Louisiana Class D Chauffeur's License
Exam Guide 2026/2027
Overview of Louisiana Class D License
Definition and Purpose
The Louisiana Class D license, also known as the "Chauffeur's" license, is designed for individuals
who operate vehicles or combinations of vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 26,001 pounds,
provided they are not transporting hazardous materials. This license is essential for drivers who
wish to operate larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, in a safe and legal manner.
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a Class D license, applicants must be at least 17 years old. This age requirement
ensures that drivers have reached a level of maturity and responsibility necessary for operating
larger vehicles.
Vehicle Specifications and Regulations
Vehicle Dimensions
The maximum height for all vehicles is 13 feet 6 inches, while the maximum width for vehicles,
excluding buses, is 8 feet. Buses have a slightly larger maximum width of 8 feet 6 inches.
Additionally, loads must not extend more than 6 inches beyond the width of the vehicle body.
Load Limitations
Loads must adhere to specific projection limits:
• A load may not extend more than 4 feet to the front and 8 feet to the rear of the vehicle,
except for poles, pilings, and logs, which may extend up to 15 feet beyond the rear of
the trailer.
• If a load extends 4 or more feet past the vehicle, a red flag (12 inches square) must be
attached during daylight, and a red light must be visible for at least 500 feet at night.
Maximum Dimensions for Vehicles
• Maximum Width for Vehicles (Excluding Buses): 8 feet
• Maximum Width for Buses: 8 feet 6 inches
• Maximum Height for All Vehicles: 13 feet 6 inches
, • Maximum Length for Any Single Vehicle (Including Load): 40 feet
Load Projection Regulations
• A load must not project more than 6 inches beyond the width of the vehicle body.
Safety Equipment and Requirements
Required Safety Equipment
Vehicles transporting passengers for hire must be equipped with at least a 2-BC type fire
extinguisher. Additionally, passenger buses and freight-carrying vehicles must carry:
• Three flares
• Two 12-inch square red cloth flags
• Three electric lanterns
Emergency Signals
In the event of a breakdown, warning signals must be placed 100 feet behind and in front of the
vehicle, with one signal placed 10 feet to the side facing traffic. This ensures that other drivers
are alerted to the presence of a stationary vehicle.
Driving Regulations and Speed Limits
Speed Limits
When towing another vehicle, the speed limit is 45 mph. On rural highways, drivers of motor
trucks must not follow within 400 feet of one another, except when passing. The maximum
speed limit for school buses, which frequently stop to load or unload children, is 35 mph, while
the maximum speed limit for other vehicles, where permitted, is 70 mph.
Headlight Regulations
High beam headlights must be dimmed at least 500 feet from oncoming traffic and 200 feet
from a vehicle being followed. This regulation is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users,
particularly at night.
Air Brake System Components
Understanding Air Brakes
Air brakes are essential for safely stopping large vehicles. The three braking systems that make
up an air brake system include:
1. Service brake
Exam Guide 2026/2027
Overview of Louisiana Class D License
Definition and Purpose
The Louisiana Class D license, also known as the "Chauffeur's" license, is designed for individuals
who operate vehicles or combinations of vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 26,001 pounds,
provided they are not transporting hazardous materials. This license is essential for drivers who
wish to operate larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, in a safe and legal manner.
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a Class D license, applicants must be at least 17 years old. This age requirement
ensures that drivers have reached a level of maturity and responsibility necessary for operating
larger vehicles.
Vehicle Specifications and Regulations
Vehicle Dimensions
The maximum height for all vehicles is 13 feet 6 inches, while the maximum width for vehicles,
excluding buses, is 8 feet. Buses have a slightly larger maximum width of 8 feet 6 inches.
Additionally, loads must not extend more than 6 inches beyond the width of the vehicle body.
Load Limitations
Loads must adhere to specific projection limits:
• A load may not extend more than 4 feet to the front and 8 feet to the rear of the vehicle,
except for poles, pilings, and logs, which may extend up to 15 feet beyond the rear of
the trailer.
• If a load extends 4 or more feet past the vehicle, a red flag (12 inches square) must be
attached during daylight, and a red light must be visible for at least 500 feet at night.
Maximum Dimensions for Vehicles
• Maximum Width for Vehicles (Excluding Buses): 8 feet
• Maximum Width for Buses: 8 feet 6 inches
• Maximum Height for All Vehicles: 13 feet 6 inches
, • Maximum Length for Any Single Vehicle (Including Load): 40 feet
Load Projection Regulations
• A load must not project more than 6 inches beyond the width of the vehicle body.
Safety Equipment and Requirements
Required Safety Equipment
Vehicles transporting passengers for hire must be equipped with at least a 2-BC type fire
extinguisher. Additionally, passenger buses and freight-carrying vehicles must carry:
• Three flares
• Two 12-inch square red cloth flags
• Three electric lanterns
Emergency Signals
In the event of a breakdown, warning signals must be placed 100 feet behind and in front of the
vehicle, with one signal placed 10 feet to the side facing traffic. This ensures that other drivers
are alerted to the presence of a stationary vehicle.
Driving Regulations and Speed Limits
Speed Limits
When towing another vehicle, the speed limit is 45 mph. On rural highways, drivers of motor
trucks must not follow within 400 feet of one another, except when passing. The maximum
speed limit for school buses, which frequently stop to load or unload children, is 35 mph, while
the maximum speed limit for other vehicles, where permitted, is 70 mph.
Headlight Regulations
High beam headlights must be dimmed at least 500 feet from oncoming traffic and 200 feet
from a vehicle being followed. This regulation is crucial for ensuring the safety of all road users,
particularly at night.
Air Brake System Components
Understanding Air Brakes
Air brakes are essential for safely stopping large vehicles. The three braking systems that make
up an air brake system include:
1. Service brake
