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In Wyoming a 14- or 15-year-old can drive alone with a restricted Class C (RC) license, sometimes called a hardship license, which is granted only when the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) finds an “extreme inconvenience” for the family. This page explains who qualifies, how the notarized application works, the limits on the license and what gets it suspended.
Key facts
- Ages: 14 to 15.
- Approval: by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Restricted License Investigations, after a mailed application. A decision can take up to 6 weeks.
- Limits: drive only from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., within 50 miles of home, at your parent’s or guardian’s direction, and within any extra WHP restrictions.
- Expiry: 30 days after your 16th birthday.
- Fee as of November 2026: $25 for a restricted license or permit.
Who qualifies for a Wyoming restricted license?
A parent or guardian with custody must swear that one of these extreme-inconvenience situations applies:
- Your home is more than 5 miles from the school you attend, and you must drive to school.
- You have a regular job of at least 10 hours a week, more than 5 miles from home.
- You need the license to work in your parent’s business.
- Any other circumstance the Highway Patrol finds to be an extreme inconvenience. The application says this category is limited to transport for long-term medical treatment or conditions, not routine doctor visits.
The application also asks you to list every licensed driver in your household, with their employer and working hours, and explain why each one cannot drive you.
How to apply
- Download the Wyoming Restricted Class Driver License Application packet (FSDL-708) from the WYDOT Forms page.
- Complete the affidavit describing the extreme inconvenience in detail. It must be signed and notarized.
- Add each verification form that applies. Each is completed by the right person and notarized:
- School Attendance Verification, completed by the principal or superintendent, if you will drive to school.
- Work Verification, completed by your employer, with a pay stub and a schedule showing at least 10 hours a week, if you will drive to work.
- Verification of Parental Ownership of Business, with copies of business or sales tax licenses, if you will work in the family business.
- Insurance Verification, which is always required. Your insurance agent confirms you would be eligible for coverage as a restricted licensee driving alone.
- Mail everything to: Wyoming Highway Patrol, Restricted License Investigations, 5300 Bishop Blvd, Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340.
- Wait for a decision by mail. This can take up to 6 weeks. Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork is grounds for denial.
Questions about an application go to WHP on 307-777-4314.
After approval: permit first, then the RC license
- Act within 30 days. A WHP approval is valid for only 30 days from issue. If you do not get the license in that window, or anything changes, you must apply again.
- Get a permit if you do not have one. Take the approval document to your local driver exam office with your parent or guardian. Bring proof of identity, residency (which can be in your parent’s name) and your Social Security number. Pass the written test and vision screening. You will get a restricted instruction permit, valid for 60 days. While on it, a licensed adult 18 or older must ride with you.
- Hold the permit at least 10 days.
- Pass a skills test. Then surrender the permit and receive the RC license.
More on the tests: Wyoming written test and instruction permit and Wyoming driving skills test.
RC license restrictions
| Restriction | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hours | 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. only |
| Distance | Within a 50-mile radius of your home (domicile) |
| Purpose | Only at the direction of your parent or guardian |
| Extra limits | Any further restrictions WHP sets based on your application |
The same rules apply to a restricted motorcycle license (RM) or a combined RC-M.
What gets an RC license suspended?
- A conviction for any moving violation.
- Driving outside 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Driving beyond the 50-mile radius.
- A conviction for breaking the license’s other restrictions.
The manual sets the suspension for a moving violation on an RC or RM license at 90 days for a first offense and one year for a second or later offense. A suspension can also stop you moving up to full privileges later.
What happens at 16?
The RC license expires 30 days after your 16th birthday. Holding an RC license counts toward the intermediate license, so you can apply for one at 16. See Wyoming intermediate license and full privileges.
Common questions
Can a 14-year-old drive in Wyoming?
Only with a Highway Patrol-approved restricted license, or a restricted instruction permit with a licensed adult 18 or older in the car.
Is the Wyoming hardship license just for farm kids?
No. It covers living more than 5 miles from school, a regular job more than 5 miles away, working in a parent’s business, or long-term medical transport needs. Every case is reviewed by WHP.
Can I drive friends on an RC license?
The RC restrictions on WYDOT’s pages cover hours, distance and parental direction, and WHP can add more. Check the restrictions printed for your own license.
Can I drive to sports practice at 8:30 p.m.?
No. An RC license is valid only from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., and driving outside those hours is grounds for suspension.
Does it raise insurance costs?
The insurance verification form says your family must be told about any fees or increased premiums. Ask your insurer before you apply. See car insurance for new drivers.
Back to the full guide: learning to drive in Wyoming.
Sources
- Wyoming Highway Patrol and WYDOT, “Wyoming Restricted Class Driver License Application (FSDL-708)” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Learner Permits” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Classification Guide” (dot.state.wy.us)
- Wyoming Department of Transportation, “Rules of the Road: State of Wyoming Driver License Manual, Class C (2021)” (dot.state.wy.us)
- WYDOT Driver Services, “Frequently Asked Questions” (dot.state.wy.us)