What a Class E license is and who needs one
A Class E license is Missouri's standard driver's license for operating a regular passenger car, pickup truck, or similar vehicle on public roads. If you want to drive a personal vehicle in Missouri, this is the license you need. It allows you to drive alone or with passengers, and it's valid for six years from the date you receive it.
You need a Class E license if you're at least 16 years old and want to drive legally in Missouri. If you already have a license from another state, you can transfer it to a Missouri Class E without taking the written or driving test, though you will need to pass a vision screening and provide proof of residency.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri issues Class E licenses through the Department of Revenue at any of its regional offices, and you must be at least 16 years old.
- You need a valid form of ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to start the process.
- First-time drivers must pass a written test, vision screening, and a driving test; the written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
- The driving test takes place at a Department of Revenue office and lasts about 15 to 20 minutes on local roads near the facility.
- A Class E license costs between $11 and $24 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you can renew it by mail or in person before it expires.
Documents you need to bring to the Department of Revenue
Before you go to a Department of Revenue office, gather these documents. You'll need one form of proof of identity: a valid passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. You'll also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Missouri address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security number or your Social Security card itself. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to come with you and sign the process. If you're transferring a license from another state, bring that license with you as well.
You do not need to bring your vehicle to the office for the written test or vision screening, but you will need to bring it on the day of your driving test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before you drive.
Steps to pass the written test
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Revenue website. The guide covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, what different signs mean, and how to handle emergencies.
The test itself has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You take it on a computer at the Department of Revenue office. If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay the test fee again depending on the office.
Many people study the Missouri Driver Guide for a few days before taking the test. Some offices also offer practice tests on their computers before you take the real one, so ask when you arrive. The test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
What happens during the driving test
After you pass the written test and vision screening, you'll schedule a driving test. The examiner will meet you in the parking lot of the Department of Revenue office, check that your vehicle is safe, and then drive with you on local roads for about 15 to 20 minutes. They'll ask you to perform basic tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They're watching to see that you follow traffic laws, use your mirrors, signal before turning, and stay in control of the vehicle.
You need to pass the driving test to get your license. If you don't pass, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days and pay the test fee again. Most offices let you schedule your next attempt right away. Many people pass on their first try if they've practiced driving with a licensed adult beforehand.
Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance when you come for the driving test. The examiner will ask to see both before you start driving.
Finding a Department of Revenue office and scheduling your test
Missouri has Department of Revenue offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Missouri Secretary of State website — search for "Driver License Office" and enter your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is helpful.
You do not need an appointment for the written test or vision screening at most offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices do take appointments, and a few require them. Call the office before you go to confirm their process. For the driving test, you will need to schedule an appointment; ask the staff when you finish your written test, or call ahead to book a time.
Hours vary by office, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Bring all your documents with you on your first visit.
Cost and how long your license lasts
A Class E license costs between $11 and $24 in Missouri, depending on how long you want it to be valid. A six-year license (the standard option) costs $24. A three-year license costs $11. You pay this fee when you receive your license at the Department of Revenue office.
Your license will have an expiration date printed on it. You can renew it by mail starting 90 days before it expires, or you can renew it in person at any Department of Revenue office. Renewing by mail is simpler if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo — you just fill out a form and mail it with a check. Renewing in person takes about the same time as getting your first license.
What to do if you fail the driving test
If you don't pass the driving test, you can retake it. There's no waiting period — you can schedule another test right away, though you may have to pay the test fee again. Most offices charge $10 to $15 for each driving test attempt.
Before you retake the test, spend more time practicing with a licensed adult. Focus on the areas where the examiner said you struggled — whether that's parking, turning, or following traffic laws. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.
If you fail the written test, the same applies: you can retake it the same day or another day. Study the Missouri Driver Guide again, focusing on the topics you found hardest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Class E license if I'm 15 years old?
No, you must be at least 16 years old to get a Class E license in Missouri. If you're 15, you can get a Learner's Permit, which lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. You'll need to hold the permit for at least 182 days before you can take the driving test for a Class E license.
What if I move to Missouri from another state?
You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Missouri Class E license without retaking the written and driving tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency in Missouri, and your ID to a Department of Revenue office. You'll pass a vision screening and pay the license fee. The process usually takes less than an hour.
How long does it take to get a Class E license from start to finish?
If you pass all tests on your first try, you can receive your license the same day you pass the driving test. The entire process — written test, vision screening, and driving test — usually takes two to four hours at the office. If you need to retake a test, it takes longer depending on when you schedule your next attempt.
Do I need to take a driver education course before I can get a Class E license?
No, a driver education course is not required in Missouri. However, taking one can help you prepare for the written and driving tests, and some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer this discount.
What happens if I fail the vision screening?
If you don't pass the vision screening, you can get glasses or contacts and retake it. Some offices let you retake the vision screening the same day if you bring your corrective lenses. If you need a vision correction, your license will have a restriction code on it requiring you to wear glasses or contacts while driving.