How to Get a Missouri Driver's License as an Adult

Whether you’re new to driving or new to Missouri, getting your Missouri state driver’s license is an essential first step to expanding both your personal and professional horizons in the Show-Me State. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even intimidated by the licensing process - you’re not alone. Missouri requires that every potential licensed driver meet certain specifications, standards, and testing requirements according to their age and driving experience. Drivers who are 18 and older at the time of their license application will need to complete a series of steps to receive their full Missouri license. This article will help you navigate the Missouri licensing process in a quick and easy manner - meaning you’ll get your license sooner and spend more time on the road!

Under 18? We’ve got you covered! There are a few more steps involved in the license process if you are a minor. More information about how to get a Missouri Driver’s License as a teen may be found here.

Summary

If you’re over 18, you’ll need to complete the following steps to get your Missouri Driver’s License:

• Pass the Missouri Written Knowledge Test at an MSHP site
• Purchase your Instruction Permit at a DoR office
• Practice driving!
• Pass the Missouri Driving Skills Test at an MSHP site
• Purchase your License at a DoR office!

Do You Need a Missouri Instruction Permit if You Are 18 and Over?

First time drivers over 18 need a Missouri Instruction Permit. License applicants, regardless of age, who do not hold a current, valid license from another U.S. State must first pass their written knowledge test and then purchase their permit from a Department of Revenue Office. This includes first time drivers who are 18 years of age or older. It is important to note any applicant who is 18 or older is not required to take any type of Driver’s Education before applying for their permit. This being said, Coastline recommends that all new drivers 18 and over enroll in both a classroom and practical driver’s education course to both ensure safety on the road.

How to Get an Instruction Permit in Missouri if You Are Over 18

New drivers must apply in-person for their Testing and Instruction Permit. It is important to note that any testing - which includes the Written Test, Vision Test, Road Sign Recognition Test, and Skills Test - will take place at a designated Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) location. The Department of Revenue does not administer any testing for either the Instruction Permit or Driving License.

After passing the Written Test, new drivers will need to visit a Department of Revenue Office to submit their documentation and pay for their permit.

No appointment is generally necessary for either the testing or document process, but all applicants are urged to check their specific MSHP and DoR locations, as certain sites may allow for an appointment.

Taking the Written Knowledge Test

Before you arrive at an MSHP location, you must double-check the hours of operation and any other listed specifics as they pertain to the administration of the written test at your particular MSHP location. You will also need to bring an identity document for verification before you will be allowed to test.

Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing

Be certain you have your identity document with you before you visit your MSHP site. This may include:

• A certified birth certificate
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Missouri nondriver ID card that is no more than 6 months expired
• Valid Employment Verification Card or Permanent Resident Card
• Valid foreign passport with valid visa and I-94 form

There is no fee associated with the written knowledge test.

You will also be required to pass a vision exam at the time of testing.

The Vision Test

The MSHP uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20 foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision exam. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your instruction permit.

How Many Questions are on the Missouri Knowledge (Written) Test?

You will be required to pass a knowledge test in order to be issued a Missouri Instruction Permit. The written test is based on information found in the Missouri Driver Guide and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices. 

There are 25 questions on the permit test. You need to answer at least 20 correctly in order to pass your test.

Each question on the Written Test is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 80% on your Written Test in order to pass and receive your Instruction Permit. Applicants may attempt the written test two times in one day and are not required to wait any number of days in between attempts at the written test.

The Missouri Department of Revenue website has a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the Missouri Driver Guide and take as many practice tests as possible in order to prepare for your in-person Written Exam. 

Getting Your Instruction Permit

Purchase a Permit at a Department of Revenue Site

After passing your Written Exam, you will be issued a Form 100 by a MSHP officer indicating you are eligible for your Instruction Permit. This is not a legal document that allows you to drive in any capacity and does not serve as your driving permit. 

Do not lose this form. After written testing, you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue location to complete your application and purchase your instruction permit. In addition to Form 100, you will also need to bring certain identification documents and payment for any licensing fees.

Bring Your Documents

Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit your DoR office. These will include:

• Valid Form 100 proving completion of the Written and Vision Exams
• Proof of Identity (Real ID and Standard ID)
• This may include a birth certificate or passport
• (What’s the difference between a RealID and a Federal Non-Compliant ID? Read more here).
• Proof of Lawful Status
• This may include a birth certificate or passport
• Proof of Missouri Residency
• Acceptable documents may include a lease agreement, or utility bills
• You will also need to show physical proof of a Social Security number.
• Payment for any application fees. Note, the Missouri DoR will accept cash, an ATM/debit card, credit card, money order, cashier's check, or personal check. All personal checks must be made payable to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

After you have submitted your documentation, you will be issued an Instruction Permit. Be certain you inspect your permit for any errors, including misspellings of your name, inaccurate birthdate, and correctional lens restrictions before leaving the DoR office.

Can You Practice With an Instruction Permit in Missouri?

Instruction permits are generally valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Pay careful attention to the expiration date on your permit - you will need to take your driving test or renew your document before the listed expiration date. Note, there is no mandatory waiting period after the issuance of an instruction permit to any driver who is 18 and over. Permit holders may schedule their road test at any point after they have received their instruction permit, as long as that permit remains valid.

Your permit is not a license to drive alone. Regardless of the driver’s age, any Instruction Permit holder 18 and older must be accompanied by another driver 21 years of age or older holding a valid driving license. This accompanying driver must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the permit holder is operating the motor vehicle. Permit holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from a DoR or MSHP location.

Missouri does not require permit holders 18 and over to complete any type of driver training or minimum hours behind the wheel. This being said, it is a good idea to practice your driving with a trusted loved one or, even better, a qualified driving instructor at a driving school such as Coastline before attempting your road test.

Taking the Driving Skills Test in Missouri

Before arriving at a Missouri State Highway Patrol testing location, be certain you are familiar with the test itself! More information about the road test may be found in the Missouri Driver Guide. 

Before you set off for a MSHP site for the road test, be certain you ensure the following:

• You have brought your valid Instruction Permit with you
• You have brought an acceptable proof of identification with you
• This may include a certified birth certificate, valid U.S. Passport, Missouri Non-driver Identification card that is no more than 6 months expired, valid Employment Verification Card, Permanent Resident Card, or valid foreign passport with valid visa and I-94 form
• Your vehicle’s license plates and are current and valid
• You are accompanied by a driver 21 or over holding a valid driving license
• An accompanying driver must be present in the passenger seat at all times prior to the road test. The MSHP Examiner will inform you when the accompanying driver may leave the vehicle.

Remember! You may be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your knowledge of your vehicle, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights and defroster. You will also be tested on your knowledge of road signs prior to starting your behind-the-wheel portion of the examination. Be certain you have reviewed your road signs before arriving at the MSHP site.

Getting Your Full Missouri Driver’s License

Once you pass your road sign recognition and driving skills test, you will be issued another Form 100, certifying that you have completed your examinations and that you are eligible for your license. This is not a legal document that allows you to drive alone in any capacity and does not serve as your driving license. 

Do not lose this form. After your road sign recognition and skills testing, you will need to visit a Missouri Department of Revenue location again to complete your application and purchase your full Missouri license. In addition to Form 100, you will also need to bring certain identification documents and payment for any licensing fees. These identification documents (both Real ID and Standard ID) will be the same as the ones you use for your permit. Licensing fees will differ.

Drivers who are 18 years of age and older have no restrictions on their driver's license aside from the ones indicated on their identification card. Remember to keep careful track of any renewal requirements and always follow the rules of the road. 

While the Missouri licensing process may be intimidating, following the guide above will help to ensure a smoother and more successful experience with both the Missouri HSP and DoR offices. We at Coastline wish you the best of luck with your new license, and hope you have many happy and safe hours on the road.