Louisiana CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 18 years old

Louisiana sets the minimum age for a Class A, B, or C CDL at 18 for intrastate driving. Federal law still requires you to be 21 to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines (interstate), so drivers aged 18–20 are limited to Louisiana-only commerce.

Correct answer: $15

The Louisiana CDL Manual lists an application fee of $15, due at the time of application. Once you pass the required knowledge test(s), you are issued a commercial learner permit so you can practice before the skills test.

Correct answer: 180 days, with an option to extend for an additional 180 days

A Louisiana CLP is issued for up to 180 days with an option to extend it for another 180 days. This stays within the federal limit that a CLP be valid for no more than one year without retesting.

Correct answer: A valid Louisiana Class A, B, C, D, or E driver's license

To apply for a Louisiana CLP you must hold a valid Class A, B, C, D, or E license issued by the same jurisdiction. You also need a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate and must complete the CDL supplemental application form (DPSMV 2211).

Correct answer: A Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DPSMV 2032 / MCSA-5876) or its equivalent

Louisiana requires a current, complete Physical Examination — the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DPSMV 2032 / federal form MCSA-5876) or its equivalent — for both initial issuance and renewal of a CDL.

Correct answer: A CDL Third Party Examiner, by appointment

After passing the knowledge test(s) and receiving the learner permit, the applicant makes an appointment with a CDL Third Party Examiner for the skills test. A list of examiners is available at any Office of Motor Vehicles location.

Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more, when the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds

A Louisiana Class A license covers combinations with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the unit(s) being towed is more than 10,000 pounds — typically truck-tractor/semi-trailer rigs.

Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more (a heavy straight vehicle)

Class B is the heavy straight-vehicle class: any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing a unit not over 10,000 pounds. A "straight vehicle" has no moveable joint between the driver seat and the cargo or passenger compartment.

Correct answer: 16 or more passengers (including the driver), or placarded hazardous materials

Class C covers a single vehicle under 26,001 pounds GVWR that is designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver, or is used to transport placarded amounts of hazardous materials — vehicles that are not Class A or B by weight.

Correct answer: 21 years of age or above

Louisiana issues the Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement only to drivers 21 years of age or older. Hazmat also requires a federal Security Threat Assessment and a fingerprint background check.

Correct answer: Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage and, when towing, damage the coupling

Speed up smoothly so the vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage, and when pulling a trailer it can damage the coupling between the units.

Correct answer: Take your foot off the accelerator

Speed up very gradually when traction is poor. If you use too much power the drive wheels may spin and you could lose control — if they start to spin, take your foot off the accelerator.

Correct answer: Firmly with both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel

Hold the wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides. If you hit a curb or pothole, the wheel can jerk out of your hands unless you have a firm hold.

Correct answer: Fasten the belt before driving on the road; set the parking brake when you leave the vehicle

Fasten your seatbelt when on the road, and apply the parking brake whenever you leave your vehicle. These are basic habits of safe commercial vehicle control.

Correct answer: Push the brake pedal down gradually to control pressure for a smooth, safe stop

Push the brake pedal down gradually; the pressure needed depends on your speed and how quickly you must stop. Control the pressure so the vehicle stops smoothly and safely.

Correct answer: When the engine is close to idle

When stopping with a manual transmission, push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle. Pushing it in too early wastes engine braking and can lengthen your stop.

Correct answer: You cannot see everything behind the vehicle

Because you can’t see everything behind you, backing is always dangerous. Avoid it when you can — try to park so you can pull forward when you leave.

Correct answer: As slowly as possible, using the lowest reverse gear

Always back as slowly as possible using the lowest reverse gear. That way you can more easily correct steering errors and stop quickly if necessary.

Correct answer: You can see the rear of your vehicle better by looking out the side window

Back toward the driver’s side so you can watch the rear of your vehicle out the side window. Backing toward the right is very dangerous because you can’t see as well — even if it means going around the block to set up.

Correct answer: A hand signal for "stop"

Use a helper who stands near the back where you can see them, and before you begin agree on a set of hand signals — especially a clear signal for "stop."