Missouri permit tests happen at your local Department of Revenue office, not at a separate testing center
You take your Missouri permit test at a Department of Revenue (DOR) office in the county where you live or work. There is no separate testing facility — the DOR handles both the written test and the vision screening in one visit. You cannot take the test online, by mail, or at a third-party location.
Missouri has DOR offices in most counties. You can find the one nearest you on the Missouri Secretary of State website by searching for "driver license office locations" or by calling your county's DOR office directly. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.
You do not need an appointment at most Missouri DOR offices, but some locations now offer optional appointment scheduling. Calling ahead to ask about wait times or appointment availability is worth doing, especially if you live far from the office or have limited time.
Key Takeaways
- You must test in person at a Missouri Department of Revenue office in your county — online or mail-in testing is not available.
- Bring your completed DL 44 form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices from the Missouri Driver Guide, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- Vision screening happens the same day; if you fail, you may be able to retest when ready or return another day depending on the office.
- Walk-in hours vary by office, but most are open weekdays and some offer limited Saturday hours — check your local office's schedule before you go.
What to bring to your permit test appointment
Bring your completed DL 44 form (the Missouri Driver License process), which you can print from the Missouri Secretary of State website or pick up at the DOR office. You will also need proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card — and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, tell the DOR staff when you arrive; they can explain what documents you can use instead. Bring any documents related to your legal name if it differs from your birth certificate — a marriage license, divorce decree, or court order, for example.
Bring your learner's permit if you already have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian who can sign the DL 44 form in front of the DOR staff. Minors cannot sign the form themselves.
How the written permit test works in Missouri
The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions drawn from the Missouri Driver Guide, which you can read online or pick up at any DOR office. Questions cover road signs, right-of-way rules, parking rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly — a score of 80 percent — to pass.
You take the test on a computer at the DOR office. The test is not timed, so you can take as long as you need to read and answer each question. You will see your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, you move on to the vision screening the same day. If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or schedule another visit.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. If English is not your first language, ask the DOR staff whether they offer the test in another language or whether you can bring a translator.
Vision screening requirements
After you pass the written test, you will have your vision checked at the DOR office. The screener will test your visual acuity (how clearly you see) and your ability to see color and peripheral vision. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses like glasses or contacts.
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The vision test will be done with your correction in place. If you fail the vision screening, you may be able to retake it when ready if the office has time, or you may need to return another day. Some offices allow you to go home, get your glasses adjusted or updated, and come back the same day.
If you fail vision screening, you will not receive your permit that day. Ask the DOR staff what the next steps are and whether you can return soon to retest.
Finding your local Department of Revenue office and hours
Use the Missouri Secretary of State's office locator tool on their website to find the DOR office in your county. The tool shows the address, phone number, and hours for each location. Hours vary widely — some offices are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, while others have shorter hours or limited Saturday availability.
Call your local office before you go to ask about current wait times and whether they accept walk-ins or appointments. Some offices have been busier than others depending on the time of year and local demand. Calling ahead takes five minutes and can save you a wasted trip.
If your nearest office has a long wait or inconvenient hours, check whether a neighboring county's office is closer or has better availability. You do not have to test in the county where you live — you can test in any Missouri county.
What happens after you pass your permit test
If you pass both the written test and vision screening, the DOR staff will issue your learner's permit the same day. Your permit will have your photo, name, address, and permit number. You can start driving with a licensed adult in the car when ready.
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. You can renew it once for free if it expires before you are ready to take the road test. After one year, you must take the road test to get your regular driver's license.
Keep your permit with you every time you drive. Missouri law requires you to have it in your possession, and police can ask to see it during a traffic stop.
Retaking the permit test if you fail
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices if time allows, or you can schedule another visit. There is no waiting period between attempts in Missouri — you can test again as soon as the office can fit you in. Each attempt costs the same fee (currently $10 for a permit test, though fees can change).
If you fail the vision screening, ask the DOR staff whether you can retake it the same day or whether you need to return another time. If your vision is correctable with glasses or contacts, you may want to get your prescription checked before you return.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Take time to study the Missouri Driver Guide between attempts — most people who fail the written test did not spend enough time learning the material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my permit test at a different county's DOR office if it is closer to me?
Yes. You do not have to test in your home county. You can go to any Missouri Department of Revenue office. This is useful if a neighboring county has shorter wait times or more convenient hours.
Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most Missouri DOR offices accept walk-ins, but some now offer optional appointments. Call your local office to ask about their current policy. Even if appointments are not required, calling ahead to ask about wait times is a good idea.
What if I fail the vision test but I wear glasses?
Bring your glasses or contacts with you to the test. The vision screening is done with your correction in place. If you fail even with correction, you may need to see an eye doctor and get a new prescription before you can pass.
How long does the whole permit test process take?
The written test itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Vision screening takes about 5 minutes. But wait time at the office can be 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the location is. Call ahead to ask about current wait times.
Can I take the permit test online or by mail?
No. Missouri requires you to test in person at a Department of Revenue office. You must take the written test on a computer at the office and have your vision screened by staff.