A Complete Guide to Passing Your Missouri Road Test

The thought of taking your Missouri road test may make you nervous. Preparation is the key to successfully pass the exam, and knowing what to expect is essential to a solid preparation process. It’s a tough exam with a high failure-rate, so it’s important that you prepare for it correctly.

But there’s no need to worry – below you’ll find all the information you need to know about preparing for, and passing the Missouri road test with confidence.

Missouri Road Test Requirements

Like any other test during the licensing process, you are required to meet certain requirements before taking your test. Teen drivers must complete a graduated driver license program that allows new drivers to learn to drive over a sufficient period of time. Those who are over the age of 18 won’t be required to complete the graduated driver license program.

These are the minimum requirements to be eligible to take the road test in Missouri:

• After reaching a minimum age of 15, you must have passed the vision, road sign, and knowledge tests at a driver licensing office.
• You have obtained an instruction permit after paying the proper fees.
• Under adult supervision, you’ve practiced driving for at least 40 hours (10 night hours). You’ve recorded the correct number of driving hours on a Driver Experience Log.
• You’ve held your permit for at least 182 days.
• You have had no traffic convictions over the past six months and no alcohol-related convictions over the past year.
• You are 16 years old at least.

If you satisfy the minimum requirements, and you feel ready to take your road test, you can go ahead and schedule a road test appointment at a nearby Missouri driver testing office.

Does My Vehicle Meet the Road Test Requirements?

Before you begin the road test, your vehicle will be inspected to ensure that it meets the state standards for testing vehicles. This includes legal standards and safety standards.

Your vehicle must have current license plates and a valid inspection sticker, as well as proof of financial responsibility. Be sure to bring these items on the day of your test.

Additionally, your vehicle must function safely. Check out the following list to ensure that your vehicle meets the Missouri road test vehicle requirements:

• Safety belts should be working properly.
• Driver and passenger doors should be operational.
• Seats should be clean and safe.
• The parking and foot brakes should be working well.
• Your car horn should function.

What Documents Should You Bring?

You’ll need to bring the following documentation on the day of your driving test:

• Proof of legal status
• Proof of identity
• Proof of Missouri residency
• Proof of your social security number
• Vehicle registration and insurance

What’s Tested on the Missouri Driving Test?

During the driving test, an examiner will ride in the passenger seat of your car and give you instructions. You’ll be tested on how well you are able to control your vehicle and how well you follow Missouri traffic laws. Your examiner may also ask you to find and properly use various controls in your vehicle, such as the windshield wipers or the defrost. You should be able to find them without searching and be able to use them correctly.

The following maneuvers are tested on the Missouri road test:

• Parallel parking: Correctly position your vehicle before you start backing into the parking space. Back slowly and safely. Don’t bump into any boundary markers. You should end up in the center of the space, within 18 inches from the curb. Don’t take longer than two minutes to park, and when leaving the parking space, be sure to signal and check for traffic.
• Backing: Check for traffic and look back over your right shoulder so that you can see through the back window. Back in a straight line and at the correct speed.
• Turns: Be sure to move into the correct turn lane well before the turn. Activate your turn signal at the proper moment. Then make a controlled and smooth turn into the correct lane at a safe speed.
• Parking on a hill: Check traffic and signal before you pull into the parking spot. You should be within 18 inches of the curb when finished. Make sure that the vehicle is left in the correct gear and turn your front wheels in the proper direction for parking. Remember to set the parking brake as well.
• Entering and leaving intersections: You should understand and obey traffic signs/lights, and approach intersections at the correct speed in the correct lane. Maintain a good awareness of other traffic and always yield right-of-way in the correct instances. If there’s a stop sign, make a complete stop.
• Good driving technique: Be sure to notice and obey traffic signs/signals. Keep a good following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Follow speed limit signs and adjust your speed based on weather and/or traffic conditions. Use the correct lane and stay in your lane. Stay aware of other traffic and yield right-of-way in the proper circumstances.

What Will Cause a Failure on the Missouri Road Test?

As you drive along your road test route, your examiner will observe your driving skills. Minor mistakes will cause you to lose points, and you’ll fail your test if you lose more than 30 points. Additionally, the major mistakes listed below will cause an automatic road test failure.

• You cause an accident with another vehicle.
• You hit a pedestrian.
• You drive dangerously enough to cause a crash.
• You break a traffic law.
• You refuse to obey your examiner’s instructions.

What If You Fail the Test?

If you fail the road test in Missouri, you’ll have to wait one day before taking it again. If you fail it three times, you may have to complete behind-the-wheel training before you’ll be allowed to take it again.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the Missouri road test. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.