How to Pass Your Louisiana Road Test: The Ultimate Guide

When you get your driver’s license, it’s a big moment. But having a license brings much responsibility with it, and so you’ll have to prove that you’re ready for it. One of the ways that the state of Louisiana ensures that inexperienced drivers are ready to take on this responsibility is by requiring all new drivers to pass a road test, also known as the driving skills test. While you’re probably a bit nervous about taking this test, proper preparation is key.

In this guide, we will go through everything you need to know about preparing for and passing the Louisiana road test.

Louisiana Road Test Requirements

Like many other states, Louisiana has a graduated driver licensing program in place that gradually introduces new drivers to the road. The program involves three stages: first, you’ll get a learner’s permit after passing knowledge and vision tests. The next stage is the intermediate license, which you’ll get after you complete a number of requirements and pass the road test.

Depending on your age, you may be able to skip the intermediate license and simply get your full license after passing the road test.

Driver Requirements

Make sure you satisfy the requirements for taking the road test by checking out the checklist we’ve compiled below:

• You’ve successfully obtained your learner’s permit after:
  • Reaching the age of 15.
  • Getting a Temporary Instruction Permit and completing driver’s education, which includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of behind-the-wheel.
  • Completing your application.
  • Presenting the correct documents.
  • Passing the vision and knowledge tests.
• You’ve reached the age of 16 and have practiced with your permit for at least 180 days, or…

If you’re 17 or older, you are not required to get a learner’s permit or complete driver’s education. However, you will have to pass the vision, knowledge, and driving test before getting your license.

When you’re ready to take your Louisiana road test, schedule an appointment at a third-party licensing office or at an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

Vehicle Requirements

You may need to provide a vehicle for the road skills test, depending on where you choose to take it. If you’re taking the test with a third-party testing business, check with them to find out if you need to provide a vehicle. All drivers taking the test with the LA OMV will need to provide the testing vehicle.

Before the exam, you’ll want to make sure that your vehicle is ready. First of all, check that it is properly registered and insured and that you have acceptable proof of both. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that your vehicle itself is functioning safely. Your vehicle may be inspected before the test begins.

Check that the following vehicle requirements work before taking the road test:

• Vehicle lights: Make sure that headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are working properly.
• Brakes: Brakes should function correctly.
• Windshield: The view shouldn’t be blocked and your wipers should work effectively.
• Mirrors: Mirrors should work correctly and be adjusted to the right position.
• Tires: Your tires should be inflated and shouldn’t be worn down too far.
• Doors/Windows: These should open and close correctly.
• Seat Belts: Your vehicle should have seat belts that fasten safely for all passengers.
• Horn: Your car horn should work correctly.
• Speedometer: Speedometer should be accurate.

On the Day of Your Louisiana Road Test

What Should You Bring to the LA OMV?

When you’re getting ready to take your driving skills test, you’ll want to collect all the documents you’ll need to bring to the OMV. These include:

• Your learner’s permit.
• Your birth certificate (if you’re 18 or over, other forms of identification will be accepted)
• Proof of your social security number.
• Proof of address.

Additionally, if you’re a minor, you’ll need a parent or guardian to provide identification and sign your application. If you’re 18 or older, you’ll have to present two identification documents. You may need to bring a fee as well.

If you’re taking the road test with a third-party driver licensing office, fill out and bring this application.

What Maneuvers are Tested on the Louisiana Driving Skills Test?

During the driving skills test, your examiner will ride in the passenger seat of your vehicle while you drive. You must demonstrate that you can safely and properly control your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations.

Be sure to practice the following maneuvers and driving skills since they are tested on the actual road test in Louisiana:

• Staying in your lane: Don’t drift around in your lane or change lanes unnecessarily. If you need to pass another vehicle, check your mirrors and blind spots and change lanes smoothly, deliberately, and safely.
• Turning: When approaching a turn, move into the correct lane and activate your turn signal well before the turn. Turn into the correct lane at a safe speed and make sure that your signal is off after the turn is complete.
• Lane change: Use your turn signals when making turns, merging, or changing lanes. Activate the turn signal well before the turn or lane change and make sure it has canceled afterward.
• Following distance: Be sure to stay a safe distance away from other vehicles. You’ll want to leave enough room to stop safely if they suddenly hit the brakes.
• Right-of-way: Give other vehicles the right-of-way in the correct circumstances. Pull over for emergency vehicles and stop for school buses.
• Attention: Stay aware of other vehicles and traffic conditions. Don’t text or get distracted.
• Signs and signals: Watch for signs and signals and obey them.

In addition to these general driving skills, you may be asked to demonstrate control of your vehicle by performing other maneuvers such as parallel parking, backing your vehicle, and 2-point turns.

What if You Fail Your Louisiana Road Test?

With the proper preparation, just about every new driver can pass the road test. However, it’s a good idea to know exactly what will cause a failure. You’ll fail your test if you make too many minor mistakes or if any of these major errors occur:

• Breaking a traffic law, such as a speed limit.
• Getting involved in a vehicle accident.
• Refusing to cooperate with your examiner.
• Ignoring instructions.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the Louisiana driving test. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward.

If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.