Wyoming Online Driver Education and Wyoming Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Wyoming Learner’s Permit or first Wyoming driver’s license. Wyoming has a Graduated Driver License Program 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 goes as smoothly as possible. So let’s get started.
The Wyoming Learner’s Permit or Wyoming Instruction Permit
First of all, Wyoming offers a Restricted Learner’s Permit, also known as a “hardship permit” for Wyoming teens age 14-15. If you live more than 5 miles from your school or job, you may be eligible to apply for a Wyoming Learner’s Permit. However, you’ll need to complete some extra paperwork--more than if you’re applying for a regular Wyoming Learner’s Permit--and you can find all this information on the Wyoming Department of Transportation website.
When you turn 15, you can apply for a Wyoming Learner’s Permit. In order to apply, you’ll need the following:
- State-certified copy of your birth certificate
- The Wyoming Learner’s Permit application
- Your parent/guardian must sign your application, and it must be notarized
- Don’t forget the Wyoming Learner’s Permit fee of $20
Once you’re 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 and vision screening. If you survive, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Wyoming Learner’s Permit, which is valid for 1 year and may be renewed once.
Remember, you must practice driving with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or licensed driver who is 18 years or older. Once you turn 16, you’ll be eligible 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
- This includes at least 10 hours of night driving
- Complete a Wyoming approved driver education class
- Have your parent/guardian sign your application form
- You can study for the written test with the Wyoming Driver Manual
Then, make an appointment and head on down to your local Wyoming Driver Service Center again. Remember to bring your identification documents, your parent/guardian, and your Wyoming Learner’s Permit. Now you’ll have to take the dreaded Wyoming road test! If you pass, then congratulations. You’ve just earned your Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License. However, you’ll still have to drive with a few restrictions for the time being.
Wyoming Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
There are still a few restrictions you’ll have to keep in mind for your Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License:
- No more than 1 passenger under 18 who is not family
- All passengers must wear seat belts
- No driving between the hours of 11PM and 5AM unless for:
- Medical necessity, driving to/from work or school
- However, you will need documentation to verify
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 are you? Not quite yet, because Wyoming drivers are required by law to be covered by liability insurance. 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
If you are in an accident and found to be driving without Wyoming mandatory liability insurance, your Wyoming Learner Permit or Wyoming Intermediate Driver’s License could be suspended.
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. Like most state, 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:
- Fine $750 to $300 and/or
- Jail up to 6 months
- License Suspension 90 days
- Substance Abuse Assessment
- Ignition Interlock Device
And of course, further Wyoming DWI and DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, community service, fines, and Wyoming license suspension or even Wyoming license revocation.
In 2010, Wyoming teen drivers will be prohibited from text-messaging while driving. The fine is $75 and takes effect on July 2010.
Wyoming Online Driver Education
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.
