What Do They Test During Behind-The-Wheel Driving Test In Missouri?

You have completed all the steps needed in order to apply for your drivers license in Missouri. All of your behind-the-wheel driving instruction is complete and it is time to head to the Missouri DOR office and take your behind-the-wheel test and get your driver's license.

You may be wondering what do they test you on driving test in Missouri. We outline that for you here, so get the Missouri behind-the-wheel test details below.

Behind-The-Wheel Test Missouri: Vehicle Ready

After you pass the written, vision, and road sign tests, you may then take the driving test. You will take the driving test with a driver license examiner of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The examiner will check your vehicle for the required equipment. The examiner will also check your vehicle is in safe operating condition. You cannot take the test if the vehicle is not properly equipped, or the examiner believes that giving the test will be dangerous.

You should take the test in a vehicle that is familiar to you. The vehicle must have:

• Current license plate(s) and a valid inspection sticker
• Seat belts in proper working order
• Doors in proper working order for the driver and examiner
• A clean, safe seat for the examiner
• Two sets of brakes (parking and a foot brake) in good working order
• A horn in good working order

You will drive, and the examiner will sit beside you. No one else may ride in the vehicle during the test. Avoid unnecessary conversation with the examiner, and focus on your driving. Remember the examiner’s job is to test, not to teach. You must obey all Missouri traffic laws at all times.

Behind-The-Wheel Test Missouri: Vehicle Controls

When getting in the vehicle, the examiner is going to ask you to find and use certain vehicle controls. This includes the brakes, accelerator, turn signals, windshield wipers, etc. During this, you will be tested for:

• Finding the control without searching
• Using the control correctly

Behind-The-Wheel Test Missouri: The Driving Begins

After those steps are complete, the examiner will now ask you to start driving. During this process, you will be tested for:

• Starting the vehicle
• Releasing the parking brake
• Looking to see if the way is clear
• Giving the proper signal
• Driving smoothly and at the correct speed

Behind-The-Wheel Test Missouri Criteria

While you are on the road, the examiner will tell you where to drive, turn, stop, etc. After the examiner tells you what to do, you will have enough time to look for traffic and to drive as asked. You will be asked to do the following:

1. Start and stop the vehicle - You will be tested for the smoothness and safety of your starts and stops; your reaction time; your control of the vehicle when stopping.
2. Park parallel to the curb, in a space 25 feet long and 7 feet wide - You will be tested for the position of your vehicle before backing; whether or not you bump into the space markers; moving into the space smoothly and at the right speed; parking no more than 18” from the curb; parking near the center of the space; ability to park the vehicle within two minutes; turning the wheels in the correct direction for parking; checking traffic and signaling before you leave the parking space.
3. Backing - You will be tested for looking over your right shoulder to see through the rear glass; whether your vehicle backs in a straight line or weaves; staying in the proper lane of traffic; backing at the right speed.
4. Make at least two right and two left turns - You will be tested for driving in the correct lane for turning; giving the proper turn signal at the proper time; turning into the proper lane; making proper traffic checks; turning at the right speed; your control of the vehicle.
5. Park on a hill - You will be tested for your control of the vehicle; parking no more than 18” from the curb; leaving your vehicle in park or the correct gear; turning the front wheels in the correct direction for parking; setting the parking brake; checking traffic and signaling.
6. Enter and leave intersections - You will be tested for understanding and obeying the traffic signs and lights; your speed when approaching an intersection; your awareness of the traffic around you; driving in the correct lane; yielding the right-of-way without blocking traffic; making a full stop at the proper place at stop signs.
7. Understand and obey traffic signs and signals - You will be tested for noticing and obeying traffic signs and signals.

Behind-The-Wheel Test Missouri: Good Driving Rules

During your DOR behind-the-wheel driving test, the examiner will be watching for your use of good driving rules. You will be tested for:

• The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
• Your speed while driving
• Driving in the proper lane and obeying lane markings
• Your awareness of the traffic around you
• Yielding the right-of-way when necessary

Behind-The-Wheel DOR Test: Points Needed To Pass

Throughout the driving test, the examiner will subtract points for any driving errors you make. If you lose more than 30 points, you will fail the test. You will also fail the test if you:

• Are in a crash with another vehicle and it is your fault
• Hit a pedestrian
• Drive so dangerously you might have caused a traffic crash
• Violate a traffic law
• Refuse to drive as the examiner asks

When you pass the driving skills test, you will be given a form with your test results. Before you drive, you must apply and obtain a license at a license office. The test result form itself is not valid for driving.

What Happens If You Fail The Behind-The-Wheel Driving Test?

If you fail the driving test, the examiner will suggest that you practice before retaking the test. You may take only one driving test per day.

If you fail the driving test three times, no further tests will be allowed without written authorization from the Department of Revenue. The driver examiner will give you a form that you must send to the department. After you send the form to the department, you will receive a letter from the department requiring additional behind-the-wheel driver training. You must send proof of the additional driver training before you will be allowed to take the driving test again.

Best Way To Prepare For Missouri Driving Test Behind-The-Wheel

When you are getting ready to take the behind-the-wheel drive test, the best way to prepare is by taking professional driving lessons and extensively practicing all the different maneuvers required during the test. The more prepared you are before the test, the more likely you are to pass.

If you are feeling nervous before your test, we do offer driving lessons throughout Missouri. Book now and get in one more lesson before heading to the DMV office! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff.