Louisiana (LA) CDL Practice Tests

Louisiana (LA) CDL permit applicants can work through these five practice questions to review core exam concepts and prepare for the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) knowledge test.

Louisiana CDL Practice Tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle & Air Brakes

Drivers preparing for an Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) should focus on three core CDL practice tests. These align with the written knowledge exams required in Louisiana and support the material covered in the official Louisiana CDL manual.

• General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
• Combination Vehicle CDL Practice Test
• Air Brakes CDL Practice Test

For best results, combine CDL practice tests with the Louisiana Commercial Driver License Manual and focus on the sections that match your intended license class and endorsements.

Preparing for the Louisiana CDL Exam

Commercial driver licensing standards are established at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Each state is responsible for administering CDL testing and licensing.

In Louisiana, CDL information and testing requirements are published by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), part of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The official CDL manual used for written and skills testing is:

• Louisiana Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)

The Louisiana CDL manual applies to all commercial license classes, including:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

Louisiana CDL Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle within Louisiana (intrastate).
You must be at least 21 years old to operate interstate or transport hazardous materials.

Valid Louisiana Driver’s License

You must hold a valid Louisiana Class A, B, C, D, or E non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a CDL.

Medical Certification

All Louisiana CDL applicants must pass a DOT physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.

FMCSA medical certification requirements

CDL Knowledge Tests and Endorsements

Applicants must pass written knowledge tests covering general CDL topics, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements required for their intended type of driving.

Common CDL endorsements include:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tank Vehicles (N)
• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements apply to many Louisiana CDL applicants. ELDT includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training completed through an FMCSA-registered provider.

ELDT is required for:

• First-time CDL applicants
• Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Applicants adding Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsements

FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Background Checks and Documentation

Certain endorsements, including Hazardous Materials, require a federal background check. Applicants must also provide documentation verifying identity, Louisiana residency, and lawful U.S. presence.

Louisiana CDL Application Process

CDL applicants in Louisiana must complete knowledge testing, obtain a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), hold it for at least 14 days, complete any required Entry-Level Driver Training, and pass the CDL skills test before license issuance. The CLP is valid for 180 days and may be renewed once for an additional 180 days.

Louisiana OMV CDL application and testing steps

Louisiana CDL Fees

Louisiana CDL fees are published by the Louisiana OMV. Fees vary based on license duration and testing requirements.

• Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): $15.00 (cash only)
• CDL Issuance (6-year, standard): $61.50
• CDL Issuance (6-year, New Orleans residents): $76.50

Louisiana CDL Skills Test Fees (Third-Party Testers Only):

• Road Skills Test (Pre-Trip Inspection, Basic Control, On-Road): approximately $100–$300, set by the third-party testing provider

Louisiana does not administer CDL skills tests at OMV offices; all skills testing is conducted by state-approved third-party testers. Additional costs may also apply for endorsement testing or background checks, such as fingerprinting for Hazardous Materials endorsements.

View the official Louisiana OMV fee schedule