Wyoming Online Driver Education and Wyoming Licensing Procedures

The process of applying for your Wyoming learner’s permit or first Wyoming driver’s license can be nerve-racking, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the right information. We want you to get as much out of this experience as possible, and have designed this guide to help you through the process. Wyoming has a “Graduated Driver License Program()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/driver_license_records/new_licenses/learner_permits for Wyoming teen drivers, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your first Wyoming driver’s license is as simple and stress-free as possible. So let’s get started.

Wyoming Online Driver Education

First of all, Wyoming teen drivers are required to enroll in a Wyoming approved driver education class. You can find more information about approved Wyoming online driver education on the “Wyoming Department of Transportation website()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/driver_license_records/driver_education.

The Wyoming Learner’s Permit or Wyoming Instruction Permit

Wyoming offers a “Restricted Learner’s Permit()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/driver_license_records/new_licenses/learner_permits, also known as a “hardship permit” for Wyoming teens age 14-15. If you live more than 5 miles from your job or school, you may be eligible to apply for a Wyoming Learner’s Permit. However, there is some extra paperwork you’ll have to complete—more than if you’re applying for a regular Wyoming Learner’s Permit. All of the information can be found on the “Wyoming Department of Transportation website()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/driver_license_records/new_licenses/learner_permits.

When you turn 15, you can apply for a Wyoming Learner’s Permit. This license makes it legal for you to practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is 18 years or older. In order to apply, you’ll need the following:

• State-certified copy of your birth certificate
• The $20 Wyoming Learner’s Permit fee of
• The “Wyoming Learner’s Permit application()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/webdav/site/wydot/shared/Driver_Services/APPL.Jan2010.pdf
• Your parent/guardian must sign your application, and it must be notarized

When you have all of this ready, head on down to your local Wyoming Driver Service Center and submit your application. Then, you’ll have to take a “rules of the road test()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/webdav/site/wydot/shared/Driver_Services/Driver%20License%20Rules%20of%20the%20Road.pdf and vision screening. If you can get this far, you’ve achieved your first milestone: the Wyoming Learner’s Permit, which is valid for 1 year and may be renewed once.

Once you turn 16, you’ll be ready for the next step in the Wyoming Graduated License Program, the Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License.

The Wyoming Intermediate Driver License or Wyoming Provisional License

You can apply for your Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License once you turn 16. However, you’ll need to make sure you meet these requirements:

• Be at least 16
• Complete the required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving (including at least 10 hours of night driving)
• Complete a Wyoming approved driver education class
• Have your parent/guardian sign your “application form()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/webdav/site/wydot/shared/Driver_Services/APPL.Jan2010.pdf
• You can study for the written test with the “Wyoming Driver Manual()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/driver_license_records/pid/220

Then, make an appointment and head back to your local Wyoming Driver Service Center again. Remember to bring your parent/guardian, your identification documents, and your Wyoming Learner’s Permit. Next is the dreaded Wyoming road test—but if you have studied and practiced diligently, it shouldn’t pose a huge problem. If you pass, then congratulations! You’ve just earned your Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License.

Wyoming Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties

There are still a few “restrictions()”:http://www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/driver_license_records/new_licenses/learner_permits you’ll have to keep in mind for your Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License:

• No driving between the hours of 11PM and 5AM unless for a medical emergency, or driving to/from work or school (you will need documentation to verify)
• No more than 1 passenger under 18 who is not family
• All passengers must wear seat belts

On the bright side, once you turn 16 and a half, you can apply for your Wyoming Regular Driver License and finally drive unrestricted. Freedom!

Wyoming Auto Insurance Financial Responsibility Laws

Once you receive your Wyoming Provisional Driver license, you’re ready to drive—or so you may think. But hold your horses, because Wyoming drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. In fact, you risk the suspension of your Wyoming Learner’s Permit or Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License if you are in an accident and found to be driving without Wyoming mandatory liability insurance. If you don’t have insurance already, getting it should be a top priority.

The minimum liability insurance coverage is:

• $20,000 bodily injury for one person
• $50,000 bodily injury two or more people
• $20,000 for property damage per accident

Wyoming Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws

As a Wyoming teen driver, it’s important for you to learn the Wyoming drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. and follow them to the letter. After all, younger drivers tend to be killed drinking, speeding, and not paying attention.

Drunk Driving. Like most states, Wyoming has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Wyoming DUI or Wyoming DWI, your Wyoming Learner Permit or Wyoming Driver’s License will be suspended.

In general, upon your first conviction of a Wyoming DUI of .08, you’ll face the following penalties:

• Jail up to 6 months
• License Suspension 90 days
• Fine $750 to $300 and/or
• Substance Abuse Assessment
• Ignition Interlock Device

Needless to say, further Wyoming DWI and DUI convictions will result in more severe penalties including jail time, fines, community service, and Wyoming license suspension or even Wyoming license revocation.

Cell Phones. In 2010, Wyoming teen drivers will be prohibited from text-messaging while driving. The fine is $75 and takes effect in July 2010. We know it’s tempting, but wait until you’re out of the car to text your friends!