Missouri permit tests are administered by the Department of Revenue at their driver examination offices across the state
You take your Missouri permit test at a Driver Examination Office run by the Missouri Department of Revenue. These are physical locations where you show up in person, bring your documents, and take the written test on a computer or paper form. There is no online option for the permit test itself — you must test at an office.
The state operates examination offices in most counties. Some counties have multiple locations; others share a regional office. You choose which office to visit based on what is convenient for you, and you do not need to test in your home county.
The test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer multiple-choice questions, and you need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent to receive your permit.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri Department of Revenue examination offices are the only places to take the official permit test — you cannot test online or at a third-party location.
- You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Missouri Department of Revenue website by entering your county or city.
- Bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and any required parental consent forms if you are under 18.
- Walk-in testing is available at most offices, but some locations accept appointments; check ahead to avoid a long wait.
- The test fee is a flat rate set by the state, though the exact amount varies slightly depending on whether you are renewing or obtaining a permit for the first time.
How to find the examination office nearest you
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. Enter your county name or city, and the tool will show you all nearby examination offices, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments.
Call the office directly before you go. This serves two purposes: you can confirm they are open that day, and you can ask whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some busy offices in larger cities have started taking appointments to manage wait times, while rural offices typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you live near a county line, you may have multiple offices within reasonable driving distance. Choose based on hours that work for your schedule — there is no requirement to test in your home county.
Documents you need to bring
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other document that proves your identity and date of birth. A school ID alone is not enough. You also need proof that you live in Missouri — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address will work.
Have your Social Security number ready. You will need to provide it when you register for the test. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you, along with any required parental consent forms. Missouri requires parental signature for minors, so do not show up alone if you are under 18.
Bring payment for the test fee. The state charges a set fee for the permit test; the exact amount depends on your situation, but call ahead or check the website to know the cost before you arrive. Most offices accept cash and card.
What to expect on test day
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You will check in at the front desk, show your documents, and pay the fee. An examiner will verify your information and explain the test format — whether you will take it on a computer or on paper depends on the office.
You will be taken to a testing area and given the permit test. The test has 25 questions covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have a set time limit, usually 20 to 30 minutes, to complete it. You can review your answers before you submit.
Once you submit, the examiner will score it when ready. If you pass with 80 percent or higher, you receive your permit on the spot. If you do not pass, you can usually retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is an additional fee for each retake.
Retaking the test if you do not pass
If your score is below 80 percent, you have not passed. Most offices allow you to retake the test when ready or within a few days, though you will pay the test fee again. Some offices have a waiting period of a few hours or a day between attempts; ask the examiner what their policy is.
Before your retake, review the areas where you struggled. Use the Missouri Driver Guide, available free on the Department of Revenue website, to study the questions you missed. Many people pass on their second attempt after focused study.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money and takes time. Space out your retakes by at least a few days so you have time to study between attempts.
Appointment versus walk-in testing
Some examination offices accept appointments through the Missouri Department of Revenue website or by phone. If your local office offers appointments, booking one guarantees you a testing slot at a specific time and usually means a shorter wait. Other offices operate on a walk-in basis only — you show up, check in, and test when an examiner is available.
Walk-in wait times vary widely. Rural offices may have no wait at all, while busy urban offices can have waits of 30 minutes to over an hour, especially during peak times like after school or on Saturday mornings. If you prefer not to wait, call ahead and ask about appointment availability or the typical wait time for walk-ins.
If you book an appointment and cannot make it, cancel as soon as you know. This frees up the slot for someone else and prevents you from being charged a no-show fee at some locations.
What happens after you pass
When you pass the permit test, the examiner will issue your instruction permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car and is valid for a set period — usually one year in Missouri. Your permit will have your photo, signature, and restrictions printed on it.
Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. You will need it to take your road test later. The permit also has restrictions: you cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between certain hours (usually midnight to 5 a.m.), and you may have other limits depending on your age.
Your next step is to practice driving with a licensed adult and then schedule your road test at the same examination office. The road test is a separate appointment where an examiner rides with you and evaluates your actual driving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test at a different office than where I got my learner's permit?
Yes. You can take the permit test at any Missouri Department of Revenue examination office, regardless of which county you live in or where you previously tested. There is no requirement to return to the same location.
What if I fail the permit test twice?
You can retake it as many times as needed. Each attempt costs the test fee again. Between attempts, study the Missouri Driver Guide and focus on the topics you missed. Most people pass within two or three tries after studying the weak areas.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
It depends on the office. Call your local examination office or check the Department of Revenue website to see whether appointments are required, recommended, or not available. Walk-in testing is common but wait times vary by location and time of day.
What if I lose my permit before I take the road test?
Contact your local examination office to request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide identification. You do not need to retake the written test — the office will issue a new permit with the same expiration date as your original.
Can someone else take the permit test for me?
No. You must be present in person to take the test. The examiner will verify your identity and you must answer the questions yourself. This is a legal requirement and cannot be waived.