How to Get Your Missouri Instruction Permit

Step by step

1. Get your documents ready

   Missouri asks for proof of:

   • Lawful status (for example a certified birth certificate or U.S. passport)
   • Identity, showing your full legal name and date of birth
   • Your Social Security number
   • Where you live in Missouri (under 21, a parent or guardian can provide one of these)

   (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 5–7)

2. Take the tests with the Highway Patrol

   The Missouri State Highway Patrol gives the vision, road sign and written tests. The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions and is not open book. (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 15, 18)

3. Bring a parent to the license office

   Take your test results and documents to a license office. A parent, stepparent or legal guardian comes with you to sign a permission statement. Your test record alone does not let you drive. (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 3, 15)

4. Start practicing

   Carry your permit whenever you drive, with a qualified driver in the front seat (see the rules below). (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 15)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Missouri Department of Revenue website before you go.

Rules while you have a instruction permit

• Under 16: the person in the front seat must be a parent, stepparent, grandparent, legal guardian or driving instructor, or someone 25 or older, licensed for at least three years, with written permission from your parent. (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 15)
• 16 or older: a licensed driver aged 21 or older sits in the front seat with you. (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 15)
• You and every passenger wear a seat belt. (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 15)
• You can renew the permit as often as you need without taking the written test again. (Missouri Driver Guide, p. 15)