In Missouri you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a permit (also called an instruction permit). This age applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Missouri you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate, valid passport, or U.S. Certificate of Citizenship)
• Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub)
• Two proofs of Missouri residency (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
• Proof of name change (if applicable)
• Payment for the application fee

Yes. If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian must:

• Accompany you to the license office
• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Provide proof of relationship

The application process in Missouri is as follows:

1. Gather all required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
2. Visit your local Missouri license office with a parent or guardian if you’re under 18
3. Complete the Driver License Application form (Form 4317)
4. Pass the vision test
5. Pass the written knowledge test
6. Pay the required fees
7. Have your photo taken for your permit

No, you cannot apply for a permit online in Missouri. You must visit a license office in person to complete your application and take your tests.

The Missouri Department of Revenue charges a fee for an instruction permit. This fee covers processing your application, the written test, and issuing your permit. Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Missouri, you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test with questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Missouri permit written test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

The Missouri permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Special driving situations and conditions

The best ways to prepare for your Missouri permit test:

• Study the Missouri Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Missouri Driver’s Manual
• Take practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Pay special attention to road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

If you fail the Missouri permit test:

• You can retake it after one day
• There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test
• You will need to pay a retest fee each time

With a Missouri permit, you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old seated in the front passenger seat
• Gain driving experience and learn safe driving practices under supervision

When driving with a permit in Missouri, you:

• Must have a licensed driver (at least 21 years old) in the front passenger seat at all times
• Cannot use electronic wireless communication devices while driving if you’re under 21
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• May not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

In Missouri, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the driving test
• You must complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice, with 10 of these hours at night
• Your parent or guardian must certify these practice hours

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period; practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road test

Missouri has different driver education requirements based on your age:

• If you are under 18: No, a driver education course is not required to get your learner’s permit. However, completing an approved driver education course can reduce your required practice hours from 40 to 30 (10 hours of night driving still required).
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it is still beneficial.

In Missouri, before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 18:
  • It is highly recommended to take an approved driver education course.
  • If you complete a driver education course, your required practice hours reduce from 40 to 30 (10 hours of night driving still required).
  • Your parent or guardian must certify your practice hours.
• If you are 18 or older: No formal driver education is required, though it is still beneficial.

You can find Missouri-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking with your high school
• Visiting the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website
• Looking for programs approved by the Missouri Department of Revenue
• Asking your local license office for recommendations

During the Missouri driving test, the examiner will:

• Check that your vehicle is safe for testing (working brake lights, turn signals, horn, seat belts, proper tire condition, functioning headlights and windshield wipers, and valid registration)
• Evaluate your ability to safely operate the vehicle and follow traffic laws

You can schedule your driving test in Missouri by:

• Contacting your local Missouri State Highway Patrol examination station
• Some locations may accept walk-ins, but appointments are recommended

On the day of your driving test in Missouri, bring:

• Your instruction permit
• A licensed driver to drive you to the testing location
• A properly registered, insured, and safe vehicle
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• Vehicle registration
• If you’re under 18, a signed Driver Experience Log certifying your practice hours

Common reasons for failing the Missouri driving test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Difficulty with parallel parking
• Failing to use turn signals properly

To convert your learner’s permit to a driver’s license in Missouri:
If you are under 18 years old:

• Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months
• Complete 40 hours of supervised driving practice (or 30 hours if you completed driver education, with 10 hours at night)
• Pass the driving test
• Visit a Missouri license office with all required documents

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Pass the driving test
• Visit a Missouri license office with all required documents

Missouri’s graduated licensing program has three stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15 years old and have a licensed driver (21 or older) in the front seat.
• Intermediate License: Must be at least 16 years old, have held your permit for at least 6 months, and completed your required practice hours and driving test.
• Full License: Available at age 18, or when turning 18 with an intermediate license. All restrictions are lifted.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the driving test.

As a new driver under 18 in Missouri with an intermediate license, you have these restrictions:

• For the first 6 months, you cannot drive with more than one passenger under 19 who isn’t a family member
• After 6 months, you may have up to three non-family passengers under 19
• You cannot drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless driving to/from school, work, or an emergency, and you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21
• You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, if you’re under 21

These restrictions end when you turn 18 or upgrade to a full license.

Missouri does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to Missouri with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Missouri permit
• You may need to retake the vision and written tests
• If you’re under 18, you must have a permit for at least 6 months (including any valid out-of-state time) before scheduling your driving test

Missouri offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver guide
• Oral knowledge tests
• American Sign Language interpreters (with advance notice)
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Medical waivers or restrictions based on individual needs

Yes, you can get your permit if you’re not a U.S. citizen. You’ll need to provide:

• Proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Missouri residency
• A Social Security number or a letter of ineligibility

You can download a copy of the Missouri Driver Guide here. Physical copies are also available at any license office.

Yes! There are free Missouri-specific practice tests available online that mimic the actual permit test. They are designed to help you study the material and become comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Missouri permit process:

• Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website at dor.mo.gov/driver-license
• Call 573-526-2407 during business hours
• Visit your local Missouri license office
• Contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Examination Division at 573-526-6178

If you lose your Missouri permit:

• You can request a replacement at any Missouri license office
• You will need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee
• If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by:

• Completing a Request for Cancellation form
• Submitting the form to any Missouri license office
• The minor’s driving privilege will be canceled until they turn 18 or until a new permission statement is signed