Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Wyoming Driver's License

Getting a driver's license in Wyoming is a ticket to exploring the wide-open spaces and stunning landscapes of the Cowboy State. The process is managed by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and is designed to ensure all new drivers have the knowledge and skill to navigate the roads safely. Whether you're a teen eager to get your first taste of freedom or an adult getting licensed for the first time, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire journey.

For Teen Drivers: Wyoming's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

Wyoming's GDL program is a progressive, multi-stage licensing process for young drivers. It's designed to help teens gain driving experience in lower-risk environments before earning full, unrestricted driving privileges.

Stage 1: The Learner's Permit

This is the very first step for any aspiring driver in Wyoming.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 15 years old.
• Application: You must complete and sign the State of Wyoming Application for Driver License/ID Card. A parent or legal guardian must also sign to provide consent.
• Tests: You must pass a vision screening and the written knowledge test. The written test consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly (a score of 72%) to pass.

How to Apply:

1. Gather Your Documents: You'll need to provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, and two documents proving Wyoming residency.
2. Visit a Driver Exam Office: Take your completed application and documents to a local WYDOT Driver Services office.
3. Pass the Tests and Pay the Fee: After passing your vision and written exams, you will pay the required fee to be issued your learner's permit. The fee for a learner's permit is currently $20.

Learner's Permit Restrictions:

• Supervised Driving: You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and seated in the front passenger seat.
• Holding Period: You must hold this permit for at least 10 days before you are eligible to take the road test.
• Practice Hours: You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours being at night. Your parent or guardian will need to sign an affidavit certifying this when you apply for your intermediate license.

Stage 2: The Intermediate License

After gaining some experience with your learner's permit, you can apply for an intermediate license, which grants more independence but still comes with important safety restrictions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 16 years old.
• Permit Holding Period: You must have held your learner's permit for at least 10 days.
• Driving Experience: You must provide the signed affidavit confirming your 50 hours of supervised driving practice.
• Pass the Road Test: You must schedule and pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.

Intermediate License Restrictions:

• Driving Curfew: You are not permitted to drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old. Exceptions are made for driving to/from work or for medical emergencies.
• Passenger Limit: You are only allowed to have one passenger under the age of 18 in the vehicle who is not a member of your immediate family.
• Duration: These restrictions apply until you turn 17 years old or the license expires.

Stage 3: The Unrestricted License

Once you turn 17 and have successfully held your intermediate license, the GDL restrictions are lifted, and your license functions as a full, regular Class C driver's license.

For Adult Drivers (17 and Older)

If you are 17 years of age or older and applying for your first license, the process is more direct.

1. Apply for a Permit: You must first visit a WYDOT office to apply for a learner's permit by passing the vision and written tests and providing all required documentation.
2. Hold the Permit: Adults must also hold the learner's permit for at least 10 days.
3. Pass the Road Test: After the holding period, schedule and pass your road test.
4. Get Your License: Upon passing the road test, you will be issued a full, unrestricted Class C driver's license. The GDL restrictions do not apply to drivers who are 17 or older when they are first licensed.

New Residents Transferring a License

If you move to Wyoming and hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must obtain a Wyoming license once you become a resident.

• Timeframe: You should apply for a Wyoming license as soon as you have established residency.
• Tests: If your out-of-state license is valid or has been expired for less than one year, the written and road tests are typically waived. You will still need to pass a vision screening.
• Documentation: You must surrender your out-of-state license and provide all the standard proofs of identity, Social Security number, and Wyoming residency.

Required Fees and Documents

Always be prepared before heading to the driver exam office.

• Fees: A new Wyoming driver's license currently costs $40. A learner's permit is $20. Fees can change, so it's wise to check the official WYDOT website for the most up-to-date information.
• Documents: For your first license, you'll need to provide one proof of identity (like a certified birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current Wyoming address (like a utility bill or lease agreement).

By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary paperwork, you'll be well on your way to earning your license and enjoying the freedom of driving in Wyoming.