Missouri permit tests are administered at DMV offices and approved third-party testing locations across the state

You cannot take your Missouri permit test online or by mail. The written exam must be completed in person at a location authorized by the Missouri Department of Revenue. The state operates its own DMV offices in most counties, and also contracts with third-party testing vendors — usually insurance agencies or driving schools — to administer tests in areas where a DMV office is not convenient. Both routes use the same test questions and scoring standards.

The test itself is a 30-question multiple-choice exam on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you sit down. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number and a valid form of identification before the exam begins.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri DMV offices are located in most counties and are the most direct route to take your permit test, with no appointment needed at most locations.
  • Third-party testing vendors — primarily insurance agencies and driving schools — offer permit testing in areas without a nearby DMV office and may have different hours and wait times.
  • You must bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security number to any testing location; without these, you will not be allowed to test.
  • Wait times vary by location and time of day, but testing at a DMV office during off-peak hours (mid-morning on weekdays) is typically faster than evenings or weekends.
  • The test fee is the same regardless of location, and you pay at the time you test — there is no advance payment or registration required.

Finding a Missouri DMV office near you

The Missouri Department of Revenue maintains a searchable office locator on its website at dor.mo.gov. You can search by county or city to find the DMV office closest to your home or school. The locator shows the office address, phone number, and hours of operation. Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening hours one or two days per week.

Call ahead before you go. While walk-ins are accepted at most DMV offices, some locations experience long waits during peak hours (typically late afternoon and Saturdays). A quick phone call to the office will tell you the current wait time and whether you should come back at a different time. You can also ask whether the office has any temporary closures or schedule changes that day.

Using third-party testing vendors

If you live in a rural area or cannot reach a DMV office during its hours, you can take your permit test at an approved third-party location. These are usually insurance agencies, driving schools, or other licensed businesses that have contracted with the Missouri Department of Revenue to administer tests. The test is identical to the one at a DMV office, and your results are recorded in the same system.

To find a third-party vendor, call your local DMV office or visit the Department of Revenue website, which maintains a list of approved testing locations by county. Third-party vendors may require you to call ahead or book a time slot, so confirm their hours and testing availability before you drive there. Some vendors charge a small additional fee beyond the state test fee — ask when you call.

What to bring to your permit test

You must bring a valid photo ID issued by a government agency. Acceptable forms include a passport, military ID, state ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license. A school ID, library card, or expired ID will not work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can obtain a Missouri state ID card at any DMV office before you test for your permit.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Have it memorized or written down so you can enter it quickly when you check in. Bring nothing else to the testing room — no phones, calculators, notes, or study materials. These items will be collected or you will be asked to leave them in a waiting area.

Test fees and payment

The Missouri permit test fee is $10.50. This fee is the same at every DMV office and approved third-party location. You pay when you arrive to test, not in advance. The state accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at DMV offices. Third-party vendors may have different payment methods — ask when you call to confirm.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices, though you will pay the $10.50 fee again. Some third-party vendors may require you to schedule a second attempt for a later date. Ask the testing location what their policy is on same-day retakes before you sit for your first attempt.

Wait times and scheduling

DMV offices do not require appointments for permit testing, but wait times vary widely depending on the location and time of day. Urban DMV offices during lunch hours or after work can have waits of 30 minutes to over an hour. The same office at 10 a.m. on a Tuesday may have almost no wait. Saturdays are typically the busiest day at DMV offices statewide.

If you want to minimize your wait, visit a DMV office mid-morning on a weekday. Call ahead to ask what the current wait time is. If you are testing at a third-party vendor, ask whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some vendors operate by appointment only, which can actually be faster than a DMV office if you book a specific time slot.

What happens after you pass

Once you pass the permit test, the DMV office or third-party vendor will issue you a temporary permit document on the spot. This temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the vehicle while you practice. You will then need to visit a DMV office to have your official permit card printed and mailed to you, which takes about 7 to 10 business days.

Some DMV offices can issue your official permit card the same day you pass the test if you have all required documents with you. Ask the testing location whether they offer same-day card issuance. If not, you will receive your card by mail and can begin practicing with your temporary permit when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test at any DMV office in Missouri, or do I have to go to the one in my county?

You can test at any DMV office in the state, not just the one in your county. If you live near a DMV office in an adjacent county with shorter wait times or more convenient hours, you can go there instead. Your test results are recorded in the statewide system regardless of which office you use.

What if I fail the permit test — how soon can I retake it?

Most DMV offices allow you to retake the test the same day if you fail, though you must pay the $10.50 fee again. Some third-party vendors may require you to wait a day or schedule a new appointment. Call your testing location to ask about their retake policy before you test.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I just know my number?

You do not need to bring your Social Security card. You only need to know your Social Security number and provide it when you check in. Have it memorized or written down so you can enter it into the system quickly.

Are there any DMV locations that offer evening or weekend testing?

Some DMV offices have extended hours one or two evenings per week, and a few locations are open on Saturday mornings. Check the office locator on the Missouri Department of Revenue website or call your local office to see which locations near you offer evening or weekend hours.

What if I cannot find a third-party testing vendor near me?

If no third-party vendor is listed for your county, you will need to visit a DMV office. Call your county DMV office and ask about the nearest location and their hours. Rural counties may have only one DMV office, but it should be reachable within a reasonable drive.