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Louisiana driver handbook guide

Louisiana driver handbook guide.

Use this guide to navigate the 29 chapters in the handbook edition behind Roadwise’s Louisiana course. Read the source, look up a rule in the study app, or work through 70 companion lessons.

Read the handbook in Roadwise Open source PDF
Handbook chapters
29
Source PDF pages
145
Companion lessons
70
Licensing agency
OMV

A way through the handbook

Start with the application and licensing material that applies to your age and license type. Then work through the driving rules, signs, and safe-driving chapters. A rule is easier to remember when you can explain what it asks you to do in a real road situation.

For a quick refresher, use the chapter list below. For a deeper study session, follow a companion lesson and its checkpoint questions. The page numbers refer to this course’s source edition and may differ from the newest agency edition.

Chapter list

  1. Introduction Source p. 1
  2. Getting a Driver's License Source p. 6
  3. Graduated Licensing Program Source p. 11
  4. Driver's License Tests Source p. 13
  5. Revocation of Your License Source p. 17
  6. Highway Transportation System Source p. 22
  7. Signs, Traffic Lights and Pavement Markings Source p. 27
  8. Traffic Signals Source p. 38
  9. Lane Markings Source p. 39
  10. Basic Driving and Safety Source p. 43
  11. Use of Safety Belts Source p. 44
  12. Preparing to Drive Source p. 49
  13. Steering Methods Source p. 54
  14. Seasonal Changes and How They Affect Driving Source p. 56
  15. Safe Driving Habits Source p. 59
  16. Looking and Scanning Ahead Source p. 66
  17. Following Distances Source p. 70
  18. Night Driving Source p. 78
  19. Sharing the Road Source p. 80
  20. Traffic Laws and Regulations Source p. 90
  21. Railroad Grade Crossing Source p. 99
  22. Other Laws You Should Know Source p. 102
  23. Automobile Insurance Fraud and Theft Source p. 105
  24. Interstate Driving and Rural Roads Source p. 107
  25. Driving Hazards and Emergencies Source p. 117
  26. Driving Offenses Source p. 129
  27. Class D Chauffeur's License Source p. 135
  28. Trailer Safety Source p. 140
  29. Motor Vehicle Registration and Title Source p. 142

What you will find in each chapter

Chapter 1 · source p. 1

Introduction

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Message from the Commissioner
  • Karen G. St. Germain
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 2 · source p. 6

Getting a Driver's License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 1
  • Who Must Have A Driver’S License?
  • Classes Of License
  • Identification Requirements
  • First Time Applicants
  • Additional Requirements For Applicants Seventeen And Under
  • Out-Of-State Transfers
  • Social Security Requirement
  • Driver Education
  • School Enrollment Form
  • Immigrant Aliens
  • Refugees
  • Non-Immigrant Aliens
  • Age Requirement (R.S. 32:408)
  • Birth Certificate
  • Passport
  • Immigrants / non-immigrants
  • Military
  • Secondary Documents
  • Out-of-state driver's license / identification card
  • Social Security Number verification
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 3 · source p. 11

Graduated Licensing Program

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Identification Card (with photo)
  • Educational diploma / certificate / license
  • Medical
  • Miscellaneous documents
  • Stage 1: Learner’S Permit
  • Stage 2: Intermediate License
  • Stage 3: Full License
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 4 · source p. 13

Driver's License Tests

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Proof Of Insurance
  • Driver’S License Tests
  • Vision Test
  • Knowledge Test
  • Road Skills (Driving) Test
  • License Renewals
  • Renewal By Mail Or Internet
  • Change Of Address
  • Change Of Name
  • Duplicate License
  • License Restrictions
  • Medical Reports Required
  • Your Driving Record
  • Personal Identification Cards
  • Persons Not Eligible For A License
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 5 · source p. 17

Revocation of Your License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Revocation Of Your License
  • Litter Law And Stats
  • Littering
  • Organ Donation
  • Voter Registration Program
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 6 · source p. 22

Highway Transportation System

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Make Up Of A Complex System
  • Three Main Components
  • Management Of The Highway Transportation System
  • Traffic Collision Costs
  • Number And Types Of Highways
  • Impact Of Road Conditions On Driving
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 7 · source p. 27

Signs, Traffic Lights and Pavement Markings

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 3
  • Traffic Signs
  • Signs In Construction Areas
  • Construction And Maintenance Devices
  • Construction And Maintenance Signs
  • Highway Work Zones
  • Channelizing Devices
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 8 · source p. 38

Traffic Signals

Read this chapter in the study app to see its complete text, source page references, and any accompanying illustrations.

Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 9 · source p. 39

Lane Markings

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Center Lines
  • Roundabouts
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 10 · source p. 43

Basic Driving and Safety

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Basic Driving And Safety
  • Anatomy of a crash
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 11 · source p. 44

Use of Safety Belts

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Use Of Safety Belts “Buckle Up, It’S Louisiana Law!”
  • Crash Impact
  • Safety Belts Save Lives
  • Standing On A Seat.
  • Air Bags
  • Other Vehicle Safety Features
  • Crash avoidance
  • Driver assistance
  • Other Factors
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 12 · source p. 49

Preparing to Drive

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Vehicle Condition
  • Preparing To Drive
  • Suggested Monthly Checks
  • Entering And Starting Your Vehicle
  • Getting Ready To Drive
  • Starting And Stopping
  • Skills In Driving
  • Driving Habits
  • Tires
  • Steering
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 13 · source p. 54

Steering Methods

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Cornering
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 14 · source p. 56

Seasonal Changes and How They Affect Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Seasonal Changes And How They Affect Driving
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 15 · source p. 59

Safe Driving Habits

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Driving Behavior
  • Defensive Driving
  • Defensive Driving Techniques
  • Sipde
  • Defensive Driving Characteristics
  • Alertness
  • Anticipation
  • Judgment
  • Skill
  • Driving Under Stress
  • Driver Fatigue
  • Drowsy Driving
  • How To Prevent Drowsy Driving
  • Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving
  • Illness And Driving
  • Aggressive Driving/Road Rage
  • Tailgator!
  • Actions Associated With Road Rage
  • How to Avoid Road Rage
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 16 · source p. 66

Looking and Scanning Ahead

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Looking And Scanning Ahead
  • Scanning Well Ahead in the Travel Path
  • Rear View Mirrors And Blind Spots
  • Stopping Distances
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 17 · source p. 70

Following Distances

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Turning Around On Narrow Street
  • Parking Brake
  • Parking On Hills
  • Angle Parking
  • Parallel Parking
  • Passing Parked Cars
  • Parking
  • Passing On The Left
  • Passing On The Right
  • Safety Tips On Passing
  • Backing
  • Backing straight or to the right
  • Backing to the left
  • Driving On Wet Pavement
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 18 · source p. 78

Night Driving

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Hydroplaning
  • Steering Wheel Locking Devices
  • Steering Lock Operation
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 19 · source p. 80

Sharing the Road

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Pedestrian Safety
  • Visually Impaired Pedestrians
  • Cellular Phones
  • Peer Pressure
  • Older Drivers
  • Sharing The Road With Bicycles
  • Driving Safely Near Bicyclists
  • Sharing The Road With Motorcycles
  • Sharing The Road With Big Trucks
  • Following trucks
  • Passing
  • Merging Courtesy
  • Avoid Squeeze Play
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 20 · source p. 90

Traffic Laws and Regulations

This chapter’s sections include:

  • General
  • Police Officers
  • Traffic Control
  • Control Of Vehicles
  • Speed
  • Speed Limits
  • Drag Racing
  • Driving On Divided Highways
  • Lane Changing
  • Delaying or adjusting a lane change
  • Stopped School Buses
  • Intersections
  • Rules For Turning
  • You May Not Turn Around
  • Shared Center Left Turn Lane
  • Roundabouts And Traffic Circles
  • Cornering
  • Signaling
  • Right Of Way
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 21 · source p. 99

Railroad Grade Crossing

Read this chapter in the study app to see its complete text, source page references, and any accompanying illustrations.

Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 22 · source p. 102

Other Laws You Should Know

Read this chapter in the study app to see its complete text, source page references, and any accompanying illustrations.

Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 23 · source p. 105

Automobile Insurance Fraud and Theft

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Automobile Insurance Fraud
  • Tips To Prevent Vehicle Repair Fraud
  • Tips To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of A Staged Automobile Accident
  • Tips To Prevent Automobile Theft – “Park Smart”
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 24 · source p. 107

Interstate Driving and Rural Roads

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 7
  • Planning Ahead
  • General Interstate Driving
  • Entering
  • Space To Merge
  • Right-Hand Lane
  • Keeping A Space Cushion
  • Space Management
  • Exiting
  • Rural Roads
  • Animals
  • Slow Moving Vehicles
  • Driving Slow Moving Vehicles
  • Safe And Responsible Handling Of The Vehicle Under Various Conditions
  • Weather Changes
  • At Night
  • Trip Planning
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 25 · source p. 117

Driving Hazards and Emergencies

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 8
  • Distracted Driving
  • Risks And Teenage Drivers
  • Avoiding Collisions
  • Protecting Yourself In A Crash
  • Rollovers
  • Other Vehicle Emergencies
  • Flooded Roadways
  • Becoming Submerged In Water
  • Traffic Crashes
  • Approach Of An Authorized Emergency Vehicle
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 26 · source p. 129

Driving Offenses

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 9
  • Alcohol
  • Blood Alcohol Concentration
  • Drugs
  • Marijuana
  • Vehicular Homicide
  • Vehicle Negligent Injury
  • First Degree Vehicle Negligent Injury
  • Reckless Driving
  • Hit And Run Driving
  • Flight From An Officer
  • Administrative Per Se (Submit Or Refuse Alcohol Analysis Test)
  • Losing Your Driving Privileges
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 27 · source p. 135

Class D Chauffeur's License

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 10
  • Vehicle Size
  • Loads
  • Driving
  • Following Distance
  • Coasting
  • Railroad Stops
  • Equipment
  • Trailers And Towed Vehicles
  • Mirrors
  • Lights
  • Brakes
  • Air Brakes
  • Parts Of An Air Brake System
  • Using The Air Brakes
  • = Total Stopping Distance
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 28 · source p. 140

Trailer Safety

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Hitching Systems
  • Braking Systems
  • Lighting
  • Tires
  • Loading and Weight Distribution
Open this handbook chapter

Chapter 29 · source p. 142

Motor Vehicle Registration and Title

This chapter’s sections include:

  • Chapter 11
  • New Vehicles
  • Used Vehicles
  • Registration Certificate
  • New Residents
  • Change Of Address
  • Proof Of Insurance
  • Renewals
  • Motor Vehicle Inspection Sticker
  • Fees
Open this handbook chapter

Turn the reading into a study routine

The Louisiana course groups the source material into 12 units. Each lesson includes handbook page references, examples, and a checkpoint in the study app.

Unit 1 · 7 lessons

Your License

Documents, the GDL stages, license tests, and keeping your license current

  1. Who needs a license & license classes
  2. Documents you need to apply
  3. Stage 1: getting your learner's permit
  4. Stage 2: the intermediate license
  5. Stage 3, insurance & the knowledge test
  6. The road skills test
  7. Renewals, changes & your driving record

Unit 2 · 7 lessons

Signs, Signals & Markings

Sign shapes and colors, every sign family, signals, and pavement markings

  1. Sign shapes
  2. Sign colors
  3. Warning signs
  4. Regulatory signs
  5. Guide, service & incident signs
  6. Traffic signals
  7. Pavement markings & lane lines

Unit 3 · 7 lessons

Vehicle Safety

Crash physics, seat belts, child seats, air bags, vehicle checks, and steering

  1. Anatomy of a crash
  2. Seat belts save lives
  3. Child passenger restraints
  4. Air bags & other safety features
  5. Pre-trip vehicle checks
  6. Seat position, starting & efficient driving
  7. Steering methods & cornering

Unit 4 · 6 lessons

Space, Speed & Stopping

Defensive driving, scanning, mirrors, stopping distance, following distance, and speed

  1. Defensive driving & SIPDE
  2. Scanning and your visual lead
  3. Looking to the sides, rear & mirrors
  4. Stopping distance & speed
  5. Following distance: the 3- and 4-second rules
  6. Speed limits & the general speed law

Unit 5 · 6 lessons

Intersections & Right-of-Way

Turns, turnarounds, right-of-way, emergency vehicles, roundabouts, and railroad crossings

  1. Turning rules & signaling
  2. Turning around safely
  3. Right-of-way rules
  4. Emergency vehicles & funeral processions
  5. Roundabouts & shared turn lanes
  6. Railroad crossings

Unit 6 · 5 lessons

Passing, Lanes & Parking

Passing, lane use, parking laws, hill parking, and backing

  1. Passing rules
  2. Lane changes & lane use
  3. Parking rules & distances
  4. Parking brake, hills & angle parking
  5. Parallel parking & backing

Unit 7 · 5 lessons

School Buses & Special Laws

School buses, work zones, traffic stops, litter, and other Louisiana laws

  1. Stopped school buses
  2. Work zones
  3. Other laws you should know
  4. Police stops & basic traffic laws
  5. Louisiana's litter law

Unit 8 · 6 lessons

Sharing the Road

Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, trucks, rural hazards, and slow vehicles

  1. Pedestrians
  2. Bicycles
  3. Motorcycles
  4. Large trucks
  5. Rural roads & animals
  6. Slow-moving vehicles & horses

Unit 9 · 6 lessons

Night, Weather & Highways

The highway system, night driving, rain, seasons, fog, and interstates

  1. The highway system & types of highways
  2. Night driving
  3. Wet weather & hydroplaning
  4. Driving through the seasons
  5. Fog, changing conditions & space management
  6. Interstate driving

Unit 10 · 8 lessons

Distraction, Fatigue & Emergencies

Distraction, teen risk, fatigue, road rage, collisions, skids, breakdowns, and floods

  1. Distracted driving & cell phones
  2. Teen drivers & peer pressure
  3. Driver fatigue & trip planning
  4. Emotions, aggressive driving & road rage
  5. Avoiding collisions
  6. Skids & rollovers
  7. Vehicle emergencies
  8. Floods, water & crash scenes

Unit 11 · 5 lessons

Alcohol, Drugs & Offenses

BAC limits, DWI penalties, implied consent, drugs and medicine, and license suspension

  1. Alcohol & BAC limits
  2. DWI penalties & vehicle crimes
  3. Implied consent & test results
  4. Drugs, medicine & fitness to drive
  5. Losing your driving privileges

Unit 12 · 2 lessons

Towing & Vehicle Paperwork

Trailers, loads, Class D rules, title, registration, insurance, and inspection

  1. Towing, loads & Class D vehicle rules
  2. Registration, title & insurance