The Ultimate Wyoming DMV Road Test Checklist: Be Prepared, Not Surprised

The day of your Wyoming driving test is the final hurdle between you and the open road. It's the moment where you prove to the WYDOT examiner that you have the skills and knowledge to be a safe, competent driver. While nerves are a normal part of the experience, the best way to combat them is with thorough preparation.

Many applicants fail their road test not because of poor driving, but because of a preventable issue with their vehicle or paperwork. This ultimate checklist is your guide to ensuring that doesn't happen to you. Follow it closely to make sure your vehicle is ready, your documents are in order, and you know what skills to practice.

Section 1: The Vehicle Safety Inspection

Before you even turn the key, the examiner will conduct a pre-drive inspection of your vehicle. If your car doesn't meet these basic safety standards, your test will be canceled on the spot, and you'll have to reschedule.

Your Vehicle Checklist:

Valid Registration and Insurance: You must have current, unexpired proof of Wyoming liability insurance and the vehicle's registration card. Make sure these documents are in the vehicle and easily accessible.
Brakes and Brake Lights: The brakes must be in good working order, and both brake lights must illuminate when you press the pedal. Have someone check this for you beforehand.
Headlights and Taillights: Ensure your headlights (both high and low beams) and taillights are functional.
Turn Signals: Both front and rear turn signals must work for both left and right turns.
Horn: The horn must be loud enough to be heard from a reasonable distance.
Windshield and Wipers: The windshield must be clean and free of any large cracks or obstructions in the driver's line of sight. The windshield wipers must also be in working order.
Tires: Your tires need to have sufficient tread and be properly inflated. Bald tires are a safety hazard and will result in a failed inspection.
Doors: The driver and front passenger doors must open and close properly from both the inside and outside.
Seat Belts: All seat belts must be in good, working condition. The examiner needs to buckle up, too.
Mirrors: The rearview mirror and both side mirrors must be secure and intact.
Emergency Brake: The parking brake must be able to hold the vehicle in place.
Cleanliness: While not an official failure point, a reasonably clean and clutter-free interior, especially on the passenger side, shows respect and responsibility.

Section 2: The Driver and Document Checklist

Once your vehicle passes inspection, the examiner will confirm you have all the necessary personal documents.

Your Document Checklist:

Your Valid Wyoming Learner's Permit: You must bring your permit with you to the test.
A Licensed Driver: You must be accompanied to the testing station by a driver who is licensed in Wyoming.
Proof of Insurance and Registration: As mentioned above, have these ready to present to the examiner.
Payment for Fees: Be prepared to pay the driver's license fee after you pass your test. The fee for a new license is currently $40. Check the WYDOT website for accepted payment methods.
Signed Driving Affidavit (for teens): If you are under 17, you must bring the affidavit signed by your parent or guardian certifying that you have completed 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of those hours at night.

Section 3: The Driving Skills You Must Master

The road test in Wyoming typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and will assess your ability to handle the vehicle safely in a variety of real-world traffic situations. While the exact route is at the examiner's discretion, you should be proficient in the following maneuvers:

Basic Control: Smoothly starting and stopping, accelerating, and braking.
Observation Skills: Consistently checking your mirrors, scanning intersections, and looking over your shoulder to check your blind spot before changing lanes or merging.
Turns: Signaling at least 100 feet before your turn, approaching in the correct lane, and finishing the turn in the correct lane without swinging wide.
Intersections: Properly handling intersections with and without traffic signals or signs. This includes knowing right-of-way rules.
Following Distance: Maintaining a safe two-second (or more) following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Lane Changes: Executing safe and smooth lane changes by signaling, checking mirrors, and checking your blind spot.
Backing: The ability to safely back the vehicle in a straight line.
Parking: You will be required to demonstrate your parking skills. This almost always includes parallel parking. You may also be asked to park on a hill (uphill or downhill). Practice these maneuvers until you are comfortable with them.
Stopping: Coming to a smooth, complete stop behind the white stop line or crosswalk.

By using this checklist to prepare, you can walk into your road test appointment feeling calm, confident, and ready to demonstrate your skills. Good luck, and drive safely!