Missouri Teen License: A Step-by-Step Guide a Provisional License
In Missouri, the Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees the licensing process. So, to get a driver’s license, you must follow the graduated driver’s licensing program (GDL). For a teen or a first-time driver, you must first obtain a Missouri provisional license or learner’s permit, then the intermediate license before you get the Missouri driver’s license without restrictions. All three steps require many hours of practice and supervision by an adult with a valid MO driver’s license.
Missouri Provisional Driver’s License
The MO provisional driver’s license is in two parts; a learner’s permit and the intermediate license. So, you must complete both parts before you can get your MO driver’s license. To start the process of getting your MO provisional license, you must be at least 15 years old. In Missouri, the DOR requires a teen to first apply at the State Highway Patrol and take:
- A vision test
- A road signs test
- Written knowledge test
You can visit the DOR website and look at the MO driver guide. It will provide a better understanding of the different test. Once you successfully complete the tests, you will receive a Driver Examination Record indicating you passed.
Applying for an MO Learner’s Permit
Now that you have the Driver Examination Record, you can apply for your MO learner’s permit. To get approval, you must submit some documents at the local DOR office. Have a parent accompany you to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Birth certificate
- passport
- Social Security Card
- Proof of residency
- Parent’s utility bill
- Paycheck
- Complete the application for a driver’s license/instruction permit
- Submit the Driver Examination Record
- Pay Fee: $3.50
The learner’s permit will allow you to start getting driving practice. However, an adult with a valid MO driver’s license must be with you when you drive. Before you can apply for an intermediate driver’s license, you must have your MO intermediate license for at least 182 days.
MO Learner’s Permit Restrictions
Given the opportunity to drive is a privilege. However, because of your inexperience driving, you must be under supervision when you are behind the wheels. So, the DOR has some restrictions that will apply to teen drivers. If you don’t apply the rules and are caught, your permit can be suspended or revoked.
So, if you are a new driver with a permit, you must always abide by these rules:
- Drive with an adult who has a valid MO driver’s license
- Carry your MO permit when driving
- All occupants wearing seat belts
Before you move on to get an intermediate license, you must drive for at least 40 hours. Ten hours of the 40 must be in the night time. The MO DOR provides a Driver Experience Log to document your driving time. Complete it to show proof of your practice hours. It will be required for the intermediate license.
Applying for an MO Intermediate License
Completing your MO permit requirements will now lead you to apply for the MO intermediate license. The driving practice will prepare you for your road test. Before you apply, you must have:
- Had your MO permit for at least 182 days
- Complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice with at least 10 hours of night driving
- No alcohol related convictions
- No traffic tickets or violations
Once you meet these requirements, you can visit the nearest DOR and submit your intermediate license application. During your visit, you must submit the following:
- Your valid learner’s permit
- Completed application
- Driver Experience Log
- Proof of identity
- Social Security Card
- Proof of residency
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle registration (for vehicle you will use for the road test)
- Pay Fee: $7.50
With approval, you will get a date and time for your road test. You must pass with a 70% or higher to get your intermediate license. At the moment of passing, you will get a temporary driving license until the actual one is mailed to you.
MO Intermediate License Restrictions
Your MO Intermediate License will come with some restrictions. The restrictions will be fewer than the learner’s permit; nevertheless, you must abide by them to keep your driving privileges.
So, your driving restrictions include:
- Carrying your MO intermediate license when driving
- Should not drive from 1 am to 5 am unless with an adult who has a valid MO driver’s license
- You and your passenger must wear seat belts at all times
- For the first six months, you can have only one passenger under 19 years old
- After six months, you can have up to 3 passengers under 19 years old
At this point, you have your provisional license, and the next and final step would be to get an MO driver’s license without restrictions. Before you move on to the last step, keep your intermediate license for one year, have no traffic violations, or suspension.
