DMV Drivers Education : Drivers Ed

Missouri Drivers Education

Like many other states Missouri has developed a Graduated Drivers License program for all drivers under the age of 21. In Missouri, you may obtain a Learners Permit at age 15, and you may have your driver’s license as early as age 18 providing you meet all the requirements that have been established.

The first step in the Missouri Graduated Drivers License program is the Instruction Permit. Applicants for an Instruction Permit must be at least age 15, be accompanied by a qualified person who must agree to sign a permission statement, and you must pass an eye test, a written test as well as a road sign recognition test.

As a holder of an Instruction Permit, you are required to be accompanied by a licensed driver who is either a parent (or other qualified person), a grandparent or a qualified driving instructor – who must be wearing a seatbelt (as you are required to do), you must have your permit in your possession. Once you reach the age of 16, you may drive with anyone who is a licensed driver over the age of 21.

After you have held your Instruction Permit for not less than 182 days you may graduate to an Intermediate License providing that you have not had any alcohol related convictions for 12 months and no traffic related convictions for 6 months, and provided you have received at least 40 hours of driving instruction, 10 of which took place during nighttime hours, and you will also have to pass a road test. If your eye exam, road sign test or written tests are more than one (1) year old, you may have to re-take those exams as well.

Passenger restrictions that apply during your Intermediate Drivers Exam period include:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. You may not drive alone between 1:00 a.m. - 5:00 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.

Once you reach the age of 18, you will be eligible to apply for an ‘Under 21’ Full Drivers License provided you have not been convicted of any alcohol or traffic violations for a period of 1 year prior to the date of your application.

The following documents will help you prepare for your Permit and License:

Missouri Driver Guide (Revised September 2006) - Complete Guide