20 questions from the Louisiana driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the required action for a driver on a multi-lane highway when an emergency vehicle approaches and a lane change is possible?
Answer: Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the parked vehicle. The handbook specifies that on multi-lane highways, drivers should change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if it is safe to do so.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 126: “When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the parked vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions.”
2. Which of the following is a legal requirement for passengers in the front seat of a moving vehicle?
Answer: No more than three persons may occupy the front seat. The law limits the number of persons allowed in the front seat to three.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 101: “It is against the law for more than three persons to occupy the front seat of a moving vehicle.”
3. When is a three-point turnabout recommended according to the handbook?
Answer: Only when the road is too narrow for a U-turn and you cannot go around the block. The handbook specifies that the three-point turnabout should be used only when the road is too narrow for a U-turn and circling the block is not possible.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 72: “Use it only when the road or street is too narrow to make a U-turn and you cannot go around the block.”
4. What action is required when approaching a railroad crossing where the warning lights are not flashing?
Answer: Look both ways to ensure no train is coming. Drivers must look both ways regardless of whether the lights are functioning, as the lights may not be working.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 100: “Always look both ways as you approach a railroad crossing, even if the warning lights are not flashing. They may not be working.”
5. When approaching an intersection where you are stopped and your view is blocked, what is the recommended action?
Answer: Edge forward slowly until you can see the cross traffic. The handbook advises edging forward slowly to allow crossing drivers to see your vehicle, ensuring the path is clear before fully entering.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 67: “If you are stopped and your view of traffic or a cross street is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see.”
6. When entering a road from a driveway, alley, or roadside, to whom must you yield the right-of-way?
Answer: To vehicles already on the main road. The rule clearly states that traffic already established on the main road has priority over vehicles entering from side areas.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 98: “When entering a road from a driveway, alley or roadside you must yield to vehicles already on the main road.”
7. Why should a driver look to the front, left, and right when entering an intersection, even if other traffic has a red light?
Answer: Because other drivers may not obey traffic signals or may not see them. The handbook explains that drivers should verify the path is clear because other drivers might ignore signals or fail to see them, regardless of the signal status.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 67: “At intersections, look to the front, left and right, even if other traffic has a red light or a stop sign.”
8. What should a driver do with their wheels while waiting to make a left turn?
Answer: Keep them straight. Keeping wheels straight ensures that if the vehicle is rear-ended, it moves forward into its own lane rather than being pushed into oncoming traffic.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 95: “Keep your wheels straight while waiting to turn. This will prevent you from being pushed into traffic, if you are hit from behind.”
9. How should a driver behave once inside a roundabout?
Answer: Never stop once inside the roundabout. The instructions for roundabouts specifically state that drivers should not stop while navigating the circle.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 42: “Don’t Stop: Never stop once inside the roundabout.”
10. What is the minimum distance a turn signal must be given continuously before making a turn?
Answer: 100 feet. The handbook states that turn signals must be activated continuously for at least 100 feet prior to executing a turn.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 97: “A right or left turn signal must be given continuously for not less than 100 feet before making the turn.”
11. When driving on a divided highway separated by a median or barrier, when are you permitted to cross the median?
Answer: Only when an approved cross-over is provided. The handbook specifies that crossing the median is only allowed when there is an approved cross-over available.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 92: “When a highway is divided into two roadways by a median or barrier, you must not drive across the median or barrier except when an approved cross-over is provided.”
12. When entering a roundabout or traffic circle, what is the recommended speed range?
Answer: 15 to 20 mph. The handbook advises drivers to slow their speed to approximately 15 to 20 mph when negotiating the curve of a roundabout.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 96: “Slow your speed to about 15 to 20 mph.”
13. What is the correct method for sobering up after consuming alcohol?
Answer: Allow time for the liver to metabolize the alcohol. The handbook states that coffee, exercise, and showers do not sober you up, and that sobriety depends on the time it takes for the liver to metabolize the alcohol.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 127: “Once the alcohol enters your blood, there is nothing you can do to lessen the effect. Black coffee, exercise or a cold shower will not sober you up. Alcohol is metabolized by your liver and eliminated from your body through your kidneys and lungs. This process takes time.”
14. When exiting an interstate highway, when should you begin to reduce your speed?
Answer: Only after you are fully within the deceleration lane. The handbook specifies that drivers should maintain speed in the main lane and only reduce speed once they are completely inside the designated deceleration lane.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 107: “Never slow down on the interstate itself. Wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane, and then reduce your speed to the posted ramp speed.”
15. What is the correct sequence of actions for setting the parking brake when parking?
Answer: Set the parking brake while your foot is still on the brake pedal and before shifting into park. The handbook instructs drivers to engage the parking brake while holding the brake pedal and before shifting the transmission into park to reduce strain on the parking pawl.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 72: “You should set the parking brake while your foot is still on the brake pedal and before shifting into “park”.”
16. What is the maximum penalty for a first DWI conviction regarding the loss of driver's license?
Answer: One year (365 days). For a first conviction, the handbook states the maximum penalty includes losing the license for one year.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 129: “Loss of driver’s license for 1 year (365 days)”
17. Why should a driver avoid honking the horn at a visually impaired pedestrian?
Answer: It may startle the pedestrian who does not know who is honking. The handbook advises against honking because the pedestrian may be startled since they cannot identify the source of the sound.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 82: “Don't honk at the pedestrian. He has no idea who you are honking at and may be startled by the noise.”
18. According to the handbook, what is the maximum speed allowed on an interstate unless otherwise posted?
Answer: 70 miles per hour. The handbook states that the default maximum speed limit on interstates is 70 mph.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 105: “Remember that the maximum speed allowed is 70 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.”
19. What is the required action if you are stopped by a non-uniformed officer in an unmarked vehicle?
Answer: Ask the officer for identification. The handbook advises that drivers may ask for identification when stopped by non-uniformed officers in unmarked vehicles.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 91: “If you are stopped by a non-uniformed officer in an unmarked vehicle, you can ask the officer for identification.”
20. Under what condition should a driver switch off rear fog lights?
Answer: When visibility improves. The handbook instructs drivers to turn off fog lights once visibility conditions improve, as they are intended for dense fog or hazardous conditions.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 80: “You should switch off the fog lights when the visibility improves.”