Louisiana CDL Study Guide
Louisiana issues Commercial Driver Licenses through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), part of the Department of Public Safety. Applicants start with a Commercial Learner Permit, complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training, and finish with a three-part skills test. The Louisiana CDL Manual is the official study source.
Key Louisiana numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Louisiana General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail a CDL knowledge or skills test, you may retake it at your local OMV office or with an approved third-party tester. Check with OMV on current waiting periods between attempts.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues CDLs in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), part of the Department of Public Safety, issues all Commercial Driver Licenses.
How much does a CDL cost in Louisiana?
$15 for the Commercial Learner Permit (cash only), $61.50 for the CDL ($76.50 in Orleans Parish), and $7.50 per endorsement.
What is the passing score on the Louisiana CDL General Knowledge test?
You must answer 80% or more of the 50 multiple-choice questions correctly.
How long must I hold the Commercial Learner Permit?
At least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills test.
Is ELDT required in Louisiana?
Yes. New CDL applicants and drivers adding HAZMAT, Passenger, or School Bus endorsements must complete federal Entry-Level Driver Training.
Do I need a DOT medical card in Louisiana?
Yes for Non-Excepted Interstate drivers. You bring the Medical Examineru0027s Certificate (MCSA-5876) when you apply.
Free practice
Start a Louisiana General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: Louisiana OMV - Driver Manuals Louisiana OMV - New CDL Louisiana OMV - Commercial Driveru0027s Licenses (CDL) Louisiana DOTD CDL Manual PDF