So you’re ready to get a driver’s license in Missouri?
Awesome!
We’re here to show you how.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a complete guide to Missouri driver’s license requirements. We’ll list all the details, steps, and requirements.
We’ll even include an FAQ section.
With this, you’ll know EXACTLY what you need to do from beginning to end.
So shall we?
How to Get A Driver’s License in Missouri
In Missouri, you have to go through several stages before you get a driver’s license with full driving privileges.
Here are the stages:
- Instruction permit
- Intermediate license
- Full driver’s license
Let’s go through each stage in detail.
How to Get an Instruction Permit in Missouri
Teens as young as 15 years old can already get an instruction permit.
Now, here are the steps to get an instruction permit in Missouri:
- Visit a Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Examination Station (click here for locations). You don’t need to set an appointment.
NOTE: If you are below 18, you need to bring a parent or legal guardian.
- Bring the following documents:
- Proof of Identity
- Date of Lawful Status
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Missouri residence
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass the road sign recognition exam and knowledge exam.
- Receive your Form 100 given by the examination station.
NOTE: You can prepare for the permit exams by reviewing the Missouri Driver Guide or enrolling in a driver’s education course. This is not required, but it will help you ace the tests.
- Go to a Driver’s Licensing Office (click here for locations). Those under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian.
- Submit the following documents:
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Missouri residence
- Form 100 (proof that you’ve passed the tests)
- Name change documents (if applicable)
NOTE: You can check for acceptable documents here.
- Pay the permit fee of $7.
- Receive your instruction permit.
You can now start practicing how to drive.
If you’re below 16 years old, you can drive while supervised by someone who has had a driver’s license for at least 3 years and is at least 25 years old. They should also have written permission from your parent or legal guardian allowing them to supervise you.
If you’re 16 and above, you can be accompanied by someone aged 21 and above who has a driver’s license.
How to Get an Intermediate License in Missouri
The next stage is your intermediate license.
To qualify for that, you must:
- Hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months (the permit has a 1-year validity)
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have no alcohol-related violations or traffic convictions
- Get 40 hours of driving practice, with 10 hours done at night
If you’ve met all that, you can go ahead and apply for an intermediate license:
- Go to a Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Examination Station (click here for locations). Again, you don’t need to set an appointment.
- Bring the following:
- Your valid instruction permit
- Proof of identity
- A vehicle with valid insurance and registration
- A parent or legal guardian
- Take a vision test (only if the previous results are a year old).
- Take a knowledge test (only if the previous results are a year old).
- Pass the driving test and receive Form 100 as proof of your passing.
- Go to a Driver’s Licensing Office (click here for locations) and submit these documents:
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Missouri residence
- Form 100
NOTE: If you don’t know what documents to bring, you can find acceptable ones here.
- Have your parent or legal guardian certify that you’ve completed 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
- Pay the intermediate license fee of $11.
- Receive your intermediate license.
With this license, you have more driving freedom. However, there are still restrictions. These include:
- You cannot drive from 1 am to 5 am unless it’s for an emergency, school project, or accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old.
- You cannot drive with more than one passenger under 19 years old for the first 6 months unless they are part of your immediate family.
- You cannot drive with more than three passengers under 19 years old after the first 6 months unless they are part of your immediate family.
How to Get a Full Driver’s License in Missouri
If you hold an intermediate license, you can easily upgrade it to an Under-21 Full Driver’s License. All you need to do is:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a valid intermediate license (it expires in 2 years).
- Don’t have any license suspensions, revocations, or application denials.
- Don’t have any alcohol-related violations or traffic convictions for the past 12 months.
- Pass a vision screening and road sign recognition test.
- Pay the Under-21 Driver’s License fee of $13.50 to a Driver’s Licensing Office.
Congrats! You’re already a fully licensed driver in Missouri.
What if you’re already over 18 years old and applying for the first time?
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Go to a Missouri State Highway Patrol Driver Examination Station (click here for locations)
- Submit the necessary documents:
- Proof of identity and age
- Date of Lawful Status
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Missouri residence
- Pass the vision test.
- Pass the road signs test and knowledge exam.
NOTE: If you want, you can first get an instruction permit and practice how to drive. However, this is not required.
- Pass the driving test.
- Go to a Driver Licensing Office (click here for locations) and submit:
- Proof of Identity
- Date of Lawful Status
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of Missouri residence
- 2 Form 100 for the knowledge exam and driving test
- Pay the driver’s license fee:
- If 18-20 years old – $13.50
- If 21 and older – $27
- Receive your temporary driver’s license. Your official driver’s license will be mailed to you in 7-10 days.
You’re now a full-fledged driver in Missouri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about the Missouri driver’s license process and requirements? Here are some FAQs to help you.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in MO?
If you’re below 18 years old, you have to wait until you’re 18 to get a full driver’s license. Also, once you go through the graduated licensing program, there’s a 7-10-day wait to receive your official driver’s license in the mail.
What counts as proof of residency in Missouri?
Some documents you can show for proof of Missouri residence are utility bills, voter registration cards, bank statements, auto insurance policies, homeowner’s insurance policies, and professional licenses.
For minors, they can use their parents’ documents.
Does Missouri require parallel parking?
Yes, parallel parking is part of the driving test, so make sure you practice it.
What happens if you fail the driver’s test 3 times in Missouri?
If you fail the Missouri driver’s test 3 times, you have to take additional behind-the-wheel training before going back to the testing office.
Is the Missouri driving test hard?
In general, yes it is hard as it tests your ability to drive, park, and follow the Missouri road rules. However, if you prepare well enough, you can pass the exam on your first try.
What is the passing score for the driving test in Missouri?
There is no passing score in the Missouri driving test, but you will fail the exam if you lose 30 points. These points are subtracted by the instructor for any mistake you make during the whole duration of the exam.
You will, however, automatically fail the test if you crash into another car, hit a pedestrian, or drive dangerously.
What is the vision test for a Missouri driver’s license?
You need to have great vision in order to drive on Missouri roads. The passing vision grade is 20/40 on either or both of your eyes. If you need glasses, then make sure to bring them or wear contacts.
Conclusion
So that was your complete guide to Missouri driver’s license requirements.
Sure, if you start early, it will be a long process, but a very rewarding one.
And, now that you know what to do, you have a roadmap to navigate the whole journey.
Good luck!