Washington Intermediate Driver License Driving Rules
Washington Intermediate Driver License — New Driver Guide
What to know, what to do, and what to avoid as a new Intermediate Driver License holder in Washington.
Washington Intermediate Driver License holders under 18 face a 1 AM to 5 AM curfew and a no-passengers-under-20 restriction during the first six months. Zero BAC under 21 is enforced. Washington DOL point system tracks violations. Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 can close due to avalanche or chain requirements with limited warning. What you need to know — every active Intermediate restriction, Washington DOL point thresholds, and the path to a full Basic Driver License.
Intermediate Driver License Restrictions — Still Apply After Passing
What are the Intermediate Driver License driving restrictions in Washington? Can a Intermediate Driver License drive on the 400 highway? Does Intermediate Driver License have a curfew? What is the BAC limit for Intermediate Driver License drivers?
- Zero BAC — AlwaysWashington zero tolerance: drivers under 21 must not drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher. Cannabis and prescription drugs that impair driving also count.⚠ 0.02% or higher for under-21 drivers is per se DUI in Washington.
- No Phone — EverHandheld devices fully banned. Even stopped at a red light = distracted driving charge.⚠ First offense: Fines apply and violations add to your record.
- All Occupants Must Wear SeatbeltsWashington requires every occupant to be buckled at all times. The passenger restriction further limits who can ride.
- Passenger Limits If Under 20During the first 6 months, only 1 non-family passenger is allowed at any time. After 6 months the restriction lifts. This applies at all times, not just during curfew.⚠ Immediate family members are always exempt. Restriction lifts after 6 months.
Intermediate Driver License Demerit & License Rules — Know the Thresholds
How many points before Intermediate Driver License suspension in Washington? What happens at 9 points for a Intermediate Driver License driver? How long do points stay on record?
- 6 Demerits = Washington DOL Warning InterviewCalled in for a formal interview — fail to improve and the next step is suspension.⚠ Check your state DMV for exact point expiry timelines.
- 9 Demerits = 30-Day SuspensionLicense surrendered for 30 days. Cannot drive for any reason during this period.
- 9 Demerits = 60-Day SuspensionNovice drivers (Instruction Permit/Intermediate Driver License) hit suspension at 9 points — harder and faster than Basic Driver License holders. After reinstatement the abstract record stays.⚠ A single 4+ point ticket (e.g. speeding 30+ over) = automatic 30-day suspension regardless of total points.
- Intermediate Driver License Expires in 5 YearsIf you don't get your Basic Driver License within 5 years of getting Intermediate Driver License, you must retake the road test to upgrade.⚠ Restrictions lift automatically — no new road test required.
Do These — As a Intermediate Driver License Driver
What should a Intermediate Driver License driver do to prepare for the Basic Driver License test? How do Intermediate Driver License drivers lower insurance in Washington? When should I book my G road test?
- Drive in All Weather ConditionsSnow, rain, fog — Intermediate Driver License years are your best chance to build real-world confidence before Basic Driver License independence.
Don't Do These — As a Intermediate Driver License Driver
What mistakes do Intermediate Driver License drivers make that get their license suspended? Can a Intermediate Driver License driver drink any alcohol? What happens if a Intermediate Driver License driver gets a speeding ticket in Washington?
- Speed Violations — Tickets Hit Hard Early OnEven minor speeding adds points. Early convictions affect insurance rates and your standing with the DMV.
- Ignore Your Driving RecordPoints stay on your record from the offense date. Monitor your total — new drivers suspend at lower thresholds.
- Drive Without Valid CoverageFines start in the thousands. Your vehicle gets impounded and your license is suspended on the spot.⚠ This is one of the most consequential violations for a new driver. Never take the risk.
- Let an Uninsured Driver Use Your VehicleThe insurance claim goes to the vehicle owner. An at-fault incident in your car raises your premiums directly.
- Accept Fault Without Checking Your OptionsOne at-fault claim affects your insurance costs for years. Contest disputed findings through your insurer.
- Let Your Address Lapse on Your LicenseNotify the Washington DOL within 10 days of moving. $60 fine and missed renewal notices otherwise.
Road Safety Habits for Intermediate Driver License Drivers
What are the most important safe driving habits for Intermediate Driver License drivers? How do I stay safe driving alone for the first time? What causes most Intermediate Driver License driver accidents in Washington?
- Highway Comfort Takes Time — Build It GraduallyStart with off-peak highway driving Build comfort at highway speeds over time. Practice merging and lane changes in lower-traffic conditions first.
- 3-Second Following Distance — AlwaysIncrease to 4–5 in rain or snow. Intermediate Driver 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 Driver License to Basic Driver License
How long do I have to wait after Intermediate Driver License to get Basic Driver License in Washington? What is tested on the G road test? How much does the Basic Driver License road test cost?
- Step 1 — Instruction Permit: Pass Written TestWalk-in at any a Washington DOL office.
- Step 2 — Intermediate Driver License: After 12 Months Instruction PermitCan drive alone after passing.⚠ Intermediate Driver License still has restrictions — zero BAC, no phone, seatbelt capacity.
- Step 3 — Basic Driver License: After 12 Months Intermediate Driver LicenseNo restrictions after passing.
- Instruction Permit Expires in 5 YearsMiss the window and you restart with a new written test. Don't let it lapse.⚠ Intermediate Driver License also expires in 5 years — book your road test before it lapses.
Pro Tips — Washington Intermediate Driver License Driver
How do I pass my Basic Driver License road test first try in Washington? What do Intermediate Driver License drivers wish they knew? How can Intermediate Driver License drivers lower car insurance in Washington?
- 1
Washington Intermediate curfew: no driving between 1 AM and 5 AM for holders under 18. Work and school exemptions require documentation.
- 2
During the first six months: no passengers under 20. After six months that restriction lifts.
- 3
Under 21 in Washington means a legal BAC of essentially zero. Washington DUI enforcement applies immediately.
- 4
Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 can require chains or close with limited warning in winter. Check WSDOT road conditions before any Cascade mountain pass trip in fall through spring.
- 5
One at-fault accident typically raises premiums by 25 to 40 percent for up to six years.
- 6
After any collision: stop, do not admit fault, exchange insurance, and call Washington State Patrol for injury or significant damage.
- 7
Track your Washington DOL points carefully. Violations accumulate from conviction date.
- 8
When you qualify for a Basic Driver License, upgrade right away.
Common searches: Washington intermediate driver license 1 AM to 5 AM curfew, Washington GDL no passengers under 20 first six months, Washington zero BAC under 21, and Washington DOL point suspension thresholds. Sourced from the Washington Department of Licensing.
LAST MODIFIED:JUN 12, 2026
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