Free Louisiana OMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 is modeled on the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) written knowledge exam, which has 40 questions; to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the OMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
On a freeway, a green sign with a number in a small square (such as 'EXIT 25') refers to:
What's on the Louisiana Practice Test 3
The real Louisiana knowledge test has 40 questions, and to pass you need 32 of 40 correct (80%). Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 52 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Traffic laws 13
- Safe driving 8
- Alcohol & drugs 4
- Right of way 3
- Emergencies 3
- Parking 2
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Speed limits 1
52 questions in the pool, 9 of them written specifically for Louisiana. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. What does Louisiana law say about wearing headphones while driving?
- A. They are allowed if the volume is kept low
- B. They are banned in both ears; one ear is allowed (correct)
- C. They are banned in any ear, even just one
- D. They are allowed only on interstate highways
Why: Louisiana prohibits wearing headphones or a headset in both ears while driving, but one ear is allowed. Hearing aids are not covered by this ban.
Source: official Louisiana driver handbook, p.97 (PDF p.102), Other Laws You Should Know
2. A school bus with flashing red lights is stopped on the other side of a road with one lane each way and a center two-way left-turn lane. What must you do?
- A. Keep going, because the center lane divides the road
- B. Stop, because this road is not a divided highway (correct)
- C. Slow to 15 mph and pass the bus with care
- D. Stop only if children are in the road
Why: A road with one lane each way plus a two-way left-turn lane is not a divided highway in Louisiana, so traffic in both directions must stop. Only a barrier, median or ditch, or a four- or five-lane road with a turn lane, excuses oncoming drivers.
Source: official Louisiana driver handbook, p.89 (PDF p.94), Stopped School Buses
3. What does 'covering the brake' mean?
- A. Pressing the brake and gas at the same time
- B. Holding your foot over the brake, ready to stop (correct)
- C. Resting your left foot on the brake pedal
- D. Pumping the brake to warn the drivers behind you
Why: Covering the brake means moving your foot from the accelerator to a position over, or lightly on, the brake pedal when you see a possible hazard, so you can brake with less reaction time.
4. Which of the following is NOT a legal reason to use your horn?
- A. To warn a driver drifting into your lane
- B. To express frustration at another driver (correct)
- C. To alert a child about to run into the road
- D. To warn others on a blind mountain curve
Why: Horns are safety devices used to warn others of danger. Using your horn out of frustration or anger is not a legal use and can be considered aggressive driving in many states.
5. If your right wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, you should:
- A. Brake hard and steer back onto the road
- B. Ease off the gas and steer back gently (correct)
- C. Speed up and steer back on right away
- D. Jerk the wheel left to get back at once
Why: If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, do not brake hard or jerk the wheel. Ease off the accelerator, keep a firm grip, and steer back onto the pavement gently once your speed has decreased - this prevents loss of control.
6. What does a 'MERGE' warning sign (two lines coming together) mean?
- A. Traffic will merge into your lane (correct)
- B. Your lane ends - you must merge
- C. Two roads cross just ahead
- D. The road divides into two routes
Why: A Merge sign warns that traffic from another roadway (such as an entrance ramp) will be joining your lane ahead. Watch for merging vehicles and adjust your speed and position so they can blend in smoothly. A lane that is ending has its own 'Lane Ends' sign.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2C.45 Paragraph 01
More Louisiana facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Louisiana permit practice test page.
Louisiana OMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- 40
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 32 of 40 correct (80%)
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Testing agency
- Office of Motor Vehicles
More Louisiana Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Louisiana Practice Test 3 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your OMV exam.