact, steer clear, and give the driver plenty of room
    2. Hold position and prevent the driver from passing
    3. Return gestures so the driver knows you are not intimidated
    4. Use the horn repeatedly to make the driver stop
    Show answer

    Avoid eye contact, steer clear, and give the driver plenty of room. The safe response to an aggressive driver is to avoid eye contact, steer clear, and provide plenty of room. Full explanation in Test 8