Missouri DMV examination sites are run by the Department of Revenue and located in every county, with most offering both written and driving tests on the same day.

You cannot take your Missouri driver's license exam at a single central location. Instead, the state operates examination stations in all 114 Missouri counties, run by the Department of Revenue's Driver Examination Section. Each station handles written tests (the permit exam), driving tests (the road test), and some handle both. Most stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though a few operate limited schedules.

The station you use depends on where you live or where you can travel. You do not have to test in your home county, but you must schedule an appointment in advance — walk-ins are not accepted at any Missouri examination station. The Department of Revenue publishes a complete list of all stations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours on its official website.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri has examination stations in all 114 counties, and you must call ahead to schedule an appointment rather than walk in.
  • Most stations offer both written and driving tests, but some smaller county offices handle only written exams and refer driving tests to a nearby location.
  • You can test at any station in the state, not just the one in your home county, as long as you have an appointment.
  • The Department of Revenue website lists every station's address, phone number, and hours; calling directly is the fastest way to book a test date.

How to find your nearest examination station

The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a searchable list of all examination stations on its website at dor.mo.gov. You can search by county name or city. Each listing includes the station's street address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some stations are located inside DMV offices; others are standalone testing facilities.

If you do not have internet access, you can call the Department of Revenue's main line and ask for the examination station closest to you. They will provide the phone number and hours. Many county clerk offices also keep printed lists of nearby stations and can tell you which one handles the type of test you need.

Scheduling your written test (permit exam)

To take the written test, call the examination station where you want to test and provide your name, date of birth, and the type of license you are seeking (Class D for regular passenger vehicle, Class F for motorcycle, or another class). The staff member will tell you available appointment dates and times. Written tests are typically offered multiple times per week at most stations.

Bring your completed process form (Form DL-43), proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency on your test date. The written exam covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can usually schedule a retest within a few days at the same station.

Scheduling your driving test (road test)

Call the same station or the one that handles road tests in your area to book a driving test appointment. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and the class of license you are seeking. Road tests are usually scheduled weeks in advance, so call as soon as you pass your written exam. Some stations book tests 4 to 8 weeks out during busy seasons.

Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and a vehicle that is registered, inspected, and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering and braking, follow traffic laws, and perform basic maneuvers like parallel parking or three-point turns. You must pass the road test to receive your license.

Stations that handle only written tests

A small number of examination stations in rural or less-populated counties handle written tests only. If you test at one of these locations, you will be told where to go for your road test — usually a larger station in a nearby county. The Department of Revenue will provide that information when you schedule your written exam.

This does not mean you must travel twice. Many people schedule both tests at the same time, with the written exam at their local station and the road test at the regional station on a different day. Plan your schedule accordingly, as the road test appointment may be several weeks after you pass the written exam.

What to bring to any examination station

For a written test, bring your completed DL-43 process form, a valid photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Missouri residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). You will also need to pay the written test fee, which is typically $10 to $15 depending on the license class.

For a road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must have a valid registration, current inspection sticker, working brakes and lights, and no safety defects. Bring your ID and proof of residency again, as the examiner will verify your information before the test begins.

Common mistakes that delay testing

The most frequent reason people are turned away from examination stations is arriving without an appointment. Missouri does not accept walk-ins; you must call ahead. The second most common issue is incomplete or missing documents. Bring everything listed above, even if you think you might not need it — examiners will not test you without proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.

For road tests, many people arrive with a vehicle that fails inspection. The vehicle must have working windshield wipers, functioning turn signals, a working horn, and no cracked windshield. If the examiner finds a safety defect, the test is cancelled and you must reschedule. Check your vehicle the day before your appointment to avoid this delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I test at a station in a different county than where I live?

Yes. You can schedule your written and road tests at any examination station in Missouri, regardless of which county you live in. This is useful if you work in a different county or if the nearest station to your home has a long wait. Call the station directly to book an appointment.

What if I fail my written test?

You can usually schedule a retest within a few days at the same station. There is typically a small retest fee. You do not need to retake the entire process process — just call the station and ask for the next available written test appointment.

How far in advance do I need to schedule my road test?

Road test appointments are typically booked 4 to 8 weeks in advance, depending on how busy the station is. Call as soon as you pass your written exam to find a date. During summer months or in urban areas, waits can be longer.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you miss an appointment without cancelling, you will need to call and reschedule. Some stations may charge a cancellation or rescheduling fee. If you know you cannot make your appointment, call the station as soon as possible to cancel and free up the slot for another person.

Do all Missouri examination stations have the same hours?

No. Most stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some have limited schedules or close for lunch. Check the Department of Revenue website or call the specific station to confirm their hours before you call to schedule an appointment.