How licensing works in Wyoming
Wyoming's graduated licensing has a learner's permit, an intermediate permit (I2C) and full privileges. Teens with a real hardship may also get a restricted permit at 14 or 15.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted (hardship) permit | 14 | Only with a hardship reason. Valid 60 days. Licensed adult 18+ with you. Drive 5 a.m.–8 p.m. within 50 miles of home |
| Learner's permit | 15 | Licensed person over 18 in the front seat. Valid one year. Hold at least 10 days |
| Intermediate permit (I2C) | 16 | 50 certified hours (10 at night) and a skills test. Drive 5 a.m.–11 p.m. One non-family passenger under 18 |
| Full privileges | After six months with driver education, or at 17 | Drivers under 17 need driver education |
Hardship permits
A 14- or 15-year-old may qualify if they live more than 5 miles from school, have a job of at least 10 hours a week more than 5 miles from home, or are needed in a parent's business. Applications go to the Wyoming Highway Patrol and can take up to six weeks. A moving violation or driving outside the allowed hours or area can lead to suspension.
The Wyoming written test
When you apply for a learner's permit, you take a written knowledge test and a vision screening. The test covers Wyoming traffic laws, safe driving and road signs from the Wyoming Driver License Manual.
- You can start your application online through oneWYO, but you must visit a driver exam office in person for your photo.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application.
- Bring the REAL ID documents WYDOT requires.
For the intermediate permit, bring your current permit and proof of your 50 driving hours. The skills test can be taken with Driver Services or through an approved driver education program.
Rules specific to Wyoming
Intermediate permit limits
- Drive only from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., unless you have an approved exception.
- Carry no more than one passenger under 18 who is not immediate family.
- The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.
- These limits do not apply when a person 18 or older with a valid full license sits in the front seat.
Exceptions to the hours
To drive outside 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., carry a signed exception form in the vehicle. A doctor signs for medical needs, an employer for work, and a parent or guardian for school, youth sports or religious activities. Forms cover specific occasions only. No form is needed in a medical emergency.
Phones
Wyoming bans texting while driving for all drivers, and police can stop you for it alone. Even where calls are legal, any phone use takes your attention off the road.
Open roads and wildlife
Wyoming has long rural highways, strong winds and lots of wildlife. Practice in different conditions, including at night, which counts toward your 10 night hours, and watch for animals near the road.
Deer crossing Slippery when wet
Making the most of your practice
Your supervised hours are where you really learn to drive. Plan them instead of leaving them to chance, and ask your supervisor to give you calm, clear feedback after each trip.
- Start in an empty parking lot to learn steering, braking, turning and backing.
- Move on to quiet streets, then busier roads, multi-lane roads and highways.
- Practice at night and in rain, so your first night drive alone is not your first night drive ever.
- Work on the skills a road test checks: full stops, lane changes, turns, parking and backing.
- Say out loud what you see: signs, hazards, and what other road users might do next.
In Wyoming, you need 50 hours, including 10 at night. Write down each drive right after it ends, with the date, the time and the conditions, so your log is complete when you apply.
On test day
- Check the official website the day before for documents, hours and any appointment rules.
- Bring every document on the official list, in the form the office asks for.
- Get a good night's sleep and arrive early, so you are not rushed.
- Read each question twice. Watch for words like always, never, only and except.
- If you are not sure, rule out the answers you know are wrong, then choose the safest one.
Test tips
- Learn the key numbers: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 10 days, one year, 60 days, 50 hours, 10 at night, 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., 50 miles.
- Know the three permit types and who qualifies for each.
- Study road signs by shape and color.
- Read every option before you answer.
Next: the general rules of the road
This guide covers Wyoming's own rules. The written test also covers right-of-way, turns, passing, parking, alcohol and road signs. Study those in our national US driving study guide, then take the full practice tests.