Missouri permit tests are administered at your local Department of Revenue office, not online or at third-party locations

Missouri does not offer remote permit testing or testing at private testing centers. You must take the written permit test in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) office. The state operates a network of regional offices across all 114 counties, so you will have at least one location within reasonable distance. Each office administers the same test, uses the same passing score (80 percent), and issues the same permit if you pass.

The test itself is 25 multiple-choice questions about Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You cannot retake the test on the same day if you fail, but you can return on a different day at no additional cost beyond the permit fee.

Key Takeaways

  • All Missouri permit tests are given at Department of Revenue offices during regular business hours; there are no online or alternative testing locations.
  • You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to test.
  • The test is 25 questions, takes 30 minutes, and you must score 80 percent or higher to pass.
  • Most offices do not require an appointment, but some busy locations recommend calling ahead to confirm wait times.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test on a different day without paying the permit fee again.

How to find your nearest Department of Revenue office

The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a searchable office locator on its website at dor.mo.gov. Enter your county or city name to see all DOR offices in your area, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening hours or limited Saturday availability.

If you do not have internet access, you can call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-4509 to ask for the office nearest you. Staff can also tell you the current wait time at your preferred location, which varies by time of day and day of week. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in Kansas City or St. Louis.

Documents you must bring to the test

Bring three categories of documents: a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Your photo ID can be a passport, military ID, state ID, or a current driver's license from another state. It must not be expired.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Missouri address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A printed utility bill or bank statement from your online account works if it shows your name and address.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself — you only need to know your number or ITIN. The DOR office will verify it against state records during check-in.

What happens when you arrive at the office

Check in at the front desk and tell staff you are there to take the permit test. They will ask you to present your photo ID and proof of residency, then verify your Social Security number. You will fill out a short form with your personal information and confirm that you meet the age requirement (at least 15 years old for a permit in Missouri).

You will then be taken to a testing station, given a paper test booklet and answer sheet, and read the instructions. You cannot use a phone, calculator, notes, or any other materials during the test. Once you finish, staff will score your test when ready and tell you whether you passed. If you passed, you will pay the permit fee (which varies but is typically under $20) and receive your permit on the spot.

Retesting if you do not pass on your first attempt

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and cannot drive with a permit yet. You are not charged again for the test itself, but you must return to a DOR office on a different day to retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts — you can return the next day if you wish.

Many people find it helpful to review the official Missouri Driver Guide (available free on the DOR website or in print at any DOR office) or take a practice test before their next attempt. The practice tests on this site follow the same format and cover the same topics as the real test, so working through them can help you identify weak areas.

Differences between busy and rural office locations

Offices in St. Louis, Kansas City, and their suburbs often have wait times of 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during lunch hours and after school. Rural county offices typically see you within 15 minutes. If you have flexibility in when you test, going early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.

Some high-traffic offices, particularly in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, recommend calling ahead to ask about current wait times. A few offices have begun accepting walk-in appointments through an online system, but this is not yet standard across all locations. Check your specific office's website or call them directly to see if they offer this option.

What to do if your local office is temporarily closed

Occasionally an office closes for maintenance, staffing issues, or weather. If your nearest location is closed, you can visit any other Missouri DOR office instead — there is no requirement to test at a specific location. Call ahead to confirm the office is open, or check the DOR website for a list of currently operating locations.

If all offices in your region are closed and you need to test urgently, contact the DOR directly at 573-751-4509. Staff can direct you to the nearest open office or let you know when your preferred location will reopen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online or by mail?

No. Missouri requires all permit tests to be taken in person at a Department of Revenue office. There is no online or mail-in option. You must visit an office during business hours with your required documents.

Do I need an appointment to take the test?

Most Missouri DOR offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. However, some busy locations recommend calling ahead to check wait times or to reserve a spot. Call your local office directly to ask whether appointments are needed or recommended.

What if I fail the test — do I have to pay again?

You do not pay a test fee to retake it. You only pay the permit fee once you pass. If you fail, you can return on a different day at no cost and take the test again.

Can someone else take the test for me or help me during the test?

No. You must take the test yourself, and no outside help is allowed. You cannot use notes, phones, calculators, or any other materials. The test is proctored, and staff will watch to may support you follow the rules.

How long does the whole process take from arrival to leaving with my permit?

If you pass, the entire process usually takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on wait time and office traffic. Check-in takes about 5 minutes, the test itself takes up to 30 minutes, and scoring and payment take another 10 to 15 minutes. Wait time before you are called to test varies by location and time of day.