Missouri exam locations are run by the Department of Revenue, and you can find the one nearest you on their website or by calling your local office
Missouri has exam stations in most counties, run by the Department of Revenue's Driver Examination Section. You do not choose your location when you explore — instead, you go to whichever station serves your county or the county where you feel most comfortable taking the test. The Department of Revenue website lists all active stations with their addresses and phone numbers, and you can also call your county's license office directly to confirm hours and whether they are currently scheduling tests.
Exam stations are not the same as license offices. A license office issues your permit and license documents. An exam station is where you take the written test and the driving test. Some counties have both in the same building; others have them in separate locations. When you are ready to test, you will receive information about which station to report to and what time to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's Department of Revenue runs exam stations in most counties, and you can find the nearest one by searching their website or calling your local license office.
- Exam stations handle written tests and driving tests; license offices handle permits and document issuance, and they may be in different buildings.
- You do not pick your exam station when you explore — the Department of Revenue assigns you based on your county of residence.
- Calling ahead to confirm hours and current scheduling is important because some stations have limited hours or temporary closures.
- Bring your permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency to your exam appointment, or your test will be rescheduled.
How to find your county's exam station
The fastest way is to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue's official website and use their exam station locator tool. Enter your county or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for stations near you. If you do not have internet access, call your county's license office directly — the number is listed on the Department of Revenue website under your county.
When you call, ask whether the station is currently scheduling new test appointments and how far out the wait is. Some stations book weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. If the wait is long, ask whether you can test at a station in a neighboring county instead. The Department of Revenue may allow this if you have a legitimate reason, such as work or school location, though you will need to request it when you schedule.
What to bring to your exam appointment
Bring your permit, a valid form of photo identification, and proof of residency. Photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or state ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. If you do not have these documents, your test will be rescheduled and you will lose your appointment slot.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will also need to know your permit number. If you are taking the driving test, bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and wipers. If the examiner finds a safety issue, the test will not proceed.
Written test and driving test scheduling
When you schedule your appointment, you will be assigned a date and time for both the written test and the driving test. Most stations schedule them on the same day — you take the written test first, and if you pass, you move directly to the driving test with the same examiner or a different one, depending on the station. If you fail the written test, you can reschedule the driving portion for another day.
If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one business day before you can test again. Some stations allow you to reschedule when ready; others require you to call back and book a new appointment. Ask the examiner or the station staff what the process is before you leave.
Exam station hours and closures
Most Missouri exam stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some close for lunch. Hours vary by location, so check the Department of Revenue website or call ahead. Some rural stations have limited hours — for example, open only two or three days a week — so confirm before you make the trip.
Stations close on state holidays and sometimes for staff training or maintenance. If you see a closure notice on the website, do not assume it is temporary. Call the station directly to find out when it will reopen and whether you can test at a nearby station instead.
What happens if you miss your appointment
If you miss your scheduled exam without canceling, you will forfeit that appointment and must reschedule. Depending on how busy your station is, the next available slot could be weeks away. If you know you cannot make your appointment, call the station as soon as possible to cancel and reschedule for a date you can keep.
Some stations allow you to reschedule online through the Department of Revenue website; others require a phone call. Check your appointment confirmation letter or the website to see which method applies to your station.
Testing in a different county
If you live in one county but work or go to school in another, you may be able to test at a station in the other county. Contact the Department of Revenue or your local license office to ask whether they will allow an out-of-county test. You will likely need to provide documentation of your work or school location, such as a pay stub or class schedule.
Not all stations accept out-of-county test-takers, so confirm before you plan around it. The process for requesting an out-of-county station varies by location, so call your local office early to understand what documentation they need and how long approval takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test at any Missouri exam station, or do I have to go to the one in my county?
You are assigned to a station based on your county of residence, but you can request an out-of-county station if you have a work or school location in another county. Call your local license office to ask whether they will approve the request and which station you would test at instead.
What if my nearest exam station has a long wait?
Call the station and ask whether you can test at a neighboring county's station instead. Some counties have shorter waits. You can also ask whether the station has any cancellations you could fill sooner, or whether they offer early morning or late afternoon slots that book up less quickly.
Do I need to schedule my written test and driving test on the same day?
Most stations schedule them together on the same day, but if you fail the written test, you can reschedule the driving test for another day. If you pass the written test and want to reschedule the driving test, ask the station staff what their policy is — some allow same-day rescheduling, others require you to call back.
What if I fail my driving test — how soon can I test again?
You must wait at least one business day before retesting. Some stations let you reschedule when ready on the spot; others require you to call back and book a new appointment. Ask before you leave the station so you know what to do next.
Are exam stations open on weekends or evenings?
Most Missouri exam stations operate Monday through Friday during business hours only. A few stations in larger cities may have extended hours, but this is not common. Check the Department of Revenue website or call your local station to see whether weekend or evening testing is available in your area.