Missouri

Yes. Missouri employs a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which allocates restrictions and responsibilities over a period of time, until you earn your full license.

Under this program, you will ONLY be able to drive:

• If you're 15 years old, when accompanied by:
  • A parent, stepparent or legal guardian.
  • Someone who's at least 25 years old and has:
    • Had their license for at least three years.
    • Written permission from your parent or legal guardian to drive with you.
• If you're 16 or 17 years old and driving on your permit, when accompanied by:
  • A parent, stepparent or legal guardian.
  • A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
• If you're driving on your intermediate license:
  • During the first six months, with only one passenger under age 19 who is not a member of your immediate family.
  • During the second six months, with no more than 3 passengers under age 19 who are not members of your immediate family.
  • Between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

Once you turn 18, you'll be eligible for your full driver's license, which has no restrictions.

What happens after you pass your MO road test depends on your age:

• If you're younger than 18: You will be given your intermediate license.
• If you're 18 or older: You will receive your full driver's license.

It depends on your age.

• If you're 15 years old, you can drive with:
  • A parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
  • A passenger who's at least 25 years old and:
    • Has had their license at least 3 years.
    • Has written permission from your parent or guardian.
• If you're 16 or 17 years old, you can drive with:
  • A parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
  • Any fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

Once you get your MO instruction permit, you will automatically be able to drive with a parent, stepparent or legal guardian.

As long as you successfully pass the driving exam, sign the proper paperwork, and pay the fee, you'll be issued your license.

Missouri has a two-tiered system for administering driver's licenses:

• Testing (including the written and driving exams) is handled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
• All other administrative services are handled by the MO Department of Revenue.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Missouri DOR.

The exact documents you need depend on whether you want a REAL ID or regular driver's license.

Regardless, you'll need to provide proof of your:

• Identity.
• Missouri residency.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your restricted license when you're under 18 in Missouri, you'll need:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Missouri residency.
  • Social Security number.
• A log showing at least 40 hours of driving practice with a parent, guardian or driving instructor.

A parent or guardian must also be present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

To earn your intermediate driver's license in Missouri, you must:

• Practice on your permit for at least six months.
• Log at least 40 hours of driving practice with a parent, guardian or certified driving instructor.
  • At least 10 hours must be at night.
• Pass the road test.
• Bring in proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Missouri address.
• Have a parent or legal guardian sign paperwork on your behalf.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

To earn your full driver's license, you'll need 6 months of practice on your intermediate license, with no violations.

To get your driver's license in MO if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • MO residency.
  • Social Security number.
  • Legal status in the U.S. (If applying for a REAL ID.)
• Complete the appropriate paperwork provided by the DOR.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll have to practice on your learner's permit for at least 6 months.

If you're 18 or older, there is no required waiting period.

Missouri offers something called a hardship license, which will allow you to drive in certain situations while your license is suspended, if you can prove the need.

No. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be eligible to take the MO road test.

When you arrive for your Missouri road test, an inspector will first check that you have the proper documents and your car meets all the proper requirements.

The examiner will ask you to identify or demonstrate how to use the vehicle's controls, including (but not limited to) the:

• Accelerator.
• Brakes.
• Windshield wipers.

The examiner will then get in your car and ask you to leave the premise. While you're driving, he or she will ask you to:

• Start and stop the vehicle.
• Park parallel to the curb.
• Back up properly.
• Make at least two right- and left-hand turns.
• Properly and safely navigate intersections.
• Understand and obey all traffic signs and signals.

The examiner will also keep a close eye on:

• The distance you keep between cars.
• Your speed while driving.
• Driving in the proper lane/obeying lane markings.
• Your awareness of the traffic around you.
• Yielding the right-of-way when necessary.
• Whether you signal properly.
• Whether you look to see if the way is clear.

The examiner may also ask you to perform additional tasks.

You must arrive to your test with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old. If you don't, you will not be able to take the test.

You must also have/bring the following:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Valid registration on the vehicle you're driving.
• Proof of valid liability insurance for the vehicle you're driving.
• Valid Missouri license plates on the test vehicle.

Make sure that the car is clean, especially the driver's seat and passenger seat, where the examiner will be sitting.

There are also a number of scenarios that result in an automatic fail, including:

• Being at-fault for a crash.
• Hitting a pedestrian.
• Driving dangerously enough to potentially cause an accident.
• Violating a traffic law.
• Refusing to drive as the examiner asks.

You must be accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your MO road test in must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully functioning:

• Brakes, including foot and parking brakes.
• Lights, including:
  • Two headlights.
  • Two tail lights.
  • Turn signals.
  • Brake lights.
• Horn.
• Safety belts.
• Doors, for both driver and passenger side.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Liability insurance.
• Missouri license plates.

Driving tests are administered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). You can find the closest testing location here.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Missouri include:

• Learner's permit: $7.
• Intermediate license: $11.
• Full license:
  • Valid for 3 years: $13.50.
  • Valid for 6 years: $27.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the MO Department of Revenue for the most up-to-date information.

The Missouri Driver's Manual is available online. You can also get one from your local MO Department of Revenue office.

If you're using Missouri's graduated driver license program, you must:

• Practice on your learner's permit for at least six months before you can apply for an intermediate license.
• Practice on your intermediate license for at least 6 months before you can apply for a full driver's license.

If you're 18 or older and applying for a first-time driver's license in Missouri, there is no required waiting period.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Missouri include:

• Learner's permit: $7.
• Intermediate license: $11.
• Full license:
  • Valid for 3 years: $13.50.
  • Valid for 6 years: $27.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the MO Department of Revenue for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Missouri driving permit.

No. The Missouri written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're under 18, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form on your behalf before you can be issued your permit.

To get your learner's permit in MO, you'll need to show proof of your:

• Identity.
• Social Security number.
• Missouri residency.

You'll also need a parent or legal guardian present, to sign a consent form on your behalf.

In Missouri, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a driver's permit.

To get your Missouri learner's permit, you'll have to pass:

• The state's written driving exam.
• An eye exam.

The tests are overseen by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You can schedule an appointment by calling the closest location.

At this appointment, make sure to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Missouri address.
  • Social Security number.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to be with you to sign a consent form on your behalf.

Once the tests are passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you'll be issued your Missouri learner's permit.

The Missouri written driver's exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• Missouri traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• The rights of other drivers and pedestrians.
• How to keep your vehicle in safe condition.

All questions will be sourced directly from the MO Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

No. There is no Driver's Ed requirement to earn a Missouri driver's license.

Reading the Missouri Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your MO learner's permit.

It depends. You may be asked to submit a physician's statement to the Department of Revenue if:

• You've had epileptic seizures, blackouts, or convulsions within 6 months of applying.
• A driver examiner, license clerk, family member, law enforcement officer, physician or social worker believe you need additional medical attention before receiving a license.

If this applies to you, contact the MO DOR for more information.

If you're under 18, you must show up with a parent or legal guardian who can sign a consent form on your behalf.

Otherwise, you must be accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can contact the Missouri Department of Revenue by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.

Details can be found on the MO Department of Revenue's website.

In Missouri, you'll need to be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit.

In Missouri's graduated driver license system, you will ONLY be able to drive:

• If you're 15 years old, when accompanied by:
  • A parent, stepparent or legal guardian.
  • Someone who's at least 25 years old and has:
    • Had their license for at least three years.
    • Written permission from your parent or legal guardian to drive with you.
• If you're 16 or 17 years old and driving on your permit, when accompanied by:
  • A parent, stepparent or legal guardian.
  • A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
• If you're driving on your intermediate license:
  • During the first six months, with only one passenger under age 19 who is not a member of your immediate family.
  • During the second six months, with no more than 3 passengers under age 19 who are not members of your immediate family.
  • Between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

Once you turn 18, you will be eligible for a full driver's license, which has no driving restrictions.

It depends on your age.

• If you're 15 years old, you can drive with:
  • A parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
  • A passenger who's at least 25 years old and:
    • Has had their license at least 3 years.
    • Has written permission from your parent or guardian.
• If you're 16 or 17 years old, you can drive with:
  • A parent, stepparent, or legal guardian.
  • Any fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You'll need to fill out a driver's license application in order to apply. The form will be provided to you by the MO DOR's office.

To get your Missouri driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

There are no Driver's Education requirements in Missouri.

Before you can apply for your MO learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old.

To earn a learner's permit in Missouri, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass a:
  • Vision test.
  • Written knowledge exam.
• Bring in proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Missouri residency.
• Fill out the appropriate forms at the DOR.
• Have a parent or legal guardian sign paperwork on your behalf.
• Pay the permit fee.

No. A vision screening is not required to renew your MO license.

Probably not. Missouri only allows military members living out-of-state on active duty to renew their driver licenses by mail.

To do so, you'll have to complete a Mail-In Driver License Application.

No. You can not renew your MO license online, but you can sign up for online license renewal reminders.

The exact documents you need depend on whether you want a REAL ID or regular driver's license.

Regardless, you'll need to provide proof of your:

• Identity.
• Missouri residency.
• Social Security number.

You'll also need to bring your current license and pay the appropriate fee to complete the process.

You can renew your Missouri driver's license:

• In-person through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
• Through the mail, if you are out-of-state on active military duty.

You can renew your license:

• Up to 6 months before it expires.
• Up to 1 year after it expires.

MO license renewals currently cost:

• $13.50 for a 3-year license.
• $26 for an 6-year license.

Fees are subject to change. It's best to check directly with the DOR for the most up-to-date information.

No. It will just be you and the instructor. However, you'll have to arrive to the test with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can take the Missouri written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, if you fail, you'll have to wait one business day before you can try again. And if you fail 3 times within 90 days, you'll have to restart the whole application process.

Save yourself the trouble by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • Social Security number.
  • Missouri address.
• A parent or legal guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf.
• The appropriate permit fee.

The Missouri written driver's exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• Missouri traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• The rights of other drivers and pedestrians.
• How to keep your vehicle in safe condition.

All questions will be sourced directly from the MO Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. You can schedule your appointment with the MSHP over the phone.

Some locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Missouri Department of Revenue office or at your home.

If you have special needs, you can arrange alternate formats with the MO DOR. Make sure the Missouri Department of Revenue is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

Most MO driving exams can be scheduled over the phone.

After you pass the written knowledge test, you'll be issued your Missouri learner's permit.

The tests are overseen by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. You can schedule an appointment by calling the closest location.

If you failed your MO road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your Missouri driving skills test, you can test again as soon as the next business day.

However, if you fail 3 times, you'll need permission from the MO Department of Revenue in order to test again. (The state will give you the appropriate paperwork to request permission.)

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you can retest as soon as the next business day.

If you fail three times or do not retake your test within 90 days, your application will be rescinded and you will have to start the process over again.

Save yourself that trouble by studying with a free practice test!

If you don't pass your written test in MO, you won't be issued your learner's permit. You'll have to take and pass the test in order to move on in the licensing process.

You'll have to wait at least one business day to retest after failing. If you fail three times or do not retest within 90 days, you'll have to start the process over again.

Practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Missouri, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

Yes. Missouri will accept out-of-state driver permits as long as you:

• Are at least 16 years old.
• Follow all the rules of your home state.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing, no additional driving tests are required for a transfer.

If you're moving to Missouri, you'll have to apply for a license as soon as you establish residency.

This includes:

• Enrolling in a Missouri school.
• Opening a business in Missouri.

Contact the DOR for more information.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the MO Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The Missouri written exam consists of 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 25 total questions on the MO permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

Missouri's minimum auto insurance coverage requirements include:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability: $25,000.

The MO written knowledge exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 5 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

The application process is a little different, depending on why your license was suspended and why you're applying for a hardship license.

Regardless, you will have to fill out an Application for Limited Driving Priviledge.

You may also have to send a letter of compliance to the DOR, pay certain fines and fees, or provide further paperwork to prove your need to drive.

For more specific information, contact your lawyer or the Missouri Department of Revenue.