Practice test 1 of 10 — Louisiana permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: B. Slow down, honk, and steer right

   Slow down, warn the driver with your horn and steer right. Do not steer left into its lane, since it may move back.

   Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

2. Question 2: D. No passing from either side

   Two solid yellow lines down the center of the road mean no passing from either side.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

3. Question 3: B. *577

   The manual says to notify police right away about a suspicious or reckless driver and to "Call *LSP (*577)."

   Handbook: Chapter 5: Safe Driving Habits — Defensive Driving

4. Question 4: B. 4 to 9 years

   Ages 4 to 9 ride in a booster, as the Louisiana law lists "4-9 years - booster seat with restraints."

   Handbook: Chapter 4: Basic Driving and Safety — Use of Safety Belts

5. Question 5: D. An overpass or bridge with limited space above

   A low clearance sign shows how much space there is under an overpass or bridge, so tall vehicles can avoid it.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

6. Question 6: D. Turn on your low-beam headlights

   Louisiana law requires "your headlights on (low beam) when your windshield wipers are required."

   Handbook: Chapter 6: Traffic Laws and Regulations — Other Laws You Should Know

7. Question 7: D. Pull off the road and turn on hazards

   Pull off the road as far as you can and turn on your hazard lights so others can see you.

   Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Breakdowns

8. Question 8: C. Stop and let them cross before entering

   Crosswalks are often placed just before a roundabout entry. Yield to people crossing before you enter.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Roundabouts

9. Question 9: B. No, treat it like other traffic

   You must pull over for an emergency vehicle using its siren and lights. Without them, it is treated like other traffic.

   Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Emergency vehicles

10. Question 10: C. A steep downhill grade ahead

    The truck on a downward slope warns of a steep downhill grade. Check your speed and use a lower gear.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

11. Question 11: C. Your license can be suspended

    Repeated traffic violations can lead to your license being suspended, along with higher insurance costs.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Penalties

12. Question 12: A. To speed up to match highway traffic

    Use the acceleration lane to get up to the speed of highway traffic so you can merge smoothly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Highway driving

13. Question 13: C. When the lane is too narrow to share safely

    Cyclists may use the middle of a lane when it is too narrow for a car and bike to share it safely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Bicycles

14. Question 14: B. It throws snow and may stop suddenly

    Snowplows throw snow, move slowly and may stop or turn suddenly, so stay well back.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Emergency and work vehicles

15. Question 15: B. The road may be slick when it is wet

    This slippery when wet sign means the road gets slick in rain. Slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

16. Question 16: A. It may roll back when it starts to move

    A large truck may roll back a little as it starts on a hill, so leave extra space in front of you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Large trucks and buses

17. Question 17: A. From sunset to sunrise

    Louisiana law requires headlights, not just parking lights, to "be on between sunset and sunrise."

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Safe Driving Habits — Night Driving

18. Question 18: C. So a driver about to pass will see it

    A driver getting ready to pass looks to the left, so the no-passing zone pennant is placed there where it will be seen.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

19. Question 19: A. No, never

    Never park on a crosswalk. It blocks people who need to cross.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Where not to park

20. Question 20: C. They are doubled

    In Louisiana, fines are doubled in work areas, as the manual says "traffic fines are double for construction zones."

    Handbook: Chapter 3: Signs, Traffic Lights, and Pavement Markings — Highway Work Zones

21. Question 21: D. An area near your car your mirrors do not show

    A blind spot is an area near your car that your mirrors do not show, so you must turn your head to check it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Changing lanes

22. Question 22: B. Fluorescent pink

    Louisiana incident signs are temporary and are "fluorescent pink with black lettering," warning of stops, closures or detours.

    Handbook: Chapter 3: Signs, Traffic Lights, and Pavement Markings — Traffic Signs

23. Question 23: C. Signal and merge when there is a safe gap

    When your lane ends, signal early and merge into the next lane when there is a safe gap.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

24. Question 24: C. You should not drive below 40 in good conditions

    A minimum speed sign means you should not go below 40 when conditions are good, because very slow cars can cause crashes.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

25. Question 25: C. Another lane of traffic will join yours

    The merge sign warns that traffic from another lane or ramp will join your lane ahead.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

26. Question 26: C. It is as illegal as driving drunk

    Driving under the influence of drugs is treated as seriously as driving under the influence of alcohol.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Drugs and medicine

27. Question 27: D. At least 4 seconds

    Behind a motorcycle, "allow at least a four (4)-second following distance," and even more on wet roads.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Safe Driving Habits — Sharing the Road With Motorcycles

28. Question 28: B. Yield and do not cut into the line

    In general, yield to a funeral procession and do not cut into it, even if your light is green.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Special situations

29. Question 29: B. No, it does not lower blood alcohol

    Coffee may make you feel more awake, but it does not lower blood alcohol or make you safe to drive.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

30. Question 30: D. Open space around your car on all sides

    A space cushion is room around your car on all sides so you have time and space to react.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Managing space

31. Question 31: D. Only to make a turn

    Of double solid yellow lines the manual says "You may not cross these lines to pass," but you may cross them to make a turn.

    Handbook: Chapter 3: Signs, Traffic Lights, and Pavement Markings — Lane Markings

32. Question 32: B. Move over a lane, or slow down if you cannot

    Louisiana says to change "into a lane not adjacent to the parked vehicle," or slow to a safe speed if a lane change is not possible.

    Handbook: Chapter 8: Driving Hazards and Emergencies — Approach of an Authorized Emergency Vehicle

33. Question 33: A. You may be in their blind spot and boxed in

    Driving beside other cars can leave you in their blind spot with no room to move if something happens.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Managing space

34. Question 34: A. Gravity keeps pulling the car forward

    Going downhill, gravity keeps pulling the car forward, so it takes longer to stop; slow down and leave more space.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Stopping distance

35. Question 35: C. Wait until it clearly starts to turn

    A turn signal is not a promise. Wait until the car clearly starts to turn before you pull out in front of it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

36. Question 36: C. They can make driving unsafe

    Medicines that cause drowsiness can slow your reactions and make driving unsafe.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Drugs and medicine

37. Question 37: B. To pass or to turn left

    Louisiana says to stay right unless "preparing for a left turn, passing another vehicle" or when right lanes are congested.

    Handbook: Chapter 3: Signs, Traffic Lights, and Pavement Markings — Lane Markings

38. Question 38: A. Fuel is available at or near the next exit

    Blue signs show services for drivers. A gas pump symbol means fuel is available near the next exit.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Guide and service signs

39. Question 39: B. A school zone or school crossing

    The five-sided, house-shaped sign is used for a school zone or a school crossing.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

40. Question 40: C. When it is turning left and there is room

    You may pass on the right when the car ahead is turning left or on a road with two or more lanes your way, if it is safe.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Passing