Driving Tests

Louisiana Permit Test Languages: Spanish, Vietnamese and More

informational·how to guide·Published September 17, 2026

Can I take the Louisiana permit test in Spanish or another language?

Yes. You can take the Louisiana Class E knowledge (permit) test on the OMV automated system, K2D, in 11 languages: English, Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese. If your written English is limited, you may also bring your own translator. An oral test may be available on request. You need 80% to pass.

Where these language rules come from

This guide uses the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) knowledge exam policy 10.00 (revised 09/22/2026), the OMV New Licenses page and the OMV list of driving schools that teach in other languages, as of 2026. It also uses the OMV Permits and Student/Parent Information pages, the OMV driver education rules, the Class D & E Driver's Guide and Louisiana law R.S. 32:408. Confirm the rules with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (expresslane.org) before you drive.

Language help on each Louisiana driving test

Language help on each Louisiana driving test
Test	Language help
Class E knowledge test (also Class D and motorcycle)	Take it on K2D in 1 of 11 languages, ask for an oral test, or bring your own translator.
Class E road skills test	An interpreter may ride in the vehicle, if applicable.
CDL knowledge test	No interpreter or translator.
CDL skills test	In English, without interpreters, except as federal rule 49 CFR 383.133 requires.

What Louisiana law says about test languages

Louisiana law, R.S. 32:408, tells the OMV to make provisions to test non-commercial applicants in languages other than English, and to test deaf applicants. The law lets the OMV give knowledge tests in oral, written or automated form. The OMV gives the language versions of the Class D, Class E and motorcycle knowledge tests on its automated system, K2D.

Can I bring a translator to the Louisiana permit test?

Yes. An applicant who does not understand written English well may bring a translator for any class knowledge test except the commercial (CDL) test. The OMV does not have to supply an interpreter, so you arrange the translator yourself. When possible, a tape recorder is placed with you and the translator to protect the exam.

Which test option fits you?

You read one of the 11 K2D languages well

Ask for the test in that language. You need no translator.

Your language is not on the K2D list, or you read it poorly

Bring your own translator, or ask the test site whether an oral test is available.

You take the test at your driving school

Ask the school before test day whether it gives the knowledge test in your language.

Where you take the Louisiana permit test, and how it is scored

Your driving school usually gives the OMV knowledge test when the classroom part of your course ends: 30 hours in driver education, or 6 hours in the adult pre-licensing course. The OMV can also give the test. The OMV says the permit test has 40 questions and you need 80% to pass, which is 32 correct answers. Our practice question on the test format covers this. If you fail, you may retake the test once on the same day, if time allows. The complete Louisiana permit test guide covers the other steps.

Louisiana driving schools that teach in other languages

The OMV list names driving schools that offer classes in Spanish, French, German, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Examples from the list: a school in Slidell with Arabic and Vietnamese classes, a school in Lafayette with Spanish and French, a school in Baton Rouge with German, and a school in Kenner with Spanish.
At two schools, in Houma and Lafayette, only the 14-hour class is in Spanish. That class is the pre-licensing course for adults 18 or older: 6 hours of classroom and 8 hours of driving.
For applicants younger than 18, the course is the 38-hour driver education course (30 hours of classroom and 8 hours of driving). Ask the school whether the whole course is taught in your language.

Can an interpreter ride in the car on the road test?

Yes, when one is needed. The Class D & E Driver's Guide says only the applicant, the OMV staffer and the interpreter, if applicable, may be in the vehicle during the road skills test. The OMV or an approved third-party tester may give the Class E road test, and all private driving schools must give it. Ask your tester about the interpreter before test day.

How to prepare for the test in your language

1
Check the language list
Find your language among the 11 K2D languages. If it is not there, plan for a translator or ask about an oral test.
2
Ask your school or OMV office
Ask how it gives the knowledge test and whether your language is available there.
3
Arrange a translator if you need one
Bring your own translator. The state does not have to supply one.
4
Study the Driver's Guide
The test questions come from the Class D & E Driver's Guide, so study it before test day.
5
Bring your identification
You need proof of identification each time you take the test.

Key takeaways

The Class E knowledge test is offered on K2D in 11 languages, including Spanish, Vietnamese and Arabic. You need 80% to pass.
You may bring your own translator for the Class E knowledge test, but not for a CDL test.
An oral test may be available on request, and an interpreter may ride in the vehicle on the road skills test.
Driving schools on the OMV list teach classes in Spanish, French, German, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Next step: practice on the free Louisiana Class E practice test. It is in English only.

Louisiana permit test languages: common questions

Is there a Louisiana permit test in Vietnamese or Arabic?

Yes. Vietnamese and Arabic are both K2D languages for the Class E knowledge test. The OMV list of driving schools also shows a school in Slidell with Arabic and Vietnamese classes. Ask your school or OMV office before test day whether it gives the test in your language.

Can I take the Louisiana permit test orally?

Possibly. Louisiana law allows knowledge tests in oral, written or automated form, and oral exams may be available on request on the automated testing system. Ask your driving school or OMV office before test day how to ask for one.

What happens if I am caught cheating on the Louisiana permit test?

Any attempt at cheating ends the exam. For a Class E, Class D or motorcycle knowledge test, you may then return for a new exam only after at least 30 days. The same rule applies when you test with a translator.

Can I take the Louisiana CDL test in Spanish?

Yes, the CDL knowledge test is available in Spanish on the automated system. But you may not use an interpreter or translator for any CDL exam, and the CDL skills test is in English without interpreters, except as federal rule 49 CFR 383.133 requires.