You take the written permit test at your local Missouri Department of Revenue office
The Missouri Department of Revenue administers all written permit tests in the state. You cannot take the test online, by mail, or at a third-party location — you must go to a Driver License Office in person. Missouri has offices in most counties, so you should be able to find one within reasonable driving distance of where you live.
The test itself is the same no matter which office you visit. You answer questions about Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You will need to bring your completed process form, proof of identity, and proof of residency before you sit down to take it.
Key Takeaways
- All Missouri permit tests are given at Department of Revenue Driver License Offices, and you must test in person.
- Missouri has Driver License Offices in most counties; you can find the nearest one and its hours on the Department of Revenue website.
- You need your completed process, a valid ID, and proof of your current address before you can take the test.
- The written test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules, and is offered in English and Spanish.
- You do not need to schedule an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Finding the Driver License Office nearest you
The Missouri Department of Revenue publishes a complete list of all Driver License Offices on its official website at dor.mo.gov. The list includes the office address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location. You can search by county or city to find the office closest to you.
Call ahead before you go. Office hours vary — some are open Monday through Friday only, while others have limited Saturday hours. Wait times also differ by location and time of day. A call to the office can tell you whether it is busy that morning or if you should expect a short wait.
Some offices are busier than others. If your nearest office has a long wait, you may choose to visit a less busy location in a neighboring county instead. There is no rule requiring you to test at the office closest to your home.
What documents you need to bring
Bring three things to the office: your completed process form, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address. The process form is DL 44, which you can read from the Department of Revenue website or pick up at any Driver License Office.
For identification, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a valid state ID from another state. A school ID or work ID is not enough. If you do not have one of these documents yet, you will need to obtain it before you can take the test.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Missouri address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A credit card statement or insurance bill will not be accepted.
Walk-in testing and appointment policies
Most Missouri Driver License Offices accept walk-ins and do not require you to schedule an appointment ahead of time. You can arrive during business hours, check in at the counter, and wait your turn. The wait time depends on how busy the office is that day.
A few offices in high-traffic areas may use an appointment system or a ticket system to manage the line. When you call the office to confirm hours, ask whether appointments are needed or whether you can walk in. If appointments are required, the office staff can tell you how to book one.
Arrive early in the day if you can. Most offices are less crowded in the morning, especially on weekday mornings. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoon, when more people tend to visit.
What happens during the test
When it is your turn, a staff member will verify your documents and ask you to sign your process. You will then sit at a computer or receive a paper test, depending on the office. The written permit test has 25 questions. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass — that is a score of 76 percent.
The test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have a set amount of time to complete it, usually 30 minutes. If you pass, you will receive your permit the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, though there may be a waiting period or a fee for the second attempt.
The office staff will tell you your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, they will issue your learner's permit on the spot. Keep it with you whenever you drive — it is your legal proof that you are allowed to practice driving with a licensed adult.
Retaking the test if you do not pass
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test. Missouri allows you to retake it the same day at some offices, though you may have to wait and pay a retest fee. Other offices may require you to wait a certain number of days before you can test again — call your local office to find out their specific policy.
Before you retake the test, study the areas where you struggled. The Missouri Driver Guide, available free on the Department of Revenue website, covers all the material on the test. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online to identify weak spots before returning to the office.
Testing in Spanish
If English is not your first language, you can take the written permit test in Spanish at any Missouri Driver License Office. Tell the staff member when you check in that you want to test in Spanish. The test covers the same material and has the same passing score as the English version.
You still need to bring the same documents — your process, ID, and proof of address. The office will provide the test in Spanish, and you will answer the same 25 questions. After you pass the written test and receive your permit, you will still need to pass a road test before you can get your full driver's license, and that road test will be conducted in English or Spanish depending on your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test online or by mail?
No. Missouri requires all permit tests to be taken in person at a Driver License Office. You cannot take the test online, by mail, or at any other location. You must visit an office during business hours to sit for the test.
Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most offices accept walk-ins without an appointment. However, a few busy offices may require appointments or use a ticket system. Call your local office before you go to confirm whether you need to schedule ahead or if you can walk in.
What if I fail the permit test the first time?
You can retake the test, though the exact rules vary by office. Some offices let you retake it the same day for a fee; others require you to wait a few days. Call your local Driver License Office to learn their retake policy and whether there is a fee.
What score do I need to pass the permit test?
You must answer at least 19 out of 25 questions correctly to pass the written permit test. That is a score of 76 percent. The test covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules.
Can I bring someone with me to the office?
Yes, you can bring a parent, guardian, or friend to the office. However, only you can take the test — the other person must wait in the lobby or waiting area while you are being tested.