LA Permit Practice Test 17

All 20 questions in test 17

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. Crossing lights start flashing and the gates come down, but you do not see a train. What should you do?

   1. Drive around the gates since no train is visible
   2. Wait one minute, then cross carefully
   3. Stay stopped until the gates are raised
   4. Cross quickly before the gates fully close
   Show answer

   Stay stopped until the gates are raised. At crossings with gates, stop when the lights begin flashing and before the gates come down, then stay stopped until the gates go up. Never drive around the gates; it is against the law to drive through or around a crossing gate. Not seeing a train proves nothing, since you cannot judge a train's distance and speed and a train can appear on any track at any time. Waiting a set time or hurrying under a closing gate breaks the rule.

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings

2. 2. Under Louisiana law, which drivers may not use a wireless device to make a call while driving on a public road?

   1. Drivers 21 years of age or younger
   2. Drivers 17 years of age or younger
   3. Drivers 15 years of age or younger
   4. Only drivers holding a learner's permit
   Show answer

   Drivers 17 years of age or younger. Louisiana law says no person seventeen years of age or younger may drive on a public road or highway while using a wireless telecommunications device to make a call or to write, send or read a text. The guide explains that texting is very high risk and that teens are the highest risk group. For every driver, it advises never texting or surfing the web while driving and pulling over to a safe location to make a call.

3. 3. You leave a fast multilane highway for a slower single-lane road. What speed mistake does the guide warn is likely?

   1. Driving far below the new limit
   2. Missing the new speed limit signs
   3. Braking too hard at the first curve
   4. Traveling much faster than you think
   Show answer

   Traveling much faster than you think. The guide says the best way to avoid speeding is to check your speedometer often, because drivers are not very good at judging their speed by feel. It is easy to be going much faster than you think, especially after switching from a high speed multilane road to a slower single-lane road. After a long stretch at highway speed, a lower speed feels slow. Glance at the speedometer and slow down to the limit for the new road.

   Study this in the handbook: Speed laws

4. 4. When should you start looking for a gap in interstate traffic as you enter from an on ramp?

   1. While you are still on the entrance ramp
   2. After you stop at the end of the ramp
   3. Once you are fully in the right lane
   4. Only after other drivers move over for you
   Show answer

   While you are still on the entrance ramp. Merging works best when you judge traffic early. The guide tells drivers to begin checking interstate traffic while still on the entrance ramp, signal, look for a gap and adjust speed to meet it. Rolling slowly to the end of the ramp and stopping is discouraged, because from a full stop you need about a full block to reach the speed of interstate traffic. Interstate traffic has the right of way, and you cannot count on other drivers seeing you or moving over.

   Study this in the handbook: Speed laws

5. 5. Who may supervise a Louisiana learner's permit holder?

   1. A licensed adult at least 21 or a sibling at least 18
   2. Any licensed driver 16 or older
   3. Only a parent
   4. Only a certified instructor
   Show answer

   A licensed adult at least 21 or a sibling at least 18. A Louisiana learner's permit holder is authorized to drive only with a licensed adult at least twenty-one years of age or a sibling at least eighteen. A 16 year old licensed friend does not qualify. The rule is not limited to parents or instructors. The same 21 and 18 figures appear in the intermediate license's 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. restriction.

   Study this in the handbook: The graduated licensing program

6. 6. Which of these is a warning sign of drowsy driving?

   1. Feeling hungry after a long drive
   2. Not remembering the last few miles
   3. Checking your mirrors more often
   4. Noticing more road signs than you usually do
   Show answer

   Not remembering the last few miles. Drowsiness creeps up on drivers. Warning signs include being unable to recall the last few miles, trouble keeping your eyes open, drifting from your lane, wandering thoughts, a heavy feeling head, missing traffic signs, repeated yawning and tailgating. Checking mirrors often and noticing signs are signs of an alert driver. When warning signs appear, stop and rest, and share the driving if you can.

   Study this in the handbook: Defensive driving, fatigue and aggressive drivers

7. 7. The diagonal stripes on a work zone barricade slope downward to the right. Which way should you pass it?

   1. Bear to the left of the barricade
   2. Stop and wait for a flag person
   3. Bear to the right of the barricade
   4. Pass on whichever side looks more open
   Show answer

   Bear to the right of the barricade. Barricades and vertical panels in work zones carry diagonal stripes that point the way traffic should pass. Louisiana's guide says stripes sloping downward to the right mean you should bear to the right, while stripes sloping downward to the left mean you bear left. The stripes give the direction themselves, so there is no need to wait for a flag person, and picking either side ignores the guidance. Follow the slope early and move smoothly to the side it points to.

8. 8. You are following a school bus as it nears a railroad crossing. How should you adjust your following distance?

   1. Leave extra room, because the bus must stop
   2. Close up so you can cross right behind it
   3. Pass the bus before it reaches the tracks
   4. Keep your usual gap, since the bus will slow
   Show answer

   Leave extra room, because the bus must stop. School buses, transit buses and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at railroad crossings. When you follow one, leave extra room so you can stop calmly behind it without crowding it near the tracks. Closing up or trying to slip past before the crossing sets you up for a rear end crash or a stop on the tracks. Expect the stop and plan for it well before the crossing.

   Study this in the handbook: Scanning ahead, stopping distance and following distance

9. 9. A DO NOT PASS sign shows where you cannot pass. What are passing areas based on?

   1. How far you can see ahead
   2. The posted speed limit on the road
   3. How much traffic uses the road each day
   4. The width of the paved shoulder
   Show answer

   How far you can see ahead. The DO NOT PASS sign tells you where you cannot pass another vehicle. Louisiana's guide explains that passing areas are based on how far you can see ahead. They also consider unseen hazards such as hills and curves, intersections, driveways and other places where a vehicle or pedestrian may enter the roadway. At the end of a no passing zone, a PASS WITH CARE sign tells you that you may pass, but only when it is safe to do so.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, regulatory, guide and work zone signs

10. 10. Which driver action leads to many rollover crashes?

    1. Slowing gradually after leaving the pavement
    2. Overcorrecting the steering after a surprise
    3. Braking gently before entering a curve
    4. Staying within the posted speed limit
    Show answer

    Overcorrecting the steering after a surprise. Many rollovers happen when drivers overcorrect their steering after something unexpected, such as finding a stopped vehicle in the lane or drifting off the pavement. Sudden steering at high speed or on soft surfaces can trip the vehicle. The guide's advice is the opposite of a sharp jerk: if you leave the paved surface, slow down gradually and do not jerk the wheel to get back. Obeying the speed limit and taking extra care in bad weather also reduce rollover risk.

    Study this in the handbook: Skids, blowouts and hydroplaning

11. 11. Why must you never turn the ignition key to the lock position while the car is still moving?

    1. The steering can lock and you may lose control
    2. The headlights shut off and cannot restart
    3. The air bags switch off for the rest of the trip
    4. The fuel tank valve closes and the engine floods
    Show answer

    The steering can lock and you may lose control. Turning the key to lock while the car is moving can lock the steering. If you then try to turn the wheel, it will not respond, and you may lose control of the vehicle. The guide gives this warning in two places. Only turn the key to lock after the car is stopped and in park. Many cars use different steering lock systems, so learn how yours works before you drive it.

    Study this in the handbook: Lane changes, passing and wet roads

12. 12. A power outage has left the traffic signal at your intersection completely dark. How should you proceed?

    1. Go through as if the light were green
    2. Slow down, then continue if no one is close
    3. Yield only to drivers coming from the left
    4. Treat the intersection as an all-way stop
    Show answer

    Treat the intersection as an all-way stop. When a traffic signal is not working, Louisiana law says the intersection becomes an all-way or four-way stop. Every driver stops, then follows the four-way stop rules: when two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A dark signal does not give anyone a green light, and slowing without stopping breaks the rule. If a signal is malfunctioning, it becomes a 4-way stop intersection.

    Study this in the handbook: Speed laws

13. 13. You approach a railroad crossing on a rural road that has only a white X-shaped sign, with no lights or gates. What should you do?

    1. Cross at normal speed since no train is signaled
    2. Stop only if you hear a train horn
    3. Speed up to clear the tracks quickly
    4. Slow down, look both ways and be ready to stop
    Show answer

    Slow down, look both ways and be ready to stop. Many rural railroad crossings are marked only with a warning sign and a white X-shaped crossing sign, and typically have no lights or gates. Without those devices, nothing may announce an approaching train, so the guide says always slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train before crossing the tracks. Waiting to hear a horn or relying on the lack of flashing lights leaves you depending on warnings that may not exist.

    Study this in the handbook: Interstate and rural road driving

14. 14. Where on the roadway must Louisiana bicyclists ride?

    1. In the center of the lane at all times
    2. Facing traffic on the left side of the road
    3. As near to the right side as safely possible
    4. On the sidewalk wherever one is available
    Show answer

    As near to the right side as safely possible. Louisiana law says bicyclists must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as safely possible, using caution when passing stopped vehicles or vehicles going the same way. They ride with traffic, not against it, and may not ride more than two abreast except on paths set aside for bicycles. The guide also says a rider may move toward the center of the lane to avoid gravel, debris, grates or bad pavement, so drivers should expect that.

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, motorcycles and big trucks

15. 15. On a road covered with a layer of rainwater, at about what speed can partial hydroplaning begin?

    1. About 15 mph
    2. About 35 mph
    3. About 55 mph
    4. About 70 mph
    Show answer

    About 35 mph. Up to about 35 mph, tires with good tread wipe water off the road surface. Above that speed the water cannot be cleared fast enough, and partial hydroplaning starts. It gets worse as speed rises, until at about 55 mph the tires may lose all contact with the pavement. Then you cannot brake, steer or speed up. Fifty five is the point of total loss, not the start, so slowing down early in heavy rain is the best defense.

    Study this in the handbook: Lane changes, passing and wet roads

16. 16. Rain has started, and you pass this sign before a curve. What should you do?

    
    1. Keep the posted speed; it is the legal limit
    2. Brake firmly to test the road surface
    3. Pull onto the shoulder until the rain stops
    4. Reduce your speed below the posted limit
    Show answer

    Reduce your speed below the posted limit. This yellow diamond is the Slippery When Wet warning sign. Louisiana's guide says the posted maximum should be driven only in ideal conditions and that you must reduce speed when weather or traffic conditions require it, including when the road is slippery or it is raining. Rain on a stretch marked as slippery calls for a lower speed before the curve. Braking hard to test the surface risks a skid, and stopping on the shoulder is not required.

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, regulatory, guide and work zone signs

17. 17. You are stopping behind another car at a red light. How far back should you stop?

    1. Close enough to touch its bumper
    2. Where you can see its rear tires
    3. One full block behind the car
    4. Close enough to read its plate
    Show answer

    Where you can see its rear tires. When you stop behind another vehicle, stop far enough back that you can see the bottom of its tires. That space gives you room to pull around it if it stalls and keeps you from being pushed into it if you are hit from behind. Slow down smoothly by easing off the gas and pressing the brake gradually, without jarring your passengers. A full block is far more room than needed.

18. 18. A police officer at a busy intersection waves you through even though your light is red. What should you do?

    1. Follow the officer and go
    2. Wait for the light to turn green
    3. Stop, then go when the light changes
    4. Turn right instead of going straight
    Show answer

    Follow the officer and go. Louisiana's guide says traffic control can also be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossing guards, and you must obey directions from these persons. An officer directing traffic is the control at that moment, so when the officer waves you through, you go even though the signal shows red. Waiting for green would ignore the direction you were given. Move through with care, watching for other traffic and pedestrians.

    Study this in the handbook: Sign shapes and colors

19. 19. You are turning right on a green light at a busy downtown corner. Where should you watch for pedestrians?

    1. In the crosswalk straight ahead
    2. Only on the far side of the street
    3. Only behind your vehicle
    4. In front of and beside your vehicle
    Show answer

    In front of and beside your vehicle. Turning drives your car across the paths people use to cross. Louisiana's guide says that when turning at intersections, always watch for pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle or coming from the side. A person stepping off the corner beside you can be just as close as one in front of you. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way, so check both directions before and during the turn and stop for anyone in your path.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic lights and arrows

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

    1. About three hours
    2. About fifteen minutes
    3. About one hour
    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. That is an approximate processing statement, not a promise that a person will be safe or unimpaired after waiting exactly one hour. The shorter fifteen-minute choice understates the time, while three hours and a full night's sleep are not the guide's stated interval for one drink. Alcohol affects judgment and skill, and individual effects vary. The reliable driving cue is to arrange a sober ride instead of trying to calculate a safe departure time from drink count alone.

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol and Louisiana's BAC limits