What you need to get a Missouri learner's permit
A Missouri learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You get it from your local Missouri Department of Revenue office, not online or by mail. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready.
You must be at least 15 years old. You will need a document proving your identity (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your Missouri residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). Bring the originals — copies are not accepted.
You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. Missouri provides a free study guide on the Department of Revenue website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get one free retake if you fail; after that, you pay $3 per retake.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Missouri Department of Revenue office in person with your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs and requires a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.
- Your learner's permit is valid for three years and costs $11.
- With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older sitting next to you in the front seat.
- You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising adult.
Finding your nearest Department of Revenue office
Missouri has 42 Department of Revenue offices across the state. The fastest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code, and it will show you the address, phone number, and hours for every office nearby.
Call ahead before you go. Some offices have wait times that change by day and time, and some require you to make an appointment. During the pandemic, many offices moved to appointment-only service, and some have kept that system. A five-minute phone call can save you a wasted trip.
What happens during your test visit
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents in a folder so they do not get separated. A Department of Revenue employee will check your documents, verify your information, and take your photograph for the permit card.
You will then sit at a computer terminal and take the written test. The test is multiple-choice and covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what road signs mean. You have no time limit. Once you finish, the computer scores it when ready. If you pass, you pay the $11 fee and receive your permit card on the spot. If you fail, you can schedule a retake for another day, or pay $3 to retake it right then if the office allows it.
Your permit is valid for three years from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it during that time, but you must carry it whenever you drive.
Restrictions that explore while you hold a learner's permit
A licensed adult age 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. This person must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age in the car.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising adult. You must obey all traffic laws, and any violation goes on your driving record. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.
You must display your learner's permit on your dashboard or hold it ready to show a police officer. Failure to have it with you is a violation. Some counties also require a special decal on your vehicle to show you are a learner-permit holder, though this is not statewide.
Moving from learner's permit to provisional license
After you hold your learner's permit for at least three months, you can take the driving test to get a provisional license. The driving test is administered by the same Department of Revenue office where you got your permit. You must schedule it in advance — you cannot just show up.
The driving test takes about 30 minutes. An examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must pass this test to move to a provisional license. If you fail, you can retake it, but there is a fee each time.
A provisional license removes the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew and lets you drive alone. However, it still restricts passengers under age 21 for the first six months you hold it. After six months with a clean driving record, you can get an unrestricted license.
What to do if you fail the written test
If you score below 80 percent, you will get a printed score sheet showing which topics you missed. Study those specific areas using the free Missouri driver's manual before your retake. The manual is available on the Department of Revenue website as a PDF you can read and print, or you can pick up a paper copy at any Department of Revenue office.
You can retake the test the same day at some offices, or you can schedule it for another day. If you retake it the same day, you pay $3. If you schedule it for later, there is no additional fee — you just come back and take it again. After your first free retake, each additional attempt costs $3.
Replacing a lost or damaged permit
If your permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, go back to your local Department of Revenue office with your ID and proof of residency. You will pay a $6 replacement fee and receive a new card on the spot. Bring the same documents you brought the first time, even though you have already been through the process.
If your permit is damaged but still readable, some offices will replace it for free, but this varies by location. Call your office first to ask whether they will waive the fee for a damaged card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?
Yes. Homeschooled students do not need to be enrolled in a driver's education course to get a learner's permit. You only need to pass the written test and have the required documents. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a driver's education course, whether through a school or a private provider.
What if I move to Missouri from another state?
If you already have a learner's permit from another state, you can use it in Missouri while you are learning to drive. However, you must follow Missouri's rules about supervising adults and curfews. To get a Missouri learner's permit, you follow the same process as anyone else — bring your out-of-state ID, Social Security card, and proof of Missouri residency to a Department of Revenue office.
Do I have to take driver's education to get a learner's permit?
No. Driver's education is not required to get a learner's permit in Missouri. You only need to pass the written test. However, completing a driver's education course may lower your car insurance rates, and some parents require it before allowing their teen to drive.
Can I drive a motorcycle with a learner's permit?
No. A learner's permit is for four-wheel vehicles only. To ride a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement, which requires its own written test and riding test. You must be at least 16 years old to get a motorcycle endorsement in Missouri.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket while I have a learner's permit?
Any violation goes on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates. It does not automatically disqualify you from getting a provisional license, but a serious violation like reckless driving or driving under the influence will delay your progress. You must still pass the driving test to move forward, and the examiner may be more cautious during your test if your record shows violations.