Getting Your Missouri Driver’s Permit: Rules and Requirements

Like many states, Missouri requires new drivers to complete their version of the Graduated Drivers License program in order to become licensed. All drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 years old are required to obtain both an instruction permit (also known as drivers permit) and an intermediate license before gaining full driving privileges.

Understanding how to get a driver’s permit in Missouri is important to gaining your license as a teenager. In this blog, we’ll explain all you need to know about the process.

It does not have to be a difficult process though. Review the requirements, study the MO driver’s manual, and take well-designed practice tests to be well on your way towards getting your permit!

Missouri Permit Requirements

Your instruction permit will be valid for 12 months, but you will only need to hold it for a limited time before graduating to an intermediate license.

• Be at least 15 years old to apply for your permit
• Hold permit for a minimum of 182 days
• Avoid any alcohol-related restrictions for 12 months, as well as traffic convictions for 6 months before applying for your intermediate license
• Receive 40 hours of driving instructions, including 10 hours of nighttime driving

How to Get a Missouri Instruction Permit

1. Visit Examination Office

Before heading to the driver license office, you will need to visit the examination office in order to complete certain tests.

2. Bring Name and Age Verification

For your Missouri instruction permit, you must present proof of identification and age. Your high school ID will be sufficient.

3. Pass Vision Test

Your vision will be tested. You must pass with a 20/40 or better to pass.

4. Pass Written and Road Signs Test

The written and road signs test is the most important part of the learner permit process, as well as the GDL program in its entirety. You’ll be tested on several road signs and traffic laws throughout the state. With 25 questions on the exam, 20, or 80%, of questions will need to be answered correctly in order to pass. 

Take our Missouri practice test to see if you’re ready for your test.

5. Visit Driver License Office

After completing the above tests, you will need to make time to visit the Missouri Driver License Office.

6. Bring Proper Documentation

• Proof of Name
• Proof of Date of Birth
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of Missouri residential address
• Form 100 from the examination station proving you’ve passed necessary exams

7. Pay Required Fee

You will be charged a fee of $3.50, payable by cash, credit card, or money order.

Permit Restrictions

A Missouri driver’s permit comes with many restrictions. If you do not adhere to them, you may face additional consequences before moving on to the next step of the GDL.

• You may only drive with certain adults in the front passenger seat next to you
  • Under 16: You must be accompanied by a driver who has been licensed for at least 3 years, parent, grandparents, legal guardian, or driving instructor
  • Over 16: You must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old with a valid license
• Seatbelts must be worn at all times
• Your permit must be carried at all times

Intermediate License

After meeting the above criteria, you will be eligible to obtain your intermediate license.

If it has been over one year since your previous results, you will be required to retake the written and vision test again at the examination office.

You will also need to take the Missouri road test to examine your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle statewide. A test administrator will ask you to perform certain maneuvers, such as parallel parking, street turns, two-point turns, and more. You will be required to provide your own, fully operable vehicle in order to take the exam.

Intermediate License Restrictions

Like the permit, the Missouri intermediate driver’s license comes with restrictions as well.

• During the first six months, you may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger who is under 19 years old and not a member of your immediate family
• After the first six months, you may not operate a motor vehicle with more than three passengers under the age of 19 years old who are not a member of your immediate family
• You may not drive alone from 1am to 5am without an adult who is 21 years or older, except to school, work, or for an emergency

Graduating to a Full Under 21 License

Your intermediate license will be valid for up to 2 years. To graduate to a full under 21 license:

• You must turn 18 before applying
• You must not have any alcohol or traffic convictions in the past 12 months

That’s It

That’s all you need to know about getting your Missouri instruction permit. We hope this guide has helped you understand the process and requirements a bit better!