What a Class E License Covers in Missouri
A Class E license in Missouri is the standard driver's license for operating a passenger vehicle. It lets you drive a car, pickup truck, or van for personal use on public roads. You cannot use a Class E to drive a commercial vehicle, operate a bus, or haul hazardous materials — those require different license classes.
Missouri issues Class E licenses to drivers age 16 and older. The license is valid for six years from the date of issue, though you can renew it before expiration if you prefer.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test on Missouri traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test before you receive a Class E license.
- Drivers under 18 must first obtain a learner's permit and hold it for a minimum of 182 days before taking the driving test.
- You will need proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency — a utility bill or lease works for residency.
- The written test and vision screening happen at a Missouri Department of Revenue office; the driving test happens at the same location or a contracted testing facility.
- The total cost is $25 for a six-year license, though you may pay additional fees if you use a third-party testing site.
Age Requirements and the Learner's Permit Step
If you are 16 or 17, you must start with a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. You get the permit by passing the written test and vision screening at a Department of Revenue office. Once you have the permit, you must hold it for at least 182 days — roughly six months — before you are allowed to test for the full license.
During those 182 days, you can drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. The adult must be physically able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
If you are 18 or older, you skip the learner's permit stage entirely. You can go straight to the written test, vision screening, and driving test at a Department of Revenue office.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work. You will need proof of your legal name and date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof that you live in Missouri (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address).
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the Department of Revenue office.
Bring your learner's permit if you have one. If you are taking the driving test, also bring the vehicle you will use for the test — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which the Department of Revenue publishes free online and in print at any office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass.
You take the written test at a Department of Revenue office on a computer or paper form. There is no time limit, though most people finish in 15 to 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
After you pass the written test, you will have your vision screened at the same office. An employee will check your eyesight using a machine or chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision screening, you will be told what to do next — usually to see an eye doctor and come back with a corrected vision certificate.
Scheduling and Taking the Driving Test
Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you can schedule your driving test. You can take it at the same Department of Revenue office where you tested, or at a contracted third-party testing facility in your area. The Department of Revenue website lists all testing locations and lets you schedule online, or you can call the office directly to book an appointment.
The driving test takes about 30 minutes. An examiner will ride with you in your vehicle and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate that you understand traffic signs and can follow directions. You must pass the test to receive your license.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no mandatory waiting period, though you may need to schedule another appointment, which could take a few days or weeks depending on how busy the testing facility is.
Cost and Timeline
A six-year Class E license costs $25. If you use a third-party testing facility for the driving test, that facility may charge an additional fee — usually $10 to $20 — though the written test and vision screening at a Department of Revenue office are always free.
The timeline depends on how quickly you move through each step. If you are 18 or older and pass all tests on your first try, you can receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you are under 18, you must wait 182 days from the date you receive your learner's permit before you can take the driving test, so the total time is at least six months.
What Happens After You Pass
After you pass the driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The permanent license is valid for six years from the date of issue.
You can drive when ready on the temporary license while you wait for the plastic one. Keep the temporary license with you while driving — it is your proof that you are licensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned in a manual?
Yes. Missouri does not restrict which transmission type you use for the test. However, if you take the test in an automatic, your license will not restrict you to automatics — you can drive either type. The restriction only applies if you specifically request it.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test without a waiting period. You can retake the written test the same day at the Department of Revenue office. For the driving test, you will need to schedule another appointment, which may take a few days or weeks depending on availability at your testing location.
Do I need to take a driver education course before I can get my license?
No, driver education is not required in Missouri. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some parents require it before allowing a teen to drive. The Department of Revenue website lists approved courses if you want to take one.
Can I renew my Class E license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. The renewal process is simpler than the original license — you do not need to retake the written or driving test unless the Department of Revenue asks you to.
What if I move to Missouri from another state?
You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Missouri Class E license. You will need to pass the written test and vision screening, but you may not need to take the driving test — Missouri honors valid out-of-state licenses for that part. Bring your current out-of-state license and proof of Missouri residency to a Department of Revenue office.