You take the motorcycle permit test at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office
The Missouri Department of Revenue administers all motorcycle permit tests in the state. You cannot take the test online, at a third-party testing center, or through a private driving school — you must go to a physical Department of Revenue location. The test is written only; there is no riding component for the permit stage.
Missouri has 16 Department of Revenue offices spread across the state. You can take your test at any of them, not just the one nearest your home address. The office you choose does not have to match your county of residence.
The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You answer 25 multiple-choice questions on a computer terminal at the office. You need a score of at least 80 percent to pass, which means you can miss no more than 5 questions.
Key Takeaways
- All motorcycle permit tests are given at Missouri Department of Revenue offices only — there are 16 locations statewide and you can choose any one.
- You take a written test of 25 questions on a computer at the office; you need 80 percent to pass and the test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- You must bring a valid photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to the office on test day.
- Most offices accept walk-ins during business hours, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current wait times is faster than showing up without notice.
- If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.
Finding the Department of Revenue office nearest you
The Missouri Department of Revenue website lists all 16 office locations with addresses, phone numbers, and hours. The main offices are in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia, but smaller regional offices serve other parts of the state. You can search by city or county on their site to find the closest one to you.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch. A few locations have extended hours one evening per week. Call the office directly before you go — wait times and whether they are accepting walk-ins that day can change.
If you live near a state border, check whether a neighboring state's office might be closer or have shorter wait times. You must take the test in Missouri to get a Missouri permit, so this only helps if travel time matters more to you than the test location itself.
What to bring on test day
Bring three things: a valid photo ID, proof of your current Missouri address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. It must not be expired.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. It must be dated within the last 60 days. A printed utility bill works; a screenshot usually does not. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the office ahead of time.
You do not need to bring study materials, a learner's permit, or proof of payment — the office handles payment when you arrive. You also do not need to bring your motorcycle or proof of ownership.
Walk-in testing and appointment options
Most Missouri Department of Revenue offices accept walk-ins for the motorcycle permit test during regular business hours. You pay the test fee at the office — the fee is set by the state and does not vary by location. You then wait your turn, which can range from a few minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.
Some offices allow you to call ahead and reserve a time slot, though this is not may provide at every location. Calling first is always worth doing because it tells you whether the office is swamped or running smoothly. If you call and learn the wait is over an hour, you can come back at a slower time or try a different office.
If you fail the test, you can usually retake it the same day at the same office. You pay the test fee again and take the test on another computer terminal. Some offices have a short waiting period between attempts, but most let you retake it when ready if you want to.
What the test covers
The 25-question test covers Missouri motorcycle laws, safe riding practices, and hazard recognition. Questions ask about speed limits for motorcycles, right-of-way rules, helmet requirements, lane positioning, braking, and how to handle skids or emergency stops. You will also see questions about what to do in rain, at night, and when sharing the road with larger vehicles.
The test is based on the Missouri Motorcycle Operator Manual, which the Department of Revenue publishes free online. You can read it, read it, and study it before you go to the office. Most people who read the manual carefully pass on their first attempt.
The test is not timed, so you can take as long as you need to answer each question. You cannot use notes, phones, or other materials during the test. The office provides a quiet space and a computer terminal for testing only.
After you pass: getting your permit
When you pass the test, the Department of Revenue prints your motorcycle permit on the spot. The permit is a physical card that looks similar to a driver's license. You receive it when ready and can start riding under the permit restrictions that same day.
Your permit is valid for 180 days. During that time, you must ride only during daylight hours, cannot carry passengers, and must wear a helmet. You also cannot ride on interstate highways. These restrictions exist to give you time to build skills before you take the riding test for your full motorcycle endorsement.
Keep your permit with you every time you ride. If you are stopped by police and cannot show it, you can be cited for riding without a permit, even though you passed the test.
If you fail the test
If you score below 80 percent, you fail and do not receive a permit. You can retake the test when ready at most offices, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Missouri, though you pay the test fee each time you take it.
If you fail twice, take time to study the manual more carefully before your third attempt. Many people miss questions about specific Missouri laws that differ from other states, or about hazard recognition scenarios. The manual explains the reasoning behind each rule, which helps more than memorizing answers.
You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts, and failing does not affect your ability to hold a regular driver's license or any other credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the motorcycle permit test at a different office than where I got my driver's license?
Yes. Your motorcycle permit test location does not have to match your driver's license office or your county of residence. You can walk into any of the 16 Missouri Department of Revenue offices and take the test, regardless of where you live or where you hold your driver's license.
Do I need a learner's permit before I take the motorcycle permit test?
No. The motorcycle permit test is separate from your driver's license. You do not need a learner's permit, a driver's license, or any prior driving experience to take the motorcycle permit test. You only need to be at least 16 years old and bring valid ID and proof of residency.
What happens if I move to a different state before my permit expires?
Your Missouri motorcycle permit is only valid in Missouri. If you move, you will need to get a motorcycle permit or endorsement in your new state. Some states honor out-of-state permits for a short time, but Missouri does not issue permits that are valid elsewhere, so check your new state's rules.
Can I study for the test online or take a practice test before I go to the office?
The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes the Motorcycle Operator Manual online for free study. Some third-party websites offer practice tests based on the manual, though these are not official. The official test at the office is the only one that counts, so use practice tests only as a study tool, not as a may provide of your score.
How much does the motorcycle permit test cost?
The Missouri Department of Revenue sets a test fee, but the exact amount varies and can change. Call your local office or check the Department of Revenue website for the current fee. You pay it at the office on the day you take the test, whether you pass or fail. If you retake the test, you pay the fee again.