Missouri permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 48 Missouri numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
12 questions a round from the 32 number questions in our Missouri bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
32 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
In Missouri, it is illegal for a driver 21 or older to drive a car with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of:
0.08% or more
Missouri's limit for adult drivers is 0.08% BAC. Even one drink can affect your driving, and two drinks may put you over the limit.
Fines, points & penalties
In Missouri, how many points in 12 months will trigger a point accumulation advisory letter?
4 points
If you collect 4 points in 12 months, the Department sends a point accumulation advisory.
Speed limits
A yellow Turn sign (rather than a Curve sign) tells you the recommended maximum speed for the turn is:
30 mph or less
A Turn sign warns of a sharp turn where the recommended speed is 30 mph or less.
Every Missouri number, by topic
Official test facts and Missouri laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
Alcohol & drugs
7 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Drunk driving (DUI)No suspended imposition of sentence unless on probation at least 2 years | revisor.mo.govQuoteA vehicle while having eight-hundredths of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood; or (2) A commercial motor vehicle while having four one-hundredths of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood. |
| 30-day, 60-day | Drunk driving (DUI)Administrative action: 30-day suspension followed by a 60-day restricted driving privilege that requires an ignition interlock | revisor.mo.govQuotethe period of suspension shall be thirty days after the effective date of suspension, followed by a sixty-day period of restricted driving privilege |
| one year | Drunk driving (DUI)License revoked for one year | revisor.mo.govQuoteA vehicle while having eight-hundredths of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood; or (2) A commercial motor vehicle while having four one-hundredths of one percent or more by weight of alcohol in his or her blood. |
| 0.08% | In Missouri, it is illegal for a driver 21 or older to drive a car with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of:Answer: 0.08% or more | Missouri Driver Guide, page 73QuoteIt is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more (0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers and 0.02% if under 21). |
| 0.02% | What is the illegal blood alcohol content (BAC) level for a Missouri driver under 21?Answer: 0.02% or more | Missouri Driver Guide, page 73QuoteIt is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or more (0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers and 0.02% if under 21). |
| one year | A Missouri officer stops you and you refuse a chemical test of your blood alcohol. What happens to your license?Answer: It is taken away for one year | Missouri Driver Guide, page 72QuoteIf a police officer stops you and you refuse to take a chemical test to determine your BAC, your driver license will be taken away for one year. |
| 90 days | Under Missouri's Abuse and Lose law, a 19-year-old caught possessing alcohol while driving may lose their license for how long?Answer: 90 days | Missouri Driver Guide, page 71QuoteIf you are younger than 21 years of age, your driver license may be taken away for 90 days for any of the following |
Fines, points & penalties
8 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | Seat beltsFor adults it is a secondary offense with a fine of up to $10 | revisor.mo.govQuoteeach person who violates the provisions of subsection 2 of this section is guilty of an infraction for which a fine not to exceed ten dollars may be imposed |
| 4 points | In Missouri, how many points in 12 months will trigger a point accumulation advisory letter?Answer: 4 points | Missouri Driver Guide, page 75QuoteIf you accumulate a total of 4 points in 12 months, the Department will send you a point accumulation advisory. |
| 12 months | Which point total will get your Missouri driving privilege revoked for one year?Answer: 12 or more points in 12 months | Missouri Driver Guide, page 75QuoteYour driving privilege will be revoked for one year if you accumulate: 12 or more points in 12 months |
| 12 points | How many points can a conviction for leaving the scene of a traffic crash add to your Missouri record?Answer: 12 points | Missouri Driver Guide, page 75Quoteyou may receive 12 points and the revocation of your driving privilege if you are convicted of leaving the scene of a traffic crash. |
| $25,000 | What is Missouri's minimum liability coverage for property damage in one crash?Answer: $25,000 | Missouri Driver Guide, page 81Quote$25,000 per person for bodily injury; $50,000 per crash for bodily injury; and $25,000 per crash for property damage. |
| 5 points | Under Missouri law, how many points are assessed for failing to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading students?Answer: 5 points | Missouri Driver Guide, page 75QuoteFailure to Stop for a School Bus Receiving or Discharging Students . . . 5 points |
| $50 to $300 | What is the fine range for illegally parking in a Missouri handicapped space?Answer: $50 to $300 | Missouri Driver Guide, page 38QuoteViolators, when convicted, shall be punished by a fine of no less than fifty dollars ($50) and no more than three hundred dollars ($300). |
| $250 | What is the minimum fine for a first offense of speeding or passing in a Missouri work zone?Answer: $250 | Missouri Driver Guide, page 53Quoteyou could be fined a minimum of $250 for the first offense and a minimum of $300 for a second or subsequent offense |
Speed limits
9 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 75 mph | Speed limitsRural interstates and freeways: 75 mph | revisor.mo.govQuoteUpon the rural interstates and freeways of this state, seventy-five miles per hour; (2) Upon the rural expressways of this state, sixty-five miles per hour |
| 65 mph | Speed limitsRural expressways: 65 mph | revisor.mo.govQuoteUpon the rural interstates and freeways of this state, seventy-five miles per hour; (2) Upon the rural expressways of this state, sixty-five miles per hour |
| 60 mph | Speed limitsInterstates, freeways and expressways in urbanized areas: 60 mph | revisor.mo.govQuoteUpon the rural interstates and freeways of this state, seventy-five miles per hour; (2) Upon the rural expressways of this state, sixty-five miles per hour |
| 55 mph | Speed limitsLettered state roads: 55 mph | revisor.mo.govQuoteSuch lettered roads shall not exceed fifty-five miles per hour unless set at a higher speed as established by the department of transportation |
| 25 mph | Speed limitsThe Driver Guide gives 25 mph in a city, town or village unless posted | dor.mo.govQuoteThe speed limit in any city, town, or village is 25 mph, unless posted otherwise. |
| 30 mph | A yellow Turn sign (rather than a Curve sign) tells you the recommended maximum speed for the turn is:Answer: 30 mph or less | Missouri Driver Guide, page 49QuoteA turn sign is used to warn of a sharp turn or turn where the recommended maximum speed is 30 mph or less. |
| 25 mph | Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Missouri city, town or village?Answer: 25 mph | Missouri Driver Guide, page 52QuoteThe speed limit in any city, town, or village is 25 mph, unless posted otherwise. |
| 55 mph | Unless a sign shows another limit, what is the maximum speed on Missouri's lettered roads?Answer: 55 mph | Missouri Driver Guide, page 52QuoteAll other roads and highways not located in an urbanized area 60 Lettered roads 55 |
| 40 mph | Under normal conditions, what is the slowest you may legally drive on a Missouri interstate?Answer: 40 mph | Missouri Driver Guide, page 52QuoteYou may not drive slower than 40 mph on interstate highways under normal roadway conditions. |
Distances & following gaps
8 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 500 feet | How far may you travel in a two-way left-turn lane before turning?Answer: No more than 500 feet | Missouri Driver Guide, page 28QuoteDo not use this lane as travel lane (a vehicle may not travel in this lane for more than 500 feet) |
| 100 feet | How far ahead of a turn should you signal?Answer: At least 100 feet | Missouri Driver Guide, page 26QuoteYou should signal at least 100 feet before you turn so the other drivers can be ready. |
| 100 feet | Missouri law forbids driving on the left side of the road when you are within what distance of an intersection or railroad crossing?Answer: 100 feet | Missouri Driver Guide, page 24QuoteApproaching within 100 feet of or at any intersection or railroad grade crossing |
| Three seconds | What following-distance rule does the Missouri Driver Guide recommend in normal conditions?Answer: Three seconds | Missouri Driver Guide, page 59QuoteA good way to measure your safe following distance is to use the “three second rule.” |
| eight to ten seconds | How much following distance does the guide recommend when driving on snow or ice?Answer: About eight to ten seconds | Missouri Driver Guide, page 65QuoteSo be sure to leave a safe distance, about eight to ten seconds, between your vehicle and any vehicle ahead of you. |
| 15 and 50 feet | The red lights are flashing at a railroad crossing. Where must you stop?Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the tracks | Missouri Driver Guide, page 53QuoteYou must stop within 15 to 50 feet before the railroad tracks. |
| 500 feet | At night, you must switch to low beams when an oncoming vehicle comes within what distance?Answer: 500 feet | Missouri Driver Guide, page 64QuoteUse your low beams when you come within 500 feet (about one block) of an oncoming vehicle. |
| 350 feet | About how far ahead do your headlights let you see at night?Answer: About 350 feet | Missouri Driver Guide, page 64QuoteYour headlights only let you see about 350 feet ahead. |
Parking & curb colors
2 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow curb | Which of these is a place where you may NOT park in Missouri?Answer: Alongside a curb painted yellow | Missouri Driver Guide, page 37QuoteOn the left side of a two-way street. Alongside a curb that is painted yellow. On a bridge. |
| 18 inches | During the Missouri driving test, how close to the curb must you park?Answer: No more than 18 inches | Missouri Driver Guide, page 22QuoteMoving into the space smoothly and at the right speed. Parking no more than 18” from the curb. |
Ages, permits & the test
8 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | Questions on the test | dor.mo.govQuoteyou will need to take a written test of 25 multiple-choice questions ... You must correctly answer 20 questions to pass the test. |
| 20 of 25 | Correct answers to pass | dor.mo.govQuoteyou will need to take a written test of 25 multiple-choice questions ... You must correctly answer 20 questions to pass the test. |
| 80% | Passing score | mshp.dps.missouri.govQuoteThere are 25 questions on these tests, you must score 80% to pass. ... You may take any written test up to two times per day if necessary until you pass. ... There is no cost for either written or non-cdl driver skills tests. |
| $10 | Fee | dor.mo.govQuoteClass F Minimum age: 15 $10 $10 |
| 21 years | You are 16 and still driving on your instruction permit. Who may ride in the front seat as your supervising driver?Answer: Any person at least 21 years old with a valid driver license | Missouri Driver Guide, page 17QuoteAt age 16 or older, you may drive when accompanied in the front seat by a person who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver license. |
| six months, 182 days | How long must you hold your instruction permit before you can get an intermediate license?Answer: At least six months (182 days) | Missouri Driver Guide, page 18QuoteYou must have an instruction permit for a minimum of six months (182 days) beginning the day after issuance. |
| 40 hours | How many hours of supervised driving must you complete on your permit before getting an intermediate license?Answer: 40 hours, including at least ten at night | Missouri Driver Guide, page 18QuoteYou must have completed 40 hours of driving instruction with a parent, stepparent, legal guardian, or certified trainer (with a federal residential job training program). The required 40 hours must include at least ten hours of nighttime driving. |
| six months | To move from an instruction permit to an intermediate license, how long must you have gone without any traffic conviction?Answer: The last six months | Missouri Driver Guide, page 18Quotehaving no alcohol-related convictions in the last 12 months and no traffic convictions in the last six months. |
Time limits & deadlines
2 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days, $500 | CrashesYou must send a written accident report to the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days if an uninsured driver was involved and someone was hurt or killed or property damage was over $500 | revisor.mo.govQuotein excess of five hundred dollars is sustained, and the owner or operator of every motor vehicle which is involved in an accident within this state if such owner or operator does not carry motor vehicle liability insurance shall, within thirty days after such accident, report the matter in writing to the director |
| 30 days | When Missouri requires you to file an accident report with the Department, how long do you have?Answer: 30 days | Missouri Driver Guide, page 83QuoteState law requires the accident report to be filed within 30 days. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
4 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| under 16 | Seat beltsEvery child under 16 in any seat | revisor.mo.govQuoteEach driver of a motor vehicle transporting a child less than sixteen years of age shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened restraint under section 307.179 . |
| 40 lb | Seat beltsUnder 4, or under 40 lb: child passenger restraint system | revisor.mo.govQuoteChildren at least four years of age but less than eight years of age, who also weigh at least forty pounds but less than eighty pounds, and who are also less than four feet, nine inches tall, shall be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat |
| ten inches | To reduce injury from an air bag, how far should you sit from the steering wheel?Answer: At least ten inches from your breastbone | Missouri Driver Guide, page 57Quoterecommends drivers sit with at least ten inches between the center of their breastbone and the center of the steering wheel. |
| 150,000 miles | Which vehicles are exempt from Missouri's safety inspection?Answer: Vehicles in their first ten model years with under 150,000 miles | Missouri Driver Guide, page 85QuoteMotor vehicles for the first ten years following the model year of manufacture and having less than 150,000 miles on the odometer are exempt |
Memory tips
Straight from the handbook:
“A good way to measure your safe following distance is to use the “three second rule.””
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Missouri permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 48 of them for Missouri, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Missouri Driver Guide, Missouri statutes or DOR pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.