How to find a testing location near you

In Missouri, you take your written knowledge test at a Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) office. These are the only places that administer the test — you cannot take it online or at a third-party location. The state runs about 50 DOR offices across Missouri, so most people have one within 20 to 30 minutes of home.

The easiest way to find your nearest office is to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. You enter your city or ZIP code, and it shows you all nearby locations with their hours and phone numbers. You can also call the main DOR line at 573-751-4509 to ask which office is closest to you.

Not all DOR offices offer testing on the same days or hours. Some are open Monday through Friday during business hours only; others have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. Before you drive there, call ahead or check the office's page online to confirm they offer written tests and what times they're available.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri Department of Revenue offices are the only places where you can take your written knowledge test.
  • The state has about 50 DOR offices, and you can find your nearest one using the office locator on the DOR website or by calling 573-751-4509.
  • Testing hours vary by location, so you need to call or check online before visiting to confirm the office offers tests and when they're available.
  • You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations may require one during busy times — ask when you call.
  • Bring your learner's permit, a valid photo ID, and proof of residency; requirements can vary slightly, so confirm what documents you need for your specific office.

What to bring to your testing appointment

When you arrive at the DOR office, you will need to bring your Missouri learner's permit and a valid photo ID. Your learner's permit counts as your primary identification for the test. If you do not have it with you, the office will not let you test.

You will also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address on it. The document must be recent — usually dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state also works as proof of residency if it shows your current Missouri address.

Some DOR offices ask for additional documents depending on your situation. If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian present. If you are testing under a different name than your ID shows, bring legal documentation of the name change. Call your local office ahead of time to ask what they specifically require — this saves you a trip if you are missing something.

Walk-ins versus appointments

Most Missouri DOR offices accept walk-ins for the written test and do not require you to schedule ahead. You can straightforward show up during their testing hours, check in at the counter, and wait your turn. Wait times vary by location and time of day — offices tend to be busier in the morning and on weekends.

Some offices, especially in larger cities, may ask you to book an appointment if they are very busy. A few locations have moved to appointment-only testing during peak times. Before you go, call the office or check their website to see if appointments are required or recommended. If they do take appointments, you can usually book one by phone or online through the DOR website.

If you show up as a walk-in and the office is too busy, staff will tell you how long the wait is. You can choose to wait or come back at a less busy time. Early morning on a weekday is usually your best bet for a short wait.

Testing hours and holiday closures

Most Missouri DOR offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation by location. A handful of offices have extended hours into the evening or are open on Saturday mornings. The office locator on the DOR website shows the exact hours for each location.

DOR offices are closed on state holidays and federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. They are also closed on some state-specific holidays like Truman Day (May 8). If you are planning to test around a holiday, check the DOR website or call ahead to confirm the office will be open.

During the week between Christmas and New Year's, many offices have reduced hours or are closed entirely. If you are planning to test during that time, call your local office to confirm they will be open and what their hours are.

What happens when you arrive

When you walk in, you will check in at the front desk and tell staff you are there to take your written knowledge test. They will ask for your learner's permit and photo ID. They may also ask a few basic questions to confirm your information matches their records.

After check-in, you will wait for a testing station to become available. A staff member will then take you to a computer or paper test station, depending on what the office uses. They will explain how the test works, answer any last-minute questions, and then leave you to take the test on your own. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Once you finish, staff will score your test right away. If you pass, they will tell you when ready and give you a receipt or document showing your passing score. If you do not pass, you can usually retake the test the same day or come back another day — ask the staff what the office's policy is on retesting.

Retesting if you do not pass

If you do not pass your first attempt, you are allowed to retake the test. Some Missouri offices let you retake it the same day if you want to try again right away. Others require you to wait a certain number of days — usually 1 to 7 days — before you can test again. Call your local office to find out their specific retesting policy.

Each time you retake the test, you pay the testing fee again. The fee is the same whether it is your first attempt or your fifth. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, so you can keep trying until you pass.

Between attempts, review the Missouri Driver Guide again and focus on the areas where you struggled. Many people find that studying the exact questions they missed helps them pass on the next try.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test at a different DOR office than the one closest to me?

Yes. You can go to any Missouri DOR office that offers written testing, regardless of where you live. There is no requirement to test at a specific location. If another office has better hours or shorter wait times, you can test there instead.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number or birth certificate?

No. You do not need your Social Security number or birth certificate for the written test. Your learner's permit, photo ID, and proof of residency are all you need. If you are under 18 and your parent or guardian needs to be present, they should bring their own ID.

What if I lost my learner's permit before taking the test?

You cannot take the written test without your learner's permit. You will need to get a replacement permit first by visiting a DOR office with your photo ID and proof of residency. Once you have your replacement permit, you can schedule your written test.

Can someone else take the test for me or help me during the test?

No. You must take the test yourself, and no one can help you or be in the testing area with you while you are taking it. The test is designed to measure your knowledge, and staff monitor to make sure everyone takes it fairly and independently.

What if the office is closed when I try to go?

Check the DOR website office locator or call 573-751-4509 to confirm the office's hours before you visit. If the office is unexpectedly closed, try another DOR office nearby, or plan to return during their next open hours. You can also ask staff at a closed office when they will reopen and if another nearby location is open.