Louisiana Intermediate License Driving Rules
Louisiana Intermediate License — New Driver Guide
What to know, what to do, and what to avoid as a new Intermediate License holder in Louisiana.
Louisiana Intermediate License holders under 17 face an 11 PM to 5 AM curfew and passenger restrictions. Zero BAC under 21 is enforced. Louisiana OMV point system triggers a 90-day suspension at 12 points in 12 months. Louisiana's flood risk is a real driving hazard: underpasses and low-lying roadways can fill with water within 10 to 15 minutes of heavy rain, and New Orleans streets are especially prone to rapid standing water. What is broken down here — every active Intermediate restriction, Louisiana OMV point thresholds, and the path to a full Class E Drivers License.
Intermediate License Restrictions — Still Apply After Passing
What are the Intermediate License driving restrictions in Louisiana? Can a Intermediate License drive on the 400 highway? Does Intermediate License have a curfew? What is the BAC limit for Intermediate License drivers?
- Zero BAC — AlwaysLouisiana zero tolerance: drivers under 21 must not drive with any alcohol in their system. Any detectable BAC can result in a DUI charge and suspension. Cannabis and prescription drug impairment also count.⚠ Louisiana enforces zero alcohol for drivers under 21 on all license stages.
- No Phone — EverHandheld devices fully banned. Even stopped at a red light = distracted driving charge.⚠ First offense: Fines apply and the violation adds to your record.
- All Occupants Must Wear SeatbeltsLouisiana requires every occupant to be buckled at all times. You are responsible for all passengers under 13.
- Passenger Limits If Under 20Louisiana Intermediate License has no specific passenger limit restriction. There is no cap on the number of passengers you can carry.⚠ Focus on the curfew and zero BAC rules — Louisiana has no passenger restriction for Intermediate License holders.
Intermediate License Demerit & License Rules — Know the Thresholds
How many points before Intermediate License suspension in Louisiana? What happens at 9 points for a Intermediate License driver? How long do points stay on record?
- Louisiana OMV Point System12 points in 12 months: 60-day suspension. 18 points in 24 months: 90-day. 24 points in 36 months: 1-year suspension. These apply uniformly to all Louisiana drivers.⚠ Check your state DMV for exact point expiry timelines.
- No Separate GDL Point ThresholdLouisiana does not publish a lower point threshold specifically for Intermediate License holders. The adult schedule of 12/18/24 points applies.
- GDL Violations Extend RestrictionsViolating the curfew as an Intermediate License holder can result in fines and extension of the restricted period. Keep your record clean during this stage.
- Restrictions Lift at Age 17Louisiana Intermediate License restrictions end when you turn 17. You do not need a new road test — restrictions lift automatically.
Do These — As a Intermediate License Driver
What should a Intermediate License driver do to prepare for the Class E Drivers License test? How do Intermediate License drivers lower insurance in Louisiana? When should I book my G road test?
- Drive in All Weather ConditionsSnow, rain, fog — Intermediate License years are your best chance to build real-world confidence before Class E Drivers License independence.
Don't Do These — As a Intermediate License Driver
What mistakes do Intermediate License drivers make that get their license suspended? Can a Intermediate License driver drink any alcohol? What happens if a Intermediate License driver gets a speeding ticket in Louisiana?
- Going Even 10 Over — Points Apply ImmediatelySpeed violations carry points that can trigger a suspension review. Your record is watched closely in the first two years.
- Miss Your Point Threshold WarningYour state DMV tracks every point. New drivers face earlier suspension triggers than fully licensed drivers.
- Let Your Insurance LapseEvery state imposes serious penalties for driving uninsured — fines, impoundment and suspension apply immediately.⚠ No exception applies. Driving uninsured risks your license, your vehicle and your financial future.
- Lend Your Car Without Verifying CoverageYour policy covers any driver you authorize. An accident in your car affects your rates regardless of who drove.
- Skip Contesting an At-Fault ClaimAt-fault accidents affect your rates for up to 6 years. If the fault determination is questionable, contest it.
- Neglect to Update Your DMV AddressNotify the Louisiana OMV within 10 days of moving. $60 fine and missed renewal notices otherwise.
Road Safety Habits for Intermediate License Drivers
What are the most important safe driving habits for Intermediate License drivers? How do I stay safe driving alone for the first time? What causes most Intermediate License driver accidents in Louisiana?
- Highway Comfort Takes Time — Build It GraduallyStart with off-peak highway driving Start on familiar, lower-traffic roads before moving to interstates or urban freeways. Merging anxiety is real and dangerous.
- 3-Second Following Distance — AlwaysIncrease to 4–5 in rain or snow. Intermediate License drivers are statistically more likely to rear-end than any other group.
- Night Driving Changes EverythingReaction distance doubles at night. Slow down 10–15 mph below daytime speed in unlit residential areas.
- Teen Passengers Increase RiskStatistics show crash risk rises with each peer-age passenger in the car — especially late at night. Adult passengers don't carry the same effect.
- Winter Tires Are Worth ItIn cold or snowy conditions, winter tires significantly improve traction and stopping distances compared to all-season tires.
Your Path from Intermediate License to Class E Drivers License
How long do I have to wait after Intermediate License to get Class E Drivers License in Louisiana? What is tested on the G road test? How much does the Class E Drivers License road test cost?
- Step 1 — Learners Permit: Pass Written TestWalk-in at any a Louisiana OMV office.
- Step 2 — Intermediate License: After 12 Months Learners PermitCan drive alone after passing.⚠ Intermediate License still has restrictions — zero BAC, no phone, seatbelt capacity.
- Step 3 — Class E Drivers License: After 12 Months Intermediate LicenseNo restrictions after passing.
- Learners Permit Expires in 5 YearsMiss the window and you restart with a new written test. Don't let it lapse.⚠ Intermediate License also expires in 5 years — book your road test before it lapses.
Pro Tips — Louisiana Intermediate License Driver
How do I pass my Class E Drivers License road test first try in Louisiana? What do Intermediate License drivers wish they knew? How can Intermediate License drivers lower car insurance in Louisiana?
- 1
Louisiana Intermediate curfew: no driving between 11 PM and 5 AM for holders under 17. Exceptions include driving to/from employment or school. Carry documentation on every curfew-hours trip.
- 2
Passenger limits apply during your Intermediate phase. Check current Louisiana OMV rules for exact limits at your age.
- 3
Under 21 in Louisiana means a legal BAC of essentially zero. Louisiana DUI enforcement applies immediately and consequences are serious.
- 4
Louisiana roads flood extremely fast. Never drive through standing water, no matter how shallow it appears. Six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a small vehicle off the road.
- 5
One at-fault accident in Louisiana typically raises premiums by 25 to 40 percent for up to six years. Louisiana already has some of the highest base insurance costs in the country.
- 6
After any collision: stop, do not admit fault, exchange insurance, and call Louisiana State Police for injury or significant damage.
- 7
Track your Louisiana OMV point total carefully. At 12 points in 12 months, a 90-day suspension is triggered.
- 8
When you qualify for a Class E, upgrade right away.
Common searches: Louisiana intermediate license 11 PM to 5 AM curfew, Louisiana GDL passenger limits, Louisiana zero BAC under 21, and Louisiana OMV 12 points 12 months suspension. Sourced from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
LAST MODIFIED:JUN 12, 2026
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