If you’re looking to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Wyoming, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, hold a Wyoming driver’s license, and have a clean driving record. If you can meet those requirements, you’ll also need to pass a series of knowledge and driving tests.

With great commercial vehicles comes great responsibility. If you plan to become a trucker or driver on a transportation route in Wyoming, you’ll need to get a CDL.

Here with this introductory guide to getting a CDL in Wyoming is

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What is required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Wyoming?

Getting a CDL in any state is a lengthy, complicated process, including in Wyoming. For starters, you’ll need a valid Wyoming driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Later on, you’ll need to pass a driving test and various knowledge tests, and you’ll have to meet certain medical requirements as well. What knowledge tests you’ll need to pass might vary depending on the CDL class you’re aiming for, as well as any additional endorsements you’ll need.

Wyoming CDL classes

Wyoming has three different CDL classes: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Here is how each one is classified:

Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of more than 26,000 pounds when the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle(s) exceeds 10,000 pounds

Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR in excess of 26,000 pounds or any vehicle towing another vehicle is under 10,000 pounds (excludes motorcycles)

Class C: Commercial vehicles that don’t meet the criteria for Class A or B, but is designed to transport 16 or more people (which includes the driver) or hazardous materials that meet the definition found in W.S. 31-7-102(a)(xxiii)

While you’re working your way toward that CDL, a commercial learners permit (CLP) allows you to drive a commercial vehicle, as long as you’re accompanied by someone who has a CDL of the appropriate class for the vehicle type.

W.S. 31-7-102(a)(xlviii)

further outlines these requirements.

In addition to your CDL class, you might also need to obtain CDL endorsements, depending on who or what you plan to transport.

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Endorsements

Endorsements are specific authorizations that allow someone with a Wyoming CDL to operate specific vehicles or transport certain people or materials. They are:

T: to tow more than one trailer behind a Class A vehicle

P: to transport passengers

N: to operate tank vehicles, as defined by W.S. 31-7-102(a)(xlv)

H: to transport hazardous materials

X: for transportation of hazardous materials in a tank vehicle (a combination of “H” and “N”)

S: to operate school buses and transport students

To obtain certain endorsements, you’ll need to take additional tests and may be subject to other requirements, like background checks. The Wyoming

Department of Transportation (DOT)

outlines those requirements.

Minimum age requirement

You’ll need to be at least 18 years of age or older to get a CDL in Wyoming. However, if you plan to drive commercially across state lines, or transport passengers or hazardous materials, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old.

Medical requirements

In most cases, you’ll also need to pass a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) physical and obtain a

DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate

in order to hold a CDL in Wyoming.

Those requirements cover areas like vision, blood sugar, blood pressure, hearing abilities, and more—which you can learn more about on the

FMCSA website

Exemptions for this requirement are listed in FMCSA Part 390.3(f), 391.2, 391.68, and 398.3.

New ELDT requirements

Since February 2022, drivers hoping to obtain a CDL in Wyoming for the first time are now required to pass an

Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

test requirement related to new regulations from the FMCSA.

You’ll also need to complete ELDT if you plan to upgrade to a higher-class CDL, or if you plan to obtain S, P, or H endorsements for the first time. According to the

Wyoming DOT

, it generally takes about six weeks to complete the training, although that timeframe can vary.

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How to apply for a CDL in Wyoming

First things first: to apply for a CDL in Wyoming, you’ll need to have a Wyoming driver’s license and a

clean driving record

Certain traffic offenses can get in the way of obtaining a CDL for a period of time, and serious offenses like

multiple DUIs

could prevent you from getting one altogether.

If you’re good to go on that much, there are other requirements you’ll also need to meet.

Before getting your CDL, you’ll need to have a CLP first in order to start your practice driving a commercial vehicle legally.

When you arrive at your driver exam office, you’ll need to present:

Proof of identification

Two forms of proof of current residents

Social Security number (recommended but not required)

Your DOT medical card (if applicable)

When you apply for your CLP, you’ll also need to pass knowledge tests like the ELDT that apply to your desired CDL class and any endorsements, plus a vision test. Applying for a CLP or a CDL costs $55.

Once you’ve held your CLP for at least 14 days, you can

make an appointment

with your local DOT office to take the appropriate driving test for your CDL—that CDL skills test will cost $85. A commercial vehicle won’t be provided, so someone with a valid license will need to transport it to the testing site—the

DOT

provides more details on that.

You’ll also need to have completed any other applicable tests in addition to your ELDT, which might include:

Air brake test

Hazardous materials test

Passenger transport test

School bus test

All written knowledge tests are multiple choice, and you’ll need to get at least 80% of the answers correct to pass. These

online practice tests

are shared by the DOT as a useful prep tool in advance of taking the exams.

Once you’ve passed your vision screening, your EDLT, the necessary knowledge tests, and your driving skills test, you’ll finally have your Wyoming CDL!

All this said, arranging to get your CDL can be a complicated process to navigate. If you need additional clarification on any aspect, don’t hesitate to

contact the DOT

to get the answers you need.

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How long is a CDL valid in Wyoming?

Wyoming CDLs generally need to be renewed every four years, but certain endorsements might require more frequent renewals. Renewal or a CLP or CDL—for any class— costs $45.

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How to get cheap commercial truck insurance

How to save on car insurance in Wyoming

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