What a Class E License Is and Who Needs One
A Class E license in Missouri is the standard operator's license for driving a passenger vehicle on public roads. It covers cars, pickup trucks, and vans — the vehicles most people drive every day. If you want to drive anything other than a motorcycle or a commercial truck, a Class E is what you need.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Class E in Missouri. If you are 16 or 17, you will start with a Intermediate License (also called a Class E Intermediate), which has restrictions on when and how you can drive. At 18, those restrictions lift and you hold a full Class E.
Missouri does not issue a Class E to someone who already holds a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement — you would hold one of those instead. But if you drive a regular car and nothing else, Class E is your license type.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to get a Class E license in Missouri.
- If you are under 18, you will receive an Intermediate License with driving restrictions; the restrictions end when you turn 18.
- You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency before you can test.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the official Missouri Driver Guide available free online.
- Once you pass all three tests, the Missouri Department of Revenue issues your license, which is valid for six years.
Documents You Need Before Testing
Missouri requires you to bring specific documents to the Department of Revenue office before you can take any test for a Class E license. You cannot test without them.
You need proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or certified copy of your birth certificate. A school ID or social media account does not count. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. Finally, you need proof of Missouri residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Missouri address, dated within the last 60 days.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign a Parental Consent Form (Form DL 44) before you can test. You can read this form from the Missouri Department of Revenue website or pick one up at any office. Your parent or guardian does not have to be present when you test, but the signed form must be.
The Written Test: What to Study and How to Pass
The written test for a Class E license covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must get at least 16 correct to pass. You have one hour to complete it.
The official study material is the Missouri Driver Guide, available free as a PDF on the Missouri Department of Revenue website. Read it cover to cover — the test questions come directly from this guide. Focus on sections about right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, stopping distances, and what different road signs mean.
You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. There is no fee to retake it. Many people pass on their first try if they study the Driver Guide for a few hours beforehand.
The Vision Test and Medical Requirements
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a vision screening at the Department of Revenue office. An examiner will check your eyesight using a machine or chart. You need to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and every time you drive.
If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed to the driving test that day. You can return after you have seen an eye doctor and have a corrected vision prescription. Bring proof of your new prescription when you come back.
Missouri does not require a medical exam or a doctor's note to get a Class E license unless you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely. If you take medication that impairs driving, or if you have a seizure disorder, heart condition, or other medical issue, tell the examiner. They may ask for a doctor's statement before issuing your license.
The Driving Test: What the Examiner Checks
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner from the Department of Revenue will sit in the passenger seat while you drive a vehicle — usually your own car, though some offices have test vehicles. You will drive on regular streets and possibly a highway or two, depending on the office location.
The examiner watches for basic vehicle control: smooth steering, proper braking, correct use of mirrors and signals, and safe speed. They also check that you follow traffic signs and lights, yield correctly at intersections, and park without hitting the curb or other cars. They are not looking for perfection — they are checking that you can operate a vehicle safely and know the rules of the road.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include running a red light or stop sign, unsafe lane changes, hitting the curb while parking, or failing to yield when required. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period — usually one to two weeks, depending on the office. There is a fee each time you test.
Fees and Timeline for Getting Your License
The fee for a Class E license in Missouri is $25 for a six-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18 and getting an Intermediate License, the fee is the same. You pay this fee once, when you pass all three tests and the examiner issues your license.
The written and vision tests are free. The driving test fee varies by location but is typically $10 to $15. You pay the driving test fee each time you take it, whether you pass or fail.
After you pass all three tests, the examiner will take your photo and issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks.
Restrictions on an Intermediate License If You Are Under 18
If you are 16 or 17 when you pass your driving test, you receive an Intermediate License instead of a full Class E. This license has restrictions designed to reduce crash risk for new young drivers.
With an Intermediate License, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These rules explore until you turn 18, at which point your license automatically becomes a full Class E with no restrictions.
If you violate these restrictions, you can be ticketed and fined. The restrictions exist because statistics show young drivers are at higher risk in certain conditions, and limiting nighttime driving and peer passengers reduces that risk.
Renewing or Replacing Your Class E License
Your Class E license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Revenue office.
If you renew by mail or online, you do not have to retake the written or driving test — you only need to pay the renewal fee and provide updated information if anything has changed. If you renew in person, you will have your vision checked again.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Department of Revenue office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee (usually $10 to $15), and you will receive a temporary license when ready and a plastic card by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a car I do not own?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, and the owner must be present or give written permission. Many people borrow a parent's car or use a driving school vehicle. The examiner will check that the car has working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually one to two weeks. There is a fee each time you test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. Failing does not affect your written test results — you only retake the driving portion.
Do I need a permit before I can take the driving test?
No. Missouri does not require a learner's permit for a Class E license. You can go straight from passing the written and vision tests to the driving test. However, some driving schools recommend getting practice with a permit first, and some parents prefer it for insurance reasons.
What if I move to Missouri from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Missouri Class E without retaking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency to a Department of Revenue office. You will have a vision test and pay the license fee.
Can I get a Class E license if I have had a DUI or reckless driving conviction?
A past DUI or reckless driving conviction does not automatically disqualify you from getting a Class E license. However, if your license was suspended or revoked due to the conviction, you must complete the reinstatement process before you can get a new license. This may include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a substance abuse program, or carrying an SR-22 insurance certificate. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find out what applies to your situation.