Missouri's Permit Test Schedule

You can take your Missouri permit test Monday through Friday at any Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) office. The state does not offer permit testing on weekends or state holidays. Most offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., so call ahead to confirm your local office's exact hours.

The permit test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called. You do not need an appointment — you walk in, check in at the counter, and wait your turn. Arrive early in the day if you can; offices tend to be busier in the afternoon, and some stop accepting new test-takers an hour or two before closing.

You cannot take the test on holidays when the DOR office is closed. Missouri observes New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Check your local office's holiday schedule before you go, because some offices may close for additional state holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri permit tests are offered Monday through Friday only, during regular DOR office hours, which are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • You do not need to schedule an appointment; you walk in and wait your turn, though arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait.
  • The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you will get your results the same day.
  • State holidays close all DOR offices, so you cannot test on those days; call your local office to confirm its specific holiday schedule.
  • Some offices close for lunch, so confirm your location's hours before you drive there.

Finding Your Nearest DOR Office and Its Hours

Missouri has DOR offices in most counties. The easiest way to find yours is to visit the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool, which shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. You can also call 573-751-4509 to ask for the office nearest you.

Hours vary slightly by location. Most offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., but some have different schedules — a few open at 9 a.m., and a few close at 4:30 p.m. A handful close for lunch. Since you are walking in without an appointment, calling your office the day before or the morning of your test is the safest way to confirm they are open and not unusually busy.

If you live near a state border, you might be tempted to test in a neighboring state, but you cannot. Your permit must be issued in the state where you live. If you move to Missouri after getting a permit elsewhere, you will need to get a Missouri permit before you can drive there.

What to Bring on Test Day

Bring your completed Missouri Permit process (Form DL 44) and proof of your Social Security number. You will also need to show proof of your date of birth and proof of your Missouri residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address works. Bring the originals, not copies.

You must also bring proof of your legal name if it differs from what is on your birth certificate — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have all these documents, the office will turn you away and you will have to come back another day.

Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. The vision screening is part of the permit test, and you must meet Missouri's vision standard to pass.

How the Permit Test Works on the Day You Go

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your process and documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. If something is missing or wrong, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Once you are cleared, you will wait for a testing station to open up. When one does, a proctor will call your name and take you to a computer terminal. You will take the written test there — 25 multiple-choice questions about Missouri traffic laws and safe driving. You need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass.

The proctor will also do a vision screening using a machine that checks your eyesight. Missouri requires you to see at least 20/40 in each eye (with correction if you wear glasses). If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the written test that day.

You will get your results when ready after you finish. If you pass, the office will issue your Instruction Permit on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day.

Retaking the Test If You Do Not Pass

If you fail the written test, you can take it again right away — the same day, at the same office. There is no waiting period between attempts, and no extra fee. You just tell the staff member you want to retake it, and they will get you back to a testing station when one is available.

Most people who fail pass on their second try. If you fail twice in one day, you can come back another day to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs the same fee.

If you fail, ask the proctor or staff member what topics gave you trouble. They cannot tell you which specific questions you missed, but they can point you toward the parts of the Missouri Driver Guide you should study more carefully before you try again.

Busy Times and Wait Times at DOR Offices

Wait times vary widely depending on which office you go to and what time you arrive. In rural counties, you might be called within 10 minutes. In busy urban offices, you could wait 30 minutes to an hour, especially on Friday afternoons or right after lunch.

The slowest times are typically Friday afternoons and the days right before a holiday weekend. The fastest times are usually Tuesday through Thursday mornings. If you have a flexible schedule, going on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning will almost certainly get you in faster.

Some offices post their current wait time on their website or on a sign in the lobby. If your local office does, check before you go. If it does not, calling ahead and asking "How busy are you right now?" can give you a sense of whether it is worth the trip today or whether you should come back tomorrow.

What Happens After You Get Your Permit

Once you pass the test and receive your Instruction Permit, you can start practicing to drive with a licensed adult in the car. Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. During that time, you must log the required supervised driving hours — Missouri requires at least 60 hours, with at least 10 of those at night.

You cannot take your road test until you have held your permit for at least 30 days and completed the required hours. After that, you can schedule a road test at any DOR office. Road tests are also offered Monday through Friday during office hours, and you will need to bring your permit, a vehicle, and a licensed adult to the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my permit test on a Saturday?

No. Missouri DOR offices do not offer permit testing on Saturdays, Sundays, or state holidays. Testing is Monday through Friday only during regular office hours.

Do I need to make an appointment to take the permit test?

No. You walk in without an appointment and wait your turn. However, calling your local office first to confirm it is open and to ask about current wait times is a good idea.

What time should I arrive to avoid a long wait?

Arriving early in the morning, especially on a Tuesday or Wednesday, usually means the shortest wait. Avoid Friday afternoons and the hour right after lunch. Some offices stop accepting new test-takers an hour or two before closing.

Can I retake the permit test the same day if I fail?

Yes. If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at no extra cost. You just tell the staff member you want to try again, and they will get you to a testing station when one is available.

What if the DOR office is closed on the day I want to test?

Call your local office or check the Missouri DOR website to confirm its hours and holiday schedule. If it is closed, find the nearest office that is open, or plan to go on the next business day.