Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)

As defined by W.S. 31-7-102(a)(xlviii) - "Commercial learner's permit" means a permit issued to an individual which, when carried with a valid driver license issued in accordance with this act, authorizes an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle when accompanied by a passenger holding a valid commercial driver's license for the class and type of vehicle being driven. This type of permit is valid for 365 days.
 

After completing skills testing, the applicant must pay for and be issued a CDL prior to the expiration date of the CLP.

 
Per W.S. 31-7-110(e) - Any person who holds a valid Wyoming classified driver's license and who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may apply to the division for a commercial learner's permit. The division may, after the person has successfully passed all required examination, other than the driving skills examination and paid the required fee, issue to the person a commercial learner's permit, which entitles the person to drive a commercial motor vehicle on a highway only when accompanied by a person who has a commercial driver's license valid for the type of vehicle driven and who occupies a seat beside the person for the purpose of giving instruction in driving the commercial motor vehicle….
 

Endorsements Allowed on Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)

  • P for passenger endorsement:  A CLP holder with a P endorsement is prohibited from operating a CMV carrying passengers. Other trainees and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder is allowed.
  • S for school bus endorsement: A CLP holder with a S endorsement is prohibited from operating a school bus with passengers. Other trainees and the CDL holder accompanying the CLP holder is allowed.
  • N for tank vehicle endorsement: A CLP holder with a N endorsement may only operate an empty tank vehicle and is prohibited from operating any tank vehicle that previously contained hazardous materials that has not been purged of any residue.

Do I need a CLP?

Yes, if …
  • You are wanting to obtain a CDL for the first time
  • You are upgrading from a lower class CDL to a higher class CDL, such as upgrading from class “B” to a class “A” CDL
  • You are adding an endorsement to your existing CDL, such as adding a school bus or passenger endorsement, that requires a skills test
  • You are removing certain restrictions from your existing CDL, that requires a skills test
When applying for a CLP, you will be required to pass all appropriate knowledge tests for the type of license you are applying.  See the Testing page for more information.
 
All applicants who obtain a CLP after February 7, 2022, may be required to meet the Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements established by FMCSA.  See the ELDT page for more information.

Commercial Learner's Permit

Should you want to learn how to operate a heavy vehicle, you will need to apply for a commercial learner's permit (CLP). This permit allows you to practice driving a vehicle which requires a commercial driver license (CDL) to operate. You must be accompanied by a person who occupies the front passenger seat and holds a valid CDL for the type of vehicle you are driving. For example, if you are driving a Class "A" type commercial vehicle, the person with you must hold a valid CDL Class "A" license. This type of permit is valid for 365 days.
 

Applying for a CLP

You must appear in person at your local driver exam office to be photographed, present the appropriate documents, and, if applicable, present a valid DOT medical card.
 

Testing for a CLP

You will be required to take and pass the general knowledge written test and any other applicable written test to be issued the permit. In addition, you will be required to complete a vision screening.