How Washington's Intermediate License law works
The full requirements of Washington's Intermediate License include: (The law takes affect 7-1-2001.)
Step 1: Before applying for an intermediate License a teen must:
Hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months
Get at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice - including 10 hours at night
Pass a traffic safety education course
Not have any traffic violations within 6 months of applying for the license, and
Not have any alcohol or drug offense while holding an instruction permit.
Step 2: Once the Intermediate License is issued:
For the first 6 months, drive with no passengers under the age of 20 unless they are members of the immediate family
For the remaining period, drive with no more than 3 passengers under the age of 20
Do not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless with a licensed driver age 25 or older. Driving for agricultural purposes is an exception to the late night hours driving restriction.
Step 3: After one year of driving without collisions or traffic citations:
Allowed to drive without limitation as to the time of day or the age and number of passengers
At age 18 the Intermediate Driver License automatically becomes a regular license
And, beginning with step 2 and until age 18:
If a driver commits a driving violation, or violation of license restrictions, the driver is sent a warning letter by the Department of Licensing
If two driving violations are committed a letter suspending the driver for 6 months (or until age 18, whichever is shorter) is sent to the driver
For a third driving violation the driver is suspended until age 18
Note: The driver's parents will receive a copy of any warning letter or letter of suspension sent to the driver.
A word of thanks to Senator Tracey Eide for providing much of the information seen here, and for her efforts in promoting traffic safety through sponsorship of the Intermediate License law.