Louisiana OMV road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• Backing
• Yielding right of way
• Approach to corner
• Keeping in lane
• Parking between cars
• Use of signals
• Following others
• Attention
• Turning
• Response to signs and signals

How it's scored

Points are deducted for errors. You need at least 80% to pass.

Mistakes that end the test

• A violation of any traffic law
• Any dangerous action/incident
• Lack of cooperation or refusal to follow instructions
• Collision
• Cumulative minor mistakes

Your car

• Safety inspected, valid inspection sticker
• Current plate and registration
• Operational speedometer
• Functional seat belts
• Loose objects removed

After you pass

Drivers under 17 (Class E) get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• No driving 11 p.m.-5 a.m. unless with a licensed parent/guardian, adult 21+ or sibling 18+
• 6 p.m.-5 a.m.: no more than one passenger under 21 who is not immediate family, unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21+
• Drivers 17 and under may not use a wireless device to talk or text except in emergencies
• Driver must ensure all passengers are belted
• Intermediate must be held until the 17th birthday; full license requires 12 consecutive months with no at-fault crashes, moving violations, or seat belt/curfew/drug/alcohol violations
• Licenses for under-21 drivers have a different color and orientation

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.