Missouri offers permit tests on weekdays only, at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office

You can take your Missouri permit test Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The Missouri Department of Revenue does not offer permit testing on weekends or state holidays. Each office sets its own hours, so you will need to check with your specific location before you go — some open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., while others may have different schedules.

You do not need to schedule an appointment in advance for the written permit test. You can walk in during business hours, though arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most locations, but you will need to pay the test fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri permit tests are offered Monday through Friday only, during your local Department of Revenue office's business hours.
  • You do not need to book ahead — walk-in testing is available, though morning visits usually have shorter waits.
  • Each Department of Revenue office keeps different hours, so call or check online before you visit.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, but you will pay the fee twice.
  • State holidays close all Department of Revenue offices, so plan around those dates.

How to find your local Department of Revenue office and its hours

The Missouri Department of Revenue website lists all 16 regional offices with their addresses and phone numbers. You can search by county or city to find the one closest to you. Call ahead to confirm the current hours — some offices have adjusted their schedules, and a few locations may have different weekday hours than others.

When you call, ask whether the office is currently accepting walk-in permit tests or if they have reached capacity that day. A few locations occasionally stop accepting new test-takers in the afternoon if they are backed up, so calling first saves you a wasted trip.

What to bring on the day you test

Bring your completed Missouri Driver License/Permit process (Form DL 44) and proof of your Social Security number. You will also need to bring two forms of identification — one must be a photo ID. Acceptable photo IDs include a school ID, passport, or military ID if you do not yet have a driver's license.

Bring the test fee in cash or card — Missouri charges a fee for the written permit test, though the exact amount varies slightly by location. Ask when you call to confirm the current fee so you know what to expect.

What happens if you fail and want to retake it

If you do not pass the permit test, you can retake it when ready at most Missouri Department of Revenue offices. You will need to pay the test fee again and wait for the next available testing slot. Most people who retake the test the same day wait 30 minutes to an hour.

If you prefer to study longer before retaking it, you can come back any weekday. There is no waiting period between attempts in Missouri — you can retake the test as soon as you are ready, as long as the office is open.

Holidays and office closures to plan around

All Missouri Department of Revenue offices close on federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. They also close on some state-specific holidays. Check the Department of Revenue website or call your local office to see the full closure calendar for your area.

If a holiday falls on a weekday, that office will be closed that day. Plan your test for a different week if you were counting on testing during a holiday week.

Why you cannot test on weekends

Missouri Department of Revenue offices do not operate on Saturdays or Sundays. This is standard across all 16 regional locations — there are no weekend testing options anywhere in the state. If your work or school schedule makes weekday testing difficult, you will need to arrange time off or find a day when you can visit during business hours.

Some people take a half day off work or go before or after school to fit in their test. Others plan for a weekday when they know they will have a few hours free. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you are called, but add time for waiting and paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my permit test on a Friday evening?

No. Missouri Department of Revenue offices close by 5 p.m. at the latest, and most close earlier. You must test during regular daytime business hours, Monday through Friday. If your office closes at 4 p.m., you would need to arrive well before then to complete the test.

What if I fail my test on Friday — can I retake it the same day?

Yes, if there is time before the office closes. If you fail late in the afternoon and the office is about to close, you would need to come back the following Monday to retake it. Call your local office to ask how late they accept new test-takers.

Do I need to call ahead to schedule a specific time?

No. Missouri permit tests are first-come, first-served walk-in testing. You do not need an appointment. However, calling ahead to confirm hours and ask about wait times is a good idea, especially if you are traveling a distance to get there.

Are there any offices that test on Saturdays?

No. All 16 Missouri Department of Revenue regional offices are closed on weekends statewide. There are no Saturday or Sunday testing options anywhere in Missouri.

What if my local office is closed for renovation or staffing issues?

Call the office directly or check the Department of Revenue website for updates on temporary closures. If your location is closed, you can travel to another regional office in a nearby county to test instead.