Missouri Graduated Driver's License Explained

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STEP ONE: Instruction Permit

Eligible Age: 15

Valid for: 12 Months

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To Obtain:

• You must pass the vision, road sign recognition, and written tests at a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station.

• A qualified person must accompany you to the license office to sign a permission statement.

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Permit Notes:

• Under age 16, you may drive only when accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who is:

  • a qualified person;

  • a grandparent;

  • a qualified driving instructor;

  • a qualified driver at least 25 years of age who has been licensed for a minimum of 3 years and has received written permission from the parent or legal guardian; or

  • a qualified driver designated by the disabled parent or guardian of the permit holder.

 

• At age 16 or older, you may drive when accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver's license.

• Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers.

• Your test paper alone is not legal for driving. Be sure to carry your permit with you.

• You may renew your instruction permit.

 

To Graduate to an Intermediate License:

• You must have an instruction permit for a minimum of 182 days (beginning the day after issuance).

• You may not have any alcohol-related convictions in the last 12 months and no traffic convictions within the last 6 months.

• You must have received 40 hours of driving instruction, including a minimum of 10 hours of nighttime driving instruction between sunset and sunrise, with a qualified person, grandparent, or qualified driving instructor.

 

STEP TWO: Intermediate License

Eligible Age: 16 to 18

Valid for:  2 Years

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To Obtain:

• You must hold the instruction permit for at least 182 days (beginning the day after issuance).

• You may not have any alcohol-related offenses in the last 12 months and no traffic convictions in the last 6 months.

• A qualified person or grandparent must accompany you to the license office to verify you have received 40 hours of driving instruction, including a minimum of 10 hours of nighttime driving instruction between sunset and sunrise.

• You must pass the vision, road sign recognition, and written tests at a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station if previous results are more than one year old.

• You must pass the driving test at a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examination station.

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License Notes:

• Your test paper alone is not legal for driving. Be sure to carry your intermediate license with you.

• Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers.

• Passenger restrictions outlined below may not be applicable to an intermediate license holder who is operating in agricultural work-related activities.

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Driving Restrictions:

• During the first 6 months, you may not operate a motor vehicle with more than one passenger who is under 19 years old and who is not a member of your immediate family.

• After the first 6 months, you may not operate a motor vehicle with more than three passengers who are under 19 years old and who are not members of your immediate family.

• You may not drive alone from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. except to and from a school activity, job, or for an emergency, unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years old or older.

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To Graduate to an Under-21 Full Driver's License:

• Your driving privilege cannot be suspended, revoked, or denied at the time of application.

• You may not have any alcohol related offenses or traffic convictions within the last 12 months.

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STEP THREE: Under 21 Full Driver's License

Eligible Age: 18
Applicants may be eligible to graduate to a full license if date of application is within 30 days prior to their 18th birthday and all other eligibility requirements have been met.

Valid for:  3 Years

 

To Obtain:

• You must satisfy the requirements for an Intermediate License, including having no alcohol-related offenses or traffic convictions in the last 12 months.

• You must have a valid intermediate license. Your driving privilege cannot be suspended, revoked, or denied when you apply for a full license.

• You must pass the vision and road sign recognition tests (you are not required to pass the written and driving tests if already completed).