Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Louisiana is a crucial step toward a trucking career. The final challenge is the Louisiana CDL skills test, a three-part exam administered by Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) approved third-party testers. This test evaluates your ability to inspect, maneuver, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) according to Louisiana-specific regulations.
At CDL eXpert, we specialize in preparing drivers for the knowledge and skills tests required to obtain a CDL. While we don’t offer behind-the-wheel training, our FMCSA-compliant Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program provides the essential knowledge you need to approach the Louisiana CDL skills test with confidence.
This guide explains the structure of the Louisiana CDL skills test, state-specific requirements, and how CDL eXpert can help you prepare.
What’s on the Louisiana CDL Skills Test?
The Louisiana CDL skills test consists of three parts:
Pre-trip vehicle inspection
Basic vehicle control (backing maneuvers)
On-road driving
Each section tests your ability to safely and efficiently operate a commercial vehicle under Louisiana OMV guidelines.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
The pre-trip inspection evaluates your ability to assess your vehicle’s condition before driving. You must inspect key components, explain their function, and identify potential safety issues.
What to Expect
You will inspect critical vehicle components, including:
Engine compartment
Brakes
Tires and wheels
Lights and reflectors
Steering system
Trailer coupling devices (if applicable)
If your vehicle has air brakes, you must perform a full air brake system check, including the air brake leakage test and emergency brake test.
You must verbally explain each part of the inspection using correct terminology such as:
"Properly mounted and secure"
"Not damaged or leaking"
Louisiana-Specific Requirements
Louisiana CDL examiners follow a strict pass/fail system for pre-trip inspections. Missing key components may result in immediate failure rather than a point deduction.
Air brake system checks are mandatory for vehicles equipped with air brakes. Failure to correctly perform this test will immediately disqualify you from receiving an air brake endorsement.
Louisiana’s humid climate can impact vehicle components, so special attention is given to checking brakes, tires, and electrical systems for signs of wear or corrosion.
The Louisiana OMV provides an official pre-trip inspection checklist that applicants must follow closely to pass.
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
This section evaluates your ability to maneuver the vehicle in a controlled space. You must complete a series of backing and parking maneuvers while staying within boundaries and avoiding obstacles.
What to Expect
Louisiana CDL examiners typically test the following maneuvers:
Straight-line backing – Reversing the vehicle in a straight path between two sets of cones.
Offset backing (left or right) – Backing into a space offset from your starting position.
Parallel parking (driver-side or conventional) – Parking the vehicle within a marked boundary.
Alley docking – Backing the vehicle into a simulated dock or parking space at a 90-degree angle.
Louisiana-Specific Requirements
Parallel parking is required for all CDL applicants in Louisiana. Some states only test for it under specific conditions, but Louisiana requires it for all commercial drivers.
Offset backing and alley docking are frequently tested, depending on the examiner and location.
Backing maneuvers required may vary by testing location. Some locations emphasize offset backing, while others focus more on parallel parking.
Examiners enforce strict boundary rules. Crossing marked lines, hitting cones, or performing excessive pull-ups results in deductions or failure.
On-Road Driving
The final portion of the test assesses your ability to operate a CMV safely in real traffic conditions. The examiner will evaluate your driving on city streets, highways, and possibly rural or industrial roads, depending on the testing site.
What to Expect
During the on-road driving test, you will be evaluated on:
Lane positioning and speed control
Proper use of mirrors and signals
Turning, intersections, and right-of-way rules
Shifting gears (for manual transmissions)
Merging onto highways and handling traffic
Railroad crossings, school zones, and work zones
Louisiana-Specific Requirements
Louisiana CDL road tests often include rural and industrial roads. Many CDL testing sites are located in areas with high truck traffic, requiring drivers to demonstrate proper handling in busy environments.
Freeway driving is required. You must properly merge, maintain highway speeds, and exit safely.
Strict lane change and blind spot rules. Examiners watch for proper signaling, mirror use, and checking blind spots before merging or changing lanes.
Bridges and wet road conditions may be included in testing. Louisiana’s frequent rain and flooding mean examiners may evaluate how well drivers adjust to slippery conditions.
School zones and work zones are strictly enforced. Speeding or failing to follow posted signs in these areas results in automatic failure.
Proper railroad crossing procedures are required. Even if no train is present, failing to stop when required results in immediate failure.
Louisiana CDL Testing Locations
The Louisiana CDL skills test is only administered at OMV-approved third-party testing centers—OMV offices do not conduct CDL road tests. Due to high demand, appointments at testing centers should be scheduled well in advance.
Some of the busiest CDL testing locations in Louisiana include:
New Orleans
Baton Rouge
Shreveport
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Scheduling your test early is strongly recommended.
How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare
At CDL eXpert, we provide the knowledge foundation you need to pass the Louisiana CDL skills test. Our FMCSA-compliant ELDT program ensures you are fully prepared by covering:
Pre-trip inspection procedures – Step-by-step guidance on inspecting your vehicle, explaining each component, and using correct terminology.
Backing maneuvers and vehicle control – Techniques for setting up your vehicle, using mirrors effectively, and correcting your position safely.
On-road driving rules and safety – Guidance on Louisiana-specific traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and proper gear-shifting strategies.
Air brake system knowledge – Louisiana CDL tests emphasize air brake inspections, and our training covers this in detail to help you pass.
While hands-on practice is essential, our ELDT training provides the strong knowledge base you need to confidently pass your skills test.
Final Thoughts
The Louisiana CDL skills test is a challenging but necessary step in earning your CDL. With the right preparation, you can pass on your first attempt. CDL eXpert’s ELDT program gives you the knowledge and support you need to succeed.
From mastering the pre-trip inspection to understanding vehicle control and road safety, our training ensures you are fully prepared for this critical step in your CDL journey.
Good luck on your Louisiana CDL skills test!
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