Becoming a licensed driver is a significant milestone for teenagers in Missouri. To reach this landmark, teens must fulfill numerous state-mandated requirements, from procuring a learner's permit to securing an unrestricted driver's license.
In this guide, we will be covering the steps to getting your Learners Permit and subsequently your driver's license in the state of Missouri. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to DriversEd.com. DriversEd is the #1 online driver's education provider in MO. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. DriversEd.com has excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of getting your driver's license, you can be sure that they are there to be your helping hand.
Teen Driver's License Requirements in Missouri
Missouri state law outlines specific prerequisites for teens aiming to secure their driver's licenses, including age restrictions, education prerequisites, and driving tests. The process encompasses several stages, culminating in an unrestricted driver's license.
Age Requirement
Aspiring teen drivers can apply for a learner's permit at 15 years old, and a driver's license at 16.
Missouri Driver's Education
For drivers under 18, Missouri mandates a driver's education course that entails 30 hours in the classroom and 6 hours of hands-on training. Thankfully for you, the state of Missouri is more technologically advanced than some of its counterparts. You can take your Drivers Education course online!
DriversEd.com is certified and fully approved in Missouri. Their online course serves as a valuable tool for Missouri teens preparing for their driving tests. The comprehensive course covers all the necessary topics for obtaining a driver's permit. The course includes traffic laws, vehicle operation, driver safety, defensive driving, hazard recognition and avoidance, alcohol and drug awareness, and issues peculiar to teen driving.
The course comprises 30 modules, each focusing on a different topic and featuring a video lesson, quiz, and practice test. A final exam wraps up the course. This self-paced course is accessible 24/7, offering a convenient alternative to traditional driver's education classes for busy teens.
DriversEd.com
The team over at DriversEd have been educating teens successfully for decades. They're one of the only reliable online course providers in Missouri that is officially state approved. DriversEd.com boasts decades of experience and has helped over 13 million drivers learn the ropes. With 3D animated driving scenarios and case studies, it offers an immersive learning experience. Try DriversEd.com, one of the most trusted names in the space.
Aceable
***Aceable is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Missouri *** While this is my favorite company in the space, they're still not available in MO. Aceable offers an interactive, mobile-friendly course that allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The course includes engaging, multimedia content to make learning fun and easy. Get an Aceable discount today!
I Drive Safely
***IDriveSafely is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Missouri*** My first job in the Drivers Education space, I Drive Safely is time-tested and has been around since 1998. The company is basically as old as the internet itself. I Drive Safely prides itself on delivering top-quality, easy-to-understand courses. Their engaging, interactive content is designed to help you retain information and pass your exams on the first try.
Learner's Permit in MO
Upon completion of the driver's education course, teens can apply for a learner's permit by passing a vision and written test.
Driving Practice
Holders of a learner's permit can practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult driver. During this period, it's essential to observe all traffic laws and always wear seatbelts.
Driving Test in Missouri
After a minimum of 6 months of driving practice, the driver can take the driving test to demonstrate their driving competence across various scenarios.
Missouri Provisional License
Passing the driving test leads to the issuance of a provisional license, which includes some restrictions, such as curfew hours and passenger limits.
MO Unrestricted Drivers License
If the teen driver can maintain the provisional license for 12 months without any violations, they can apply for an unrestricted license.
Alongside these requirements, all teen drivers are advised to adhere to essential safety tips, including always wearing a seatbelt, observing all traffic laws, refraining from drinking and driving, avoiding texting while driving, and maintaining situational awareness.
Missouri's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program
Missouri employs the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program to reduce accidents involving teen drivers. The program, which comprises three stages, gradually increases the driving privileges of teen drivers while promoting safety.
- Learner's Permit: During this phase, the teen driver can practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult, observing specific restrictions on driving hours and passenger composition.
- Provisional License: This stage introduces some driving privileges but maintains some restrictions. These restrictions revolve around curfew hours and passenger limitations.
- Unrestricted License: Upon reaching this final stage, the teen driver enjoys all the privileges of adult drivers.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) prior to September 2021, Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) programs like the one in Missorui have been successful in reducing teen accidents. The CDC noted that when properly implemented, GDL programs can reduce teen crashes by up to 40%.
Additionally, research from the IIHS found that the greatest reductions in fatal crashes and insurance claim rates for teens occurred in states with the strongest licensing laws, which include having a learner's permit phase, an intermediate phase with a limit on night driving and passenger restrictions, and a minimum age of 17 for obtaining an unrestricted license.
DriversEd.com FAQs
