What a Class E License Is and Who Needs One
A Class E license in Missouri is the standard driver's license for operating a passenger vehicle. It allows you to drive a car, pickup truck, or van for personal use on public roads. Most people who learn to drive in Missouri end up with a Class E license — it is the default choice unless you need to drive a commercial vehicle or motorcycle.
You need a Class E license if you want to drive alone without restrictions (beyond the normal traffic laws). If you are under 18, you will start with a Intermediate License instead, which comes with nighttime and passenger limits. Once you turn 18 or meet the requirements, you can move to a full Class E.
Missouri also issues Class E licenses to people who hold out-of-state licenses and move to the state. You do not have to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid, though you will need to pass the vision and road tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old to get an Intermediate License and at least 18 to get an unrestricted Class E license in Missouri.
- The process requires passing a written test, vision screening, and a road test with a Missouri examiner.
- You need to bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency to the Missouri Department of Revenue office.
- An Intermediate License lasts two years; a full Class E license is valid for six years and can be renewed by mail or online.
- If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you may skip the written test but must still pass vision and road tests.
Age Requirements and Starting with an Intermediate License
In Missouri, you can get an Intermediate License at age 16 if you have held a learner's permit for at least 182 days (about six months). The Intermediate License lets you drive unsupervised during the day, but you cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., and you can only have one passenger under 19 in the car (unless they are a family member).
You can move to a full, unrestricted Class E license at age 18, or earlier if you are 17 and have held your Intermediate License for at least one year. At that point, the nighttime and passenger restrictions go away.
If you are 18 or older and have never had a Missouri license, you can go straight to a Class E license without the Intermediate step. You will still need to pass the written, vision, and road tests.
Documents You Need to Bring
When you go to a Missouri Department of Revenue office to test for your Class E license, bring originals or certified copies of these documents:
- Proof of identity: A passport, birth certificate, or state ID card.
- Social Security number: Your Social Security card or a document that shows your number (tax return, W-2, or benefit statement).
- Proof of Missouri residency: A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, or a property tax bill from the past year.
- Proof of lawful presence: If you were not born in the United States, bring your passport, visa, or other immigration document.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process. Bring their ID as well.
If you are transferring from an out-of-state license, bring that license too. You will not need to retake the written test if it is still valid, but you must show it to the examiner.
The Written Test, Vision Screening, and Road Test
The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide, which is free on the Department of Revenue website. If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you can skip this test.
The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. You must be able to read a line of letters at a certain distance and pass a peripheral vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.
The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A Missouri examiner will watch you drive and score you on basic skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic laws. You need to score at least 70 percent to pass. You can take the road test in your own car or a vehicle provided by the testing facility, but it must be insured and in safe working condition.
Where to Test and How Long It Takes
You must go to a Missouri Department of Revenue office to take your tests. There are locations in every county. You can find the nearest office and check wait times on the Department of Revenue website.
Testing times vary by location. Some offices have short waits; others may have a wait of several weeks, especially in busy urban areas. You can make an appointment online in many locations, which usually reduces your wait time.
Bring all your documents and be ready to spend one to three hours at the office, depending on how busy it is and whether you pass all tests on your first try. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the fee again and may have to wait for another appointment.
License Validity and Renewal
An Intermediate License is valid for two years from the date you receive it. When it expires, you can renew it by visiting a Department of Revenue office and passing the road test again, or you can move to a full Class E license if you meet the age requirement.
A full Class E license is valid for six years. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person. Mail and online renewals do not require you to retake any tests — you just pay the fee and submit your process. In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office is also available if you prefer.
Your license will show an expiration date on the front. Missouri sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you are responsible for renewing on time. Driving on an expired license is illegal.
Transferring an Out-of-State License to Missouri
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Missouri, you can transfer it to a Missouri Class E license. You do not have to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is current and valid.
Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency to a Department of Revenue office. You will still need to pass the vision screening and road test. Once you pass, your out-of-state license is surrendered and you receive a Missouri Class E license.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake the written test along with the vision and road tests. The process is the same as if you were getting your first license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Class E license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?
No. Missouri will not issue a new license if you have an active suspension or revocation in any state. You must resolve the suspension or revocation in that state first. Contact the Department of Revenue in the state where the suspension is active to find out how to clear it.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test, but you must pay the testing fee again and schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. Study the areas where you struggled and practice before your next test.
Do I need to take a driver education course to get a Class E license?
No formal course is required for adults. However, if you are under 18, Missouri recommends (but does not mandate) a driver education course. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one. Check with your insurer.
Can I renew my Class E license online if it is about to expire?
Yes, if your license is still valid and you have not had any violations or suspensions. You can renew online through the Missouri Department of Revenue website. The fee is lower for online renewal than in-person renewal. Mail renewal is also available.
What is the cost of getting a Class E license in Missouri?
Fees vary depending on the length of the license and whether you are getting it for the first time or renewing. The Department of Revenue website lists current fees. Generally, a six-year Class E license costs less per year than an Intermediate License, which is valid for two years.