Wyoming CDL Requirements

Quick Facts - Wyoming CDL Requirements

Wyoming CDL Classes and Age Requirements

Wyoming follows federal Commercial Driver's License standards while adding state-specific procedures. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) issues three classes of CDL licenses:

Class A CDL

Allows operation of combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, where the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This includes tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, and livestock carriers.

Class B CDL

Permits driving single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or vehicles towing another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds. Examples include straight trucks, large buses, and delivery trucks.

Class C CDL

Required for vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including driver) or hazardous materials requiring placards, regardless of vehicle size.

Age Requirements

• 18 years: Intrastate CDL (Wyoming only) with K restriction
• 21 years: Interstate CDL, hazmat endorsement, passenger endorsement for interstate commerce

Knowledge Test Requirements

Before obtaining a Wyoming CDL, you must pass written knowledge tests and obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).

General Knowledge Test

All CDL applicants must pass the General Knowledge test covering:

• Vehicle inspection procedures
• Basic vehicle control and operation
• Shifting and transmission management
• Speed and space management
• Hazardous driving conditions
• Emergency procedures
• Cargo securement
• CDL regulations and requirements

Class-Specific Tests

Class A applicants must also pass the Combination Vehicles test covering:

• Coupling and uncoupling procedures
• Trailer inspection requirements
• Off-tracking and rollover prevention
• Combination vehicle handling

Endorsement Tests

Additional knowledge tests are required for specific endorsements:

• Air Brakes: Air brake system components, dual air systems, proper braking techniques
• Passenger (P): Loading/unloading procedures, bus operation, safety protocols
• School Bus (S): Student safety, danger zones, railroad crossings, emergency exits
• Hazardous Materials (H): Placarding, shipping papers, hazard classes, security awareness
• Tank Vehicles (N): Surge effects, vehicle stability, special inspection requirements

Test Requirements

• Minimum passing score: 80%
• Vision screening: 20/40 in both eyes (with or without correction)
• Tests available in English and Spanish
• Retesting allowed with additional fees

Skills Test Requirements

After holding your CLP for at least 14 days, you can schedule the CDL skills test, which consists of three parts:

Pre-Trip Inspection

Demonstrate thorough knowledge of vehicle inspection procedures by:

• Explaining what you're checking and why
• Identifying potential safety issues
• Following proper inspection sequence
• Showing familiarity with all vehicle systems

Basic Control Skills

Perform low-speed maneuvers including:

• Straight-line backing
• Offset backing
• Alley dock maneuvers
• Parallel parking (if applicable)

On-Road Driving Test

Demonstrate safe driving skills in various traffic conditions:

• Urban and highway driving
• Lane changes and merging
• Turning and intersection navigation
• Speed control and following distance
• Railroad crossing procedures
• Traffic signal and sign compliance

Vehicle Requirements

You must provide an appropriate test vehicle:

• Vehicle must match the CDL class you're seeking
• Must be driven to test site by properly licensed driver
• Vehicle must be in safe operating condition
• Air brake equipped vehicle required to avoid L restriction

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Wyoming follows federal ELDT requirements effective February 7, 2022. You must complete ELDT from an FMCSA-approved provider if you're:

Required ELDT Scenarios

• Obtaining your first Class A CDL
• Obtaining your first Class B CDL
• Upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Adding Passenger (P) endorsement
• Adding School Bus (S) endorsement
• Adding Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement

Training Components

Theory Training: Classroom or online instruction covering vehicle operation, safety procedures, and regulations

Behind-the-Wheel Training: Required for Class A/B CDLs and P/S endorsements, including range practice and public road driving

Wyoming ELDT Providers

• Laramie County Community College (LCCC)
• Sheridan College Commercial Motor Vehicle Training
• Various private CDL schools

Medical Requirements

Wyoming adopts federal FMCSA medical certification requirements for most CDL holders.

DOT Physical Examination

You must obtain a current federal DOT Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) from a National Registry Certified Medical Examiner unless you qualify for specific exemptions.

Self-Certification Categories

All CDL holders must self-certify their driving category:

• Interstate Non-Excepted: Drive across state lines, must meet federal medical standards
• Interstate Excepted: Limited interstate driving, may have medical exemptions
• Intrastate Non-Excepted: Wyoming only, must meet federal medical standards
• Intrastate Excepted: Wyoming only, limited operations, may have medical exemptions

Wyoming Medical Waivers

Wyoming offers intrastate medical waivers for drivers who don't meet federal standards but can safely operate within the state. Conditions that may qualify include:

• Vision impairments
• Hearing impairments
• Diabetes
• Limb impairments

CDL Endorsements

Wyoming issues standard federal endorsements with specific requirements:

Available Endorsements

• H - Hazardous Materials: Knowledge test + TSA background check
• N - Tank Vehicles: Knowledge test + appropriate skills test vehicle
• P - Passenger: ELDT + knowledge test + skills test in passenger vehicle
• S - School Bus: Must have P endorsement + ELDT + additional testing
• T - Double/Triple Trailers: Knowledge test + appropriate skills test vehicle
• X - Tank + Hazmat: Combination of H and N requirements

Special Requirements

• Hazmat endorsement requires 21+ age for interstate commerce
• School bus endorsement requires passenger endorsement first
• All endorsements require passing scores on specific knowledge tests

Testing Locations and Scheduling

WYDOT Driver Services Offices

CDL services are available at multiple locations throughout Wyoming:

• Cheyenne
• Casper
• Laramie
• Gillette
• Sheridan
• Rock Springs
• Jackson
• Riverton

Third-Party Testing

Skills tests may also be conducted by WYDOT-approved third-party examiners, including:

• Community college CDL programs
• Private CDL schools
• Approved testing facilities

Scheduling Requirements

• Most CDL services require appointments
• Call WYDOT Driver Services at 307-777-4810
• Bring all required documentation
• Arrive with appropriate test vehicle and licensed driver

Fees and Costs

Note: Fees are subject to change. Third-party skills test fees vary by provider.

Renewal and Maintenance

License Renewal

• Wyoming CDLs are valid for 5 years
• Renewal requires current medical certificate (if applicable)
• Must maintain proper self-certification status
• Background check may be required for hazmat renewal

Medical Certificate Maintenance

• Medical certificates typically valid for 2 years
• Must submit updated certificates to WYDOT
• Failure to maintain current medical status results in CDL downgrade

Reciprocity and Transfers

Wyoming participates in the federal CDL reciprocity system:

• Wyoming CDLs are valid in all 50 states
• Out-of-state CDLs are recognized in Wyoming
• New Wyoming residents must transfer their CDL within required timeframe
• ELDT completed in other states is recognized

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Gather required documents:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport)
• Social Security number verification
• Wyoming residency documents
• Current driver's license
• DOT medical certificate (if required)

Step 2: Study and Prepare

• Download Wyoming CDL Manual from WYDOT website
• Complete ELDT training if required
• Practice with online knowledge tests
• Arrange for appropriate test vehicle

Step 3: Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit

• Visit WYDOT Driver Services office
• Pass vision screening
• Pass required knowledge tests
• Pay CLP fee

Step 4: Practice and Schedule Skills Test

• Hold CLP for minimum 14 days
• Practice with qualified instructor or experienced driver
• Schedule skills test with WYDOT or approved third-party examiner

Step 5: Complete Skills Test and Receive CDL

• Arrive with proper documentation and test vehicle
• Pass all three parts of skills test
• Pay CDL license fee
• Receive temporary CDL (permanent license mailed)

For the most current information and to schedule appointments, visit the Wyoming Department of Transportation website or call Driver Services at 307-777-4810.