Updated for 2026

Louisiana OMV (Office of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$32.25 (Base fee, varies by Parish/Local service charges)

Testing System

computerized touchscreen

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Louisiana is the confusion surrounding the 'TIP' card requirement (many show up to driving school without it) and failing to stop at the specific distance of 30 feet from a school bus, which is further than in many other states.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Louisiana traffic laws are enforced under the Louisiana Revised Statutes, and the state has a unique prerequisite for all new drivers known as the 'Temporary Instruction Permit' (TIP). Unlike other states where you go to driving school first, in Louisiana, you must visit the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to obtain a TIP *before* you can legally step into a driver's education classroom or behind the wheel with an instructor. This TIP card eventually becomes your learner's permit. Regarding traffic rules, one of the most strictly enforced statutes is the School Bus Stop Law (RS 32:80). Drivers must stop at least 30 feet away from a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children. This applies to traffic in both directions unless the roadway is separated by a physical median (like a concrete barrier or a grass strip); a continuous central turn lane is NOT considered a barrier, and traffic on both sides must stop. Louisiana also enforces a strict 'Move Over Law'. Drivers must vacate the lane closest to any stationary vehicle displaying emergency lights (police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks) on a multi-lane highway. If a lane change is impossible, the driver must slow down to a speed that is safe for the conditions. Another critical safety law involves visibility: Louisiana law (RS 32:301) mandates that every vehicle must display lighted headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use due to rain, mist, or fog. Failure to turn on lights during a rainstorm is a common reason for traffic stops. For teen drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program imposes a curfew on Intermediate License holders (ages 16-17): driving is prohibited between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, unless accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or spouse, or if driving to/from work, school, or church. Finally, texting while driving is banned for all ages, and for drivers under 17, any use of a wireless device (even for calls) is prohibited.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Louisiana involves navigating unique geographical challenges and legal quirks that set it apart from the rest of the US. The most famous piece of infrastructure is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous bridge over water (nearly 24 miles). Driving on this bridge requires intense focus, as fog can roll in suddenly, reducing visibility to zero; drivers are taught to stay in the right lane unless passing and to fear the hypnotic effect of the endless guardrails. A crucial financial fact for all drivers is the 'No Pay, No Play' law (RS 32:866). This statute is unique to Louisiana and states that if you are driving without the minimum liability insurance and you get into an accident where the other driver is at fault, you CANNOT sue the other driver for the first $15,000 of your bodily injury or the first $25,000 of your property damage. Essentially, if you don't pay for insurance, you don't get to play in the legal system to recover damages. Another cultural paradox involves alcohol. Louisiana is famous for drive-thru daiquiri shops. While it is legal to buy a frozen alcoholic drink at a drive-thru, the 'Open Container' law is strict: the container must have a lid that is not removed, and crucially, no straw can be protruding from the lid. If a straw is inserted or the seal is broken while in the car, it is considered an open container and is illegal. Regarding the environment, flash flooding is a constant threat even outside of hurricane season. The motto 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' is heavily emphasized, as Louisiana roads can sink or become submerged quickly due to the low elevation (at or below sea level). Finally, regarding the test itself: you must score an 80% to pass (32 out of 40 questions). The questions are randomly pulled, but they heavily favor road signs and the specific alcohol concentration limits (0.02% for under 21, 0.08% for over 21). The TIP card you obtained before class is the identification you must present to take the final road skills test.