What a Class E License Is and Who Needs One
A Class E license in Missouri is the standard driver's license for operating a passenger car, pickup truck, or similar vehicle on public roads. It is the most common license type and the one most people get when they learn to drive. If you want to drive anything other than a motorcycle or a commercial vehicle, a Class E is what you need.
Missouri issues Class E licenses to residents who pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. The process takes several weeks from start to finish, and you will visit the Missouri Department of Revenue in person at least twice — once to get your permit and again to take your driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to begin the process.
- The first step is getting a learner's permit by passing a written test at a Missouri Department of Revenue office; you can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide.
- With a learner's permit, you must practice driving with a licensed adult in the car for at least 60 hours (40 of them at night) before you can take the driving test.
- You return to the Department of Revenue to take the driving test, which includes a vision check, a written road sign test, and a 10-minute drive with an examiner.
- Once you pass, you pay the license fee and receive your Class E license, which is valid for six years.
Getting Your Learner's Permit
Before you can take a driving test, you must obtain a learner's permit. To do this, visit any Missouri Department of Revenue office with proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your Missouri residency. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card for your number, and a utility bill or lease for residency.
At the office, you will take a written test covering Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 18 correctly to pass. You can study using the free Missouri Driver Guide, which is available on the Department of Revenue website and in print at any office. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare.
If you pass the written test, you pay a fee (the amount varies and changes periodically) and receive your learner's permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is in the front seat with you.
The Required Practice Hours and Restrictions
Missouri law requires you to log at least 60 hours of supervised driving before you can take your driving test. Of those 60 hours, at least 40 must occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. This night-driving requirement exists because new drivers are at higher risk in low-light conditions. You do not need to keep a formal log, but it is wise to write down your practice sessions so you can confirm you have met the requirement when you return to take your test.
While you hold a learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. These restrictions lift once you pass your driving test and receive your Class E license.
Taking Your Driving Test
After you have completed your practice hours, return to a Missouri Department of Revenue office to schedule your driving test. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with working lights, brakes, wipers, and mirrors.
The test has three parts. First, an examiner will check your vision to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. Second, you will take a written test on road signs — this is shorter than the permit test and covers only the signs you need to recognize while driving. Third, you will take a 10-minute driving test with an examiner in the vehicle. During the drive, the examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and other basic driving tasks.
If you fail any part of the test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you will need to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their first or second try if they have practiced thoroughly.
Paying for Your License and What Comes Next
Once you pass your driving test, you pay the Class E license fee at the Department of Revenue office. The fee covers your license for six years. You will receive your physical license card either when ready or by mail within a few weeks, depending on the office.
Your new Class E license allows you to drive alone, use your cell phone hands-free, and drive at any hour. You can drive a passenger car, pickup truck, van, or similar vehicle. You cannot drive a motorcycle (which requires a separate endorsement), a commercial truck, or a bus.
Documents You Need at Each Step
| Step | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Getting your learner's permit | Birth certificate or passport, Social Security card or ITIN letter, utility bill or lease |
| Taking your driving test | Learner's permit, proof of insurance, vehicle registration |
| Receiving your Class E license | Payment for license fee (amount varies) |
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity and residency documents. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
What Happens If You Are Under 18
If you are under 18, Missouri has additional rules. You must hold your learner's permit for at least 182 days (about six months) before you can take your driving test. You also cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. during the first six months after you receive your Class E license, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 19 in the car during that same period. These restrictions are called the Graduated Driver Licensing system, and they exist to reduce crashes among teenage drivers.
If you are 18 or older, you can take your driving test as soon as you have completed your practice hours — there is no waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online instead of going to an office?
No. Missouri requires you to take the written permit test in person at a Department of Revenue office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study online using practice tests before you go.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it as soon as you want. There is no waiting period, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people who fail spend another week or two practicing before their next attempt.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
No, it is not required by Missouri law. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a course, and some parents find a professional instructor helpful. A course is optional.
How long is my Class E license valid?
Your Class E license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about two months before it expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office.
Can I drive for a rideshare service like Uber with a Class E license?
Yes, a Class E license is sufficient for rideshare driving. However, you will also need to meet the rideshare company's own requirements, which usually include being at least 18 or 21, having a clean driving record, and passing a background check.