Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Missouri. You are eligible to apply for an instruction permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Missouri who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months (184 days)

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Missouri Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local MVDL Office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent, legal guardian or certified instructor must accompany you to the license station to sign the consent.
3. Visit your local MVDL Office to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of identity, proof of lawful presence and Missouri residency. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Your Social Security card.
6. A fee of $3.50 for the instruction permit.
7. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the MVDL Office. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, which is valid for up to one year. An instruction permit may be renewed without taking additional written tests.

When driving with an instruction permit and if under 16 you must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other designated person to provide behind-the-wheel instructions. If you are 16 years of age or older, you may drive accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you. You should always have your permit with you when driving and all passengers should be wearing seat belts.

[edit] THE INTERMEDIATE LICENSE

You are eligible for an intermediate license if you are at least 16 and have held your instruction permit for six months (182 days beginning from the day after of issue). You should also have completed a minimum of 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience ten of which was at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) to take the driver's license road test. Your parent or guardian must accompany you to the license office to verify driving experience. If you pass the road test, you will be issued an intermediate license which is valid for two years. The fee for an Intermediate license is $7.50 You cannot apply for an intermediate license if you have any alcohol related conviction in the last 12 months or any traffic conviction in the last six months. The intermediate driver's license in Missouri includes the following restrictions:

1. Intermediate drivers are not permitted to drive between 1 am and 5 am unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 years or older. This does not apply in emergencies or when driving from or to work or for school activities.
2. During the first six months after receiving license you may not carry more than one passenger below 19 years of age. This does not apply to immediate family members.
3. After six months you may carry up to three passengers under age of 19. This does not apply to immediate family members.
4. These passenger restrictions may not apply if you are driving a vehicle for agricultural work related activities.

[edit] THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued (at a fee of $10.00) when you are at least 18 years old. An intermediate driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have no alcohol related or traffic conviction in the last one year.
2. Your intermediate license is valid one and your driving privileges are not revoked, suspended or cancelled when you apply.

A driver education course is not mandatory in Missouri, but it is always a good idea to take one before you start driving.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Missouri, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.