Photo: Matthew Hernandez, Pexels
In Wyoming you can get an instruction permit at 15, an intermediate license at 16 and full driving privileges at 16 and a half (with driver education) or at 17. A restricted license is available from 14 for families facing extreme inconvenience. This guide is for Wyoming teens, parents and adult learners. It sets out each stage, the tests, the fees and the main rules of the road in the Wyoming Driver License Manual.
Key facts
- Agency: Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Driver Services. Questions: 307-777-4800.
- Handbook: Rules of the Road, State of Wyoming Driver License Manual, 2021 edition. As of November 2026 it is still the only Class C manual WYDOT lists. WYDOT warns that some content may be out of date, so check the live WYDOT pages before you rely on a detail.
- Tests: vision screening, an automated written test and a driving skills test. Driver education can waive the skills test.
- Minimum hold on a permit: 10 days.
- Supervised practice for the intermediate license: 50 hours, including 10 at night, certified by a parent or guardian.
- Fees as of November 2026 (WYDOT FAQ): Class C license or permit $45; restricted license or permit $25.
Wyoming license stages at a glance
| Stage | Age | What you can do | Main conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted license (RC) | 14 to 15 | Drive alone, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., within 50 miles of home | Wyoming Highway Patrol must find extreme inconvenience. Expires 30 days after your 16th birthday |
| Instruction permit | 15 or older | Drive only with a licensed person 18 or older in the front passenger seat | Pass the written test and vision screening. Valid one year and renewable |
| Intermediate license (called an intermediate permit, I2, in law) | 16 | Drive alone, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with no more than one non-family passenger under 18 | Permit held 10 days, 50 hours logged, skills test passed. Expires 30 days after your 17th birthday |
| Full privileges | 16 and a half, or 17 | No teen restrictions | At 16 and a half you need 6 months on an intermediate license plus approved driver education. At 17 you can apply directly |
Step 1: Get a Wyoming instruction permit
- Gather your documents. You need one proof of identity, such as a state-certified birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport, and two proofs of Wyoming residency showing a physical address. A parent or guardian can provide residency proof in their own name. Proof of your Social Security number is recommended.
- Start the application on oneWYO if you like, then visit a driver exam office in person to be photographed.
- Pass the vision screening and the written test.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian signs the application.
The permit lasts one year and can be renewed as many times as you need. Test details and retake rules are in Wyoming written driving test and instruction permit.
Step 2: Practice for 50 hours
To get an intermediate license you must log at least 50 hours of actual driving, including 10 at night. A parent or guardian certifies the hours on the Behind-the-Wheel Driving Certification form. WYDOT also offers an optional log. See Wyoming 50 hour behind-the-wheel certification.
When you apply for your first permit, exam stations hand out the Parent’s Supervised Driving Program manual, a step-by-step teaching plan for parents.
Step 3: Pass the skills test (or use driver education)
First-time applicants who have never been licensed must pass a driving skills test in their own legal, insured vehicle. An approved driver education course, covering 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind the wheel, can let the examiner waive the test. The waiver is not automatic. See Wyoming driving skills test and driver ed waiver.
Step 4: Intermediate license at 16, full privileges later
Intermediate drivers must not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they carry a signed exception form. Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt. Breaking these rules brings a 30-day suspension. Full rules, exceptions and the route to full privileges: Wyoming intermediate license and full privileges at 16 and a half.
If you live far from school or work, see Wyoming restricted license at 14 for extreme inconvenience.
Vision standard
- 20/40 acuity with both eyes, with or without glasses, and a combined horizontal field of at least 120 degrees.
- Worse than 20/40 but at least 20/100: you must take a driving skills test.
- Fail the screening: you need a vision statement from an eye specialist.
- If you need glasses or contacts to pass, you must wear them when you drive.
Wyoming rules of the road learners get asked about
Speed limits (unless posted otherwise)
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Interstate highways | 80 mph or 75 mph |
| Secondary highways | 70 mph |
| Residential and business areas | 30 mph |
| School zones | 20 mph |
Approach a blind intersection at no more than 15 mph. On a wet road slow by at least 5 to 10 mph, on packed snow cut your speed by at least half, and on ice slow to a crawl. When you pass a vehicle going slower than the legal maximum, you may exceed the limit by up to 10 mph.
Right of way, roundabouts and stops
- At an intersection with no signs or signals, yield to the driver on your right.
- At a four-way stop, the first to stop goes first. If in doubt, yield to the driver on your right. See four-way stops explained.
- Roundabouts: slow down, yield to pedestrians and to traffic already in the roundabout, merge into a gap, keep moving, and signal as you exit. See how to drive a roundabout in the US.
- Stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction. The only exception is a physical barrier or separate roadway between you and the bus.
- Stop when you enter a street from a driveway, alley, building or parking lot.
- Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it. Left on red is allowed from a one-way street onto a one-way street.
Turning, passing and parking
- Signal at least 100 feet before an intersection.
- When space allows, leave at least 3 feet when you pass a bicyclist.
- Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a crosswalk, within an intersection, on a bridge or in front of a driveway.
- Facing uphill with a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb. In every other case, turn them toward the curb or the edge of the road.
Interstate driving
Merge at the speed of traffic, keep at least a 2-second gap, stay right except to pass, and never back up or cross the median. If you miss your exit, go on to the next one. More: freeway driving for new drivers.
Move Over law
For a stopped emergency, utility, construction or maintenance vehicle with lights activated, move to the lane farthest from it on a road with two or more lanes in your direction. On a two-lane road posted at 45 mph or more, slow to 20 mph below the posted limit. See move over laws in the US.
Lights, phones and weather
- Use headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, and any time you cannot clearly see people and vehicles 1,000 feet ahead.
- Dim your high beams at least 500 feet before you meet an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
- Reading or sending a text while driving is illegal for every Wyoming driver. Some cities have their own phone ordinances.
- Following distance: 2 seconds normally, double it when the road is wet or at night, triple it on snow, and quadruple it on ice. See driving in snow, fog and rain.
- Wildlife collisions are most common in fall and spring. If a crash with an animal cannot be avoided, brake firmly and stay on the road. Do not swerve suddenly.
Signs, signals and road markings
An octagon means stop, a downward triangle means yield, a diamond is a warning, a pentagon marks a school zone or crossing, a pennant marks the start of a no-passing zone, and a round sign warns of a railroad crossing. Orange signs mark construction. Yellow lines separate opposing traffic and white lines separate traffic going the same way. Solid yellow in your lane means no passing. More: US road signs by shape and color and US pavement markings.
Seat belts, child restraints and police stops
- Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt, and the driver is responsible for making sure they do.
- Children under 9 must be in a proper child restraint, in a seat other than the front unless the vehicle has only one row. The first-offense fine is up to $60, and it is waived if you show proof you have since acquired a restraint. Later offenses are up to $110. Police can stop you for this alone. A child of that age may use the adult belt if the lap and shoulder belt fit properly, and a rear-facing seat must never face an active airbag. Seat belt exemptions include a doctor’s written statement, vehicles built without belts, and postal carriers on duty.
- If police stop you, pull right to a safe place, keep your hands on the wheel and show your license, proof of insurance and registration. Wyoming law requires you to carry all three. Put the car in park, roll down the window, end calls and turn on the interior light at night. Tell the officer about any weapons and where your documents are before reaching. You may refuse a search, but the officer can search with probable cause.
Alcohol, drugs and losing your license
| Situation | Consequence in the manual |
|---|---|
| Chemical test 0.08% or more (Administrative Per Se) | 90-day suspension |
| Under 21 with 0.02% or more | 90 days first offense; 6 months for a second within two years |
| First DWUI conviction at 0.15% or more | Ignition interlock restricted license for 6 months |
| Fourth moving violation within 12 months | 90-day suspension |
| Breaking intermediate license restrictions | 30-day suspension |
| Under 21 caught driving while suspended, revoked or canceled | 30-day suspension |
| DWUI conviction within 10 years: first, second, third or later | 90 days; 1 year; 3-year revocation |
| Ignition interlock after an alcohol DWUI: first (0.15% or more), second, third, fourth or later | 6 months; 1 year; 2 years plus the rest of the revocation; life (you may petition after 5 years) |
| Reckless driving within 5 years: first, second, third or later | 90 days; 6 months; 1-year revocation |
| Transporting alcohol to give to someone under 21 | 1 year |
| Moving violation on a restricted (RC or RM) license | 90 days first; 1 year after that |
| Convicted of driving without liability insurance | Until an SR-22 is filed |
| Using or lending someone else’s license or ID, or a false application | Cancellation and/or 90 days |
| Ignoring a traffic ticket, in Wyoming or another state | Until the court confirms you have dealt with it |
| Child support $5,000 or more behind for 90 days | Until paid or on a payment plan ($5 reinstatement) |
| No verifiable insurance at a crash | Suspension until you file a release, payment agreement, cash deposit or later affidavit, plus an SR-22 |
A DWUI conviction is possible at 0.05% with other supporting evidence, and driving under the influence of any controlled drug counts too. Under implied consent, police can get a warrant if you refuse a test. Only time lowers your alcohol level, at about one drink an hour; a 12-ounce beer, a glass of wine and 1.5 ounces of 86-proof liquor hold about the same alcohol. The general reinstatement fee is $50.
Leaving the scene of an injury crash, homicide by vehicle, a felony caused by your driving, and a third DWUI or reckless driving conviction bring revocation: no limited privileges, and a driver investigation before you can be relicensed. For some suspensions you can ask, in writing and within 20 days of the notice, for a record review (for a probationary license with limited privileges, at most once in 5 years) or a contested case hearing. Suspensions start 30 days after the order. An SR-22 must be kept on file for 3 years.
See zero tolerance laws for drivers under 21 and implied consent and DUI.
More Wyoming road rules from the manual
- Speed and visibility. Low beams light only about 250 feet, so above 55 mph on a dark road you can’t stop within what you can see. If heavy rain, snow or fog cuts your view to about 100 feet, pull off and wait. In fog, a speed gap of more than 15 mph from other traffic is very dangerous. Never use parking lights alone while driving.
- Right of way. At a YIELD sign, yield to cross traffic close enough to be dangerous, then merge into a gap. Entering an intersection while speeding forfeits any right of way you had. Yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk on your side, when turning on red, and always to a blind pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog.
- Emergency vehicles. When one comes up behind you with a siren or lights, pull to the right edge and stop (not in an intersection), keep your foot on the brake, and watch for a second one before moving. Near a roundabout, pull over before it; inside one, exit first, then pull over. The Move Over law covers vehicles stopped, or moving under 20 mph, on or within 3 feet of the road.
- Other required stops. Stop when entering a business district from a side road, when a flag person signals you, and whenever you are involved in a crash. On a two- or four-lane undivided road, traffic both ways stops for a school bus with flashing red lights; on a divided road only your side does.
- Lanes and signals. On a two-lane road keep right and give oncoming traffic the left half. Don’t change lanes before or in an intersection. Overhead or painted ONLY arrows must be followed. A solid yellow line means no passing or lane change, except to turn left into or out of an alley, private road or driveway. Hand signals use the left arm: up for right, straight out for left, down to slow or stop.
- Backing. Walk behind the car first, then turn your head and body to look back, with a hand at the top of the wheel, and back slowly.
- Passing. Never pass more than one vehicle at a time on a two-lane road, don’t follow another car that is passing, and start from at least two seconds back. Return when you see the front of the passed vehicle in your mirror. Pass on the right only around a left-turning vehicle, without leaving the pavement, or where two or more lanes go your way. Don’t pass near hills, curves, bridges, intersections or railroad crossings.
- Bicyclists. Don’t pass unless you have a clear, empty lane; otherwise slow to the cyclist’s speed and follow. Avoid driving alongside a bike in one lane. Bikes ridden after dark need a front light and rear reflectors.
- Motorcycles, trucks and slow vehicles. Never move into a lane alongside a motorcycle; motorcyclists may ride at most two abreast, by consent. Stay out of trucks’ No-Zones and don’t cut in front after passing one. A slow-moving vehicle emblem means the vehicle can’t exceed 25 mph.
- More parking rules. Also no parking where the curb is painted yellow, beside a stopped or parked car, alongside road work, in a tunnel, or in a disabled space without a placard or plates. In an emergency, get all four wheels off the pavement, avoid hills and curves, and use your flashers. Signal and yield before pulling out.
- Interstate extras. If you find yourself going the wrong way on a ramp, pull onto the shoulder, stop, and turn around only when no traffic is coming. Move to the exit lane a mile or more ahead and slow only in the deceleration lane. In a breakdown, get fully onto the right shoulder, use flashers (flares or reflectors at night), stay off the traffic side, and don’t walk for help. If the car can’t leave the road, get everyone away from it.
- Railroad crossings. A crossbuck is a yield sign for trains. Stop behind the stop line, wait for gates to rise and lights to stop, and never drive onto the tracks unless you can clear them. If you stall on the tracks, get everyone out and well away and call 911. Use the Emergency Notification Sign number to report a blocked crossing or broken signals. Never pass at a crossing.
- Animals. On seeing an animal, slow down, tap your brakes to warn drivers behind and sound your horn; flashing your lights can freeze it. Report a crash if the carcass is still on the road.
- Following distance detail. Allow two seconds for every 20 feet of vehicle length, so add more when towing. If someone tailgates you, leave more room ahead, move right or let them pass.
- Weather. In fog use low beams, and rear fog lights only in heavy fog. In rain, take extra care in the first half hour and slow to avoid hydroplaning. Use snow tires or chains on snow and ice, never lock the brakes and don’t use cruise control. Watch for crosswinds near trucks and open ground. Stranded in a blizzard: stay with the car, keep a window open a little, run the engine sparingly with the exhaust pipe clear, use flashers and the dome light, and take turns keeping watch.
- Emergencies. If a crash is coming, slow fast, steer away (usually right) and avoid a head-on hit. Stuck gas pedal: try to free it, shift to neutral, brake and stop. Brake failure: pump, use the parking brake carefully and shift down. Blowout: grip the wheel and ease off the gas without braking. Car coming at you in your lane: slow, flash your lights, then steer right. Off the pavement: ease off, brake gently, then steer back on. Test wet brakes after deep water. Never turn the key to LOCK while moving. If you notice carbon monoxide symptoms, stop and open windows; never warm up the car in a closed garage. When you see a disabled vehicle on the shoulder, move left if you can.
- Your health. Don’t drive when overcome by emotion, illness or medicines that affect you. Drivers with poor side vision, night vision or hearing must compensate, for example by turning their head more or driving only in daylight.
- Other vehicles. Multipurpose vehicles need plates, may not use interstates and follow slow-moving vehicle rules. Off-road recreational vehicles should stay off the main traveled road where practical and cross it at right angles, yielding to traffic. A bicycle helmet is not required but is strongly recommended.
If you are in a crash
- Stop at or near the scene and stay until police have questioned everyone.
- Help anyone injured and call for an ambulance. Do not move an injured person unless there is danger of another crash.
- Warn approaching traffic.
- Exchange names, addresses, license numbers, insurance and vehicle details, and get witness names.
- Contact police if anyone is injured or killed, or if damage reaches $1,000 or more.
If you hit an unattended vehicle, leave a note with your name, address, phone number, license number, plate number, the date and time, and the damage. Then contact law enforcement.
Titles, registration and moving to Wyoming
- Vehicle titles and registration are handled by your county treasurer’s office, not Driver Services.
- New residents have one year from establishing residency to get a Wyoming license. If your license is from Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee or Wisconsin, or is a CDL, apply as soon as you establish residency. See moving to a new state.
- Report an address change to WYDOT in writing within 10 days.
- You don’t need a Wyoming license if you are a federal employee in a government vehicle, a service member (or dependent) stationed here with a valid home-state license, or a full-time University of Wyoming or Wyoming community college student with a valid license from another state. Licensed drivers from other Driver License Compact states surrender their old license within one year of residency.
- Wyoming won’t license anyone suspended, canceled, denied or revoked in any state, anyone who fails an exam, anyone judged legally incompetent or a habitual user of alcohol or drugs, or anyone in violation of US immigration law. The manual also lists under-16s, apart from the restricted license route.
- A Class C license covers vehicles under 26,001 pounds, towing up to 10,000 pounds; motorcycles need Class M. Restriction codes include B for corrective lenses and G for daylight driving only.
- Renewal: from 120 days before expiry if you are over 21, or 90 days if under 21 (under 21s wanting an adult license renew within 30 days of turning 21). You pass a vision screening, and you may renew by mail every other time. Let your license expire and you may have to retake every test.
- The application also lets you join the organ donor registry (a parent signs under 18), add a medical alert to your license, and donate to wildlife conservation. You can get a copy of your driving record at an exam station; a parent can get a minor’s record. Disabled placards are free: permanent for impairments of 12 months or more, temporary for up to 6 months. If an Amber Alert for an abducted child is broadcast on radio or TV, note the details and watch for the vehicle described.
- An emancipated minor (17 or older and married, in the military or emancipated by a court) can have that status shown on the license.
- Learners visiting from another state may drive in Wyoming if they follow their own permit’s restrictions. See driving with a learner’s permit in another state.
Common questions
How old do you have to be to drive in Wyoming?
You can get an instruction permit at 15 and an intermediate license at 16. A restricted license is possible at 14 if the Highway Patrol approves an extreme-inconvenience application.
How long do you have to hold a permit in Wyoming?
At least 10 days before you apply for an intermediate license or full privileges. You also need the 50 certified hours for the intermediate license.
Is driver’s ed required in Wyoming?
No, not for an intermediate license. Without an approved course, though, you cannot get full privileges until 17. With one, you can get them at 16 and a half, and the examiner may waive your skills test.
Can I take the written test in another language?
No. Tests are given in English only, but you may use an interpreter for non-commercial written tests, and an oral (audio) option is available.
Where do I take the tests?
At a WYDOT driver exam office. Many offices require a skills test appointment, which you can book on oneWYO or by calling the office.
Is the 2021 manual still the one to study?
Yes. As of November 2026 it is the only Class C manual WYDOT lists. Check fees and newer law changes on the WYDOT website.
How Wyoming compares
For other states, see learning to drive in the USA, US graduated driver licensing compared, US permit tests by state and supervised driving hours by state.
Sources
- Wyoming Department of Transportation, “Rules of the Road: State of Wyoming Driver License Manual, Class C (2021)” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Driver Manuals” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Learner Permits” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Driver License” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Testing” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Frequently Asked Questions” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Classification Guide” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Driver License and Records” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Applying for a Wyoming License, Permit or ID Card? (document requirements)” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Parents Supervised Driving Program” (dot.state.wy.us)