State Guide
Missouri DOR Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your Missouri instruction permit — from eligibility and driver education to the two-part knowledge test and Missouri's Graduated Driver Licensing program. One important detail: Missouri uses a separate road signs identification test in addition to the 25-question knowledge exam. Ready to start practicing? Take a free Missouri DOR practice test.
Who Can Get an Instruction Permit
In Missouri, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign your application. There is no upper age limit for first-time applicants.
Driver education: Missouri requires all applicants under 16 to complete an approved driver education course before they can advance to an intermediate license. Teens who are 16 or 17 are not required to complete driver education, but completing it is still recommended — it may reduce the time spent in certain stages of the licensing process.
Residency: You must be a Missouri resident. You will need to provide proof of your Missouri address when you visit a DOR license office.
Driver Education Requirements
Missouri requires driver education for applicants under 16 who want to advance to an intermediate license. The course must be completed at a state-approved provider. Online driver education is accepted in Missouri.
Classroom instruction
At least 24 hours of classroom instruction covering Missouri traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and impaired driving awareness. Online classroom instruction is accepted.
Behind-the-wheel training
At least 4 hours of in-car instruction with a certified driving instructor. This is separate from the 40 hours of supervised practice you complete with a parent or guardian.
Your driver education provider will issue a certificate of completion when you finish the program. Keep this — you will need it when applying for your intermediate license if you are under 16. Teens aged 16–17 are exempt from this requirement but can still benefit from driver education training.
Fees and What You Pay For
Missouri has one of the lowest permit fees in the country. The instruction permit fee is $3.50, paid at the DOR license office when you apply.
Instruction permit fee: $3.50
Retest fee: $3.50 per attempt
If you fail the knowledge test and need to retake it, there is a $3.50 retest fee for each additional attempt. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Driver education costs: Approved driver education programs are a separate expense, typically $200–$500 depending on the provider and whether the program is online or in-person.
Documents You Need
When you visit a Missouri DOR license office, bring the following:
1. Proof of identity
A certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or other approved document showing your full legal name and date of birth.
2. Social Security number
Your Social Security card or a document displaying your full SSN.
3. Proof of Missouri residency
A utility bill, bank statement, school enrollment record, lease agreement, or other document showing your Missouri address.
4. Parent or guardian (if under 18)
A parent or legal guardian must co-sign the application. They should bring their own valid ID.
Missouri offers Real ID-compliant licenses. If you want a Real ID permit, you may need additional documentation proving lawful status and residency. Ask the DOR representative when you visit.
The Knowledge Test
The Missouri DOR knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. All questions are drawn from the Missouri Driver Guide. The test covers:
Missouri traffic laws and regulations
Right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts
Safe and defensive driving practices
Alcohol and drug laws (DWI)
Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and large trucks
Speed limits and passing rules
Parking regulations and special driving situations
The test is taken on a computer at a DOR license office. There is no time limit. The test is available in English and Spanish.
Important: In addition to the 25-question knowledge test, Missouri also requires a separate road signs identification test. See the next section for details.
The Road Signs Test
Missouri requires a separate road signs identification test in addition to the 25-question knowledge exam. This test evaluates whether you can recognize and understand the meaning of standard traffic signs by shape, color, and symbol — without relying on written text.
Missouri Road Signs Test
10 signs
You must correctly identify at least 8 of 10 signs (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 2 signs.
The signs test is taken at the DOR office, typically on the same computer terminal as the knowledge test. You will be shown images of traffic signs and asked to select the correct meaning from multiple choices.
To prepare, study all sign shapes, colors, and symbols in the Missouri Driver Guide. Pay particular attention to warning signs (yellow diamonds), regulatory signs (white rectangles and red circles), and guide signs (green rectangles).
Passing Score and Results
Knowledge Test
25 questions
You must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 5 questions.
Road Signs Test
10 signs
You must correctly identify at least 8 signs (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 2 signs.
You must pass both the knowledge test and the road signs test to receive your instruction permit. Results are displayed immediately on the computer screen after you finish each test. If you pass both, the DOR will proceed with issuing your instruction permit that same day.
If you fail one test but pass the other, you only need to retake the test you failed — you do not have to redo the one you already passed.
If You Don't Pass
If you fail the knowledge test or road signs test, you must wait until the next day before retaking it. There is a $3.50 retest fee for each additional attempt. There is no limit on the total number of attempts.
Use the waiting period to go back to the Missouri Driver Guide and review the sections that gave you trouble. For the signs test, make sure you can recognize every sign by shape and color, not just by reading the text on it.
Questions are drawn from a large question bank, so you will see different questions on each retake attempt. Studying the guide thoroughly — not just memorizing specific questions — is the most reliable preparation strategy.
At the DOR License Office
Missouri DOR license offices accept walk-ins for knowledge tests. Here's what to expect during your visit:
1. Submit documents and application
A DOR representative will verify your identity, SSN, and residency documents. If under 18, your parent or guardian co-signs the application.
2. Vision screening
A brief vision test at the counter. Missouri requires 20/40 vision in at least one eye (with or without corrective lenses). If you wear glasses or contacts, keep them on.
3. Pay the fee
Pay the $3.50 instruction permit fee. DOR offices accept cash, check, and card.
4. Knowledge test and road signs test
Take both the 25-question knowledge test and the 10-sign road signs test on a computer. No time limit. You need 20/25 and 8/10 respectively to pass.
5. Photo and permit
If you pass both tests, your photo is taken and your instruction permit is issued. The permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
After You Pass
Your Missouri instruction permit is valid for 1 year. You can start supervised driving the same day your permit is issued.
Supervision requirement: While driving with an instruction permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old seated beside you in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone.
Start accumulating your 40 hours of supervised driving (including the required 10 hours at night) as early as possible. You must also hold the permit for at least 182 days before applying for an intermediate license, regardless of how quickly you complete the hours.
Instruction Permit Rules
Supervision required: A licensed driver at least 21 years old must be seated beside you in the front passenger seat at all times.
No solo driving under any circumstances.
No handheld wireless device use while driving. Missouri prohibits handheld phone use for all drivers under 21.
Seatbelts required for all occupants at all times.
Carry your permit every time you drive.
Missouri's GDL Program
Missouri's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has three stages for drivers under 18:
1. Instruction Permit (15+)
Supervised driving with a licensed adult (21+) at all times. Hold for 182 days. Complete driver education if under 16. Log 40 hours supervised driving — 10 at night.
2. Intermediate License (16+)
Drive independently with restrictions (midnight curfew, passenger limits, no handheld devices). Must pass the road skills test.
3. Full License (18+)
All GDL restrictions removed at 18. Full driving privileges with no curfew, passenger limits, or wireless device restrictions (standard adult laws apply).
Getting Your Intermediate License (16+)
After holding your instruction permit for 182 days, you can apply for an intermediate license at age 16 or older.
Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old
Hold instruction permit for 182 days
Complete driver education (24 classroom + 4 BTW hours) — required if under 16 at permit issuance
Complete 40 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
Pass the road skills (behind-the-wheel) test
Parent/guardian must certify the supervised hours
Intermediate License Restrictions
Nighttime curfew
No driving between midnight and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old, or driving to/from school, employment, or a medical emergency.
Passenger restriction (first 6 months)
For the first 6 months of the intermediate license, no more than 1 non-family passenger under 19. Immediate family members may ride without restriction at any time.
Wireless device restriction
No handheld wireless device use while driving for drivers under 21. This includes calls, texts, and any other phone use while the vehicle is in motion.
Getting Your Full License (18+)
All GDL restrictions end at age 18. At that point you can upgrade to a full Missouri driver's license with no curfew, no passenger restrictions, and standard adult wireless device laws applying.
Adults 18+ applying for their first license: No GDL process required. After passing the knowledge test, road signs test, and road skills test, you receive a full license with no holding period or GDL restrictions.
The Missouri Driver Guide
The Missouri Driver Guide is the official study guide for the DOR knowledge test and road signs test. All 25 knowledge questions and the 10 sign identification questions on the test come from material covered in this guide. It covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, and the GDL program.
The guide is available as a free PDF from the DOR website and is published in English and Spanish. Printed copies are available at DOR license offices.
Study tip: Pay extra attention to the road signs chapter since Missouri tests it separately. Be able to identify signs by shape and color alone, not just by reading the words. Also review the sections on Missouri-specific laws such as Move Over rules, school zone speeds, and DWI penalties.
Practice Tests
Practice tests are one of the most effective ways to prepare. They expose you to the range and style of questions on the real test and help identify topics that need more study.
DMV Question Bank: Take Missouri DOR practice tests on DMV Question Bank. Aim to score consistently above 90% on both the knowledge and road signs sections before your DOR office visit.
Recommended approach: read the full Missouri Driver Guide, take a practice test to find weak areas, review those sections, and repeat until you can comfortably pass with a wide margin on both the knowledge test and the signs test.
Supervised Driving Requirements
To qualify for an intermediate license, teens must complete the following supervised driving hours:
40 hours of supervised driving practice total
At least 10 hours must be at night
All supervised driving must be with a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat
Keep a driving log documenting each session: date, start and end time, road conditions, and your supervising driver's signature. This log must be certified by your parent or guardian when you apply for your intermediate license.
Practice a variety of road types: city streets, suburban arterials, rural highways, and parking. The road skills test evaluates lane changes, turns, parking, backing, following distance, and situational awareness. Get comfortable driving in different weather and traffic conditions before your test.
Quick Reference
| Minimum permit age | 15 years old |
| Permit fee | $3.50 |
| Retest fee | $3.50 per attempt |
| Wait after failure | Next day |
| Permit validity | 1 year |
| Knowledge test questions | 25 |
| Passing score (knowledge) | 20 correct (80%) |
| Road signs test | Yes — separate 10-sign test |
| Passing score (signs) | 8 correct (80%) |
| Test format | Computer, multiple choice, no time limit |
| Test languages | English, Spanish |
| Online test available | Yes |
| Appointment required | No (walk-ins accepted) |
| Max attempts | Unlimited |
| Min. holding period | 182 days |
| Supervised driving hours | 40 total |
| Night driving hours | 10 hours minimum |
| Supervising driver age | 21+ |
| Driving log required | Yes |
| Driver's ed required | Yes, if under 16 at time of permit |
| Driver's ed classroom | 24 hours |
| Driver's ed BTW | 4 hours |
| Online driver's ed | Accepted |
| Min. age for intermediate license | 16 years old |
| Nighttime curfew | Midnight–5am (intermediate license) |
| Passenger restriction | Max 1 non-family under 19 (first 6 months) |
| Wireless device use (under 21) | No handheld devices while driving |
| GDL ends | At age 18 |