Driving test (skills)
Missouri's driving skills test is the last part of the four-part driver examination, given free by a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examiner after you pass the written, vision and road sign tests. You find and use vehicle controls, then start and stop, parallel park, back up, make at least two right and two left turns, park on a hill, and drive through intersections. The examiner subtracts points for errors; losing more than 30 points (scoring under 70%) or any immediate-fail event fails the test.
Checked October 4, 2026 against official Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.
Teens 16 to 18 must hold the instruction permit at least six months (182 days) with no alcohol convictions in 12 months or traffic convictions in six months, and complete 40 hours of driving instruction (10 at night). At 18 and older you only need to pass the skills test. The written, vision and road sign tests must be passed first. Official source 1dor.mo.gov“You must satisfy the requirements (listed in step one) to graduate from the instruction permit, and hold the instruction permit for at least six months (182 days) beginning the day after issuance.”“After you pass the written, vision, and road sign tests, you may then take the driving test. You will take the driving test with a driver license examiner of the MSHP.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mshp.dps.missouri.gov“You can get your intermediate license if you are at least 16 years old, pass the skills test, and have held a permit for a minimum of 6 months. Once you are 18 years old, these rules no longer apply, you only need to pass the skills test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.
0 of 4 ready
The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.
The examiner subtracts points for each driving error. You fail if you lose more than 30 points; MSHP states the minimum passing score is 70%. Parallel parking counts for only a few points and is not an automatic fail. Per-item point values are not published. Official source 1dor.mo.gov“Throughout the driving test, the examiner will subtract points for any driving errors you make. If you lose more than 30 points, you will fail the test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mshp.dps.missouri.gov“You are required to score a minimum of 70% on the skills test to pass.”“I have heard that if I am unable to successfully parallel park during the skills test, I automatically fail the test, is this true? A: No. The parallel parking maneuver counts for only a few points on the entire test.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Any one of these ends or fails a Missouri road test, no matter how well the rest goes.
Steps and scoring come from Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.
The examiner checks the vehicle's equipment, then asks you to find and use controls such as the accelerator, brakes, turn signals and wipers. Scored on finding each control without searching and using it correctly.
Not officially described by DOR.
Smoothness and safety of starts and stops, reaction time, and control when stopping. Starting off also includes releasing the parking brake, checking that the way is clear and signaling.
Position before backing, not bumping the space markers, smooth entry at the right speed, no more than 18 inches from the curb, near the center, done within two minutes, wheels turned correctly, then check traffic and signal to leave. Worth only a few points; not an automatic fail.
Looking over your right shoulder through the rear glass, backing in a straight line without weaving, staying in the proper lane, and backing at the right speed.
Not officially described by DOR.
Correct lane for turning, signal at the proper time, turning into the proper lane, traffic checks, speed and control.
Not officially described by DOR.
Correct lane for turning, signal at the proper time, turning into the proper lane, traffic checks, speed and control.
Not officially described by DOR.
Vehicle control, no more than 18 inches from the curb, left in park or the correct gear, front wheels turned the right way, parking brake set, then check traffic and signal.
Obeying signs and lights, approach speed, traffic awareness, correct lane, yielding without blocking traffic, and a full stop at the proper place at stop signs.
Not officially described by DOR.
Noticing and obeying traffic signs and signals. Official source 1dor.mo.gov“Understand and obey traffic signs and signals. You will be tested for: • Noticing and obeying traffic signs and signals.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Following distance, speed, lane position and lane markings, traffic awareness, and yielding right-of-way. Official source 1dor.mo.gov“The examiner will watch for your use of good driving rules. You will be tested for: • The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. • Your speed while driving.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Only one driving test per day, and it is free. After three failures (MSHP: a maximum of three tests in 12 months) you need written authorization from the Department of Revenue, which requires proof of additional behind-the-wheel training before you can test again. Official source 1dor.mo.gov“If you fail the driving test, the examiner will suggest that you practice before retaking the test. You may take only one driving test per day.”“If you fail the driving test three times, no further tests will be allowed without written authorization from the Department.”“You must send proof of the additional driver training administered by an eligible driver and obtain an approval to test from the Department of Revenue before you will be allowed to take the driving test again.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mshp.dps.missouri.gov“Skills tests are limited to one test per day with of maximum of 3 tests in the last 12 months without special permission from the DOR.”“There is no cost for either written or non-cdl driver skills tests.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Missouri permit (knowledge) test retake rules.
All Class F driving tests are given by MSHP driver examiners; no third-party or driver-ed waiver is published. Drivers transferring a valid out-of-state license (or one expired under 184 days) for the same license type take only the vision and road sign tests. Official source 1dor.mo.gov“If you have a driver license from another state that is valid or has been expired for less than 184 days, and you are applying for the same type of license in Missouri, you only have to take the vision and road sign tests.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2mshp.dps.missouri.gov“driver testing is conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, via it's Driver and Vehicle Safety Division. Testing is offered in all 114 Missouri counties.”Open the official page (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked October 4, 2026
Missouri's driving skills test is the last part of the four-part driver examination, given free by a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver examiner after you pass the written, vision and road sign tests. You find and use vehicle controls, then start and stop, parallel park, back up, make at least two right and two left turns, park on a hill, and drive through intersections. The examiner subtracts points for errors; losing more than 30 points (scoring under 70%) or any immediate-fail event fails the test. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Find and use vehicle controls, Start and stop, Parallel parking (25 by 7 foot space), Backing, Left turns (at least two), Right turns (at least two), Park on a hill, Enter and leave intersections.
The examiner subtracts points for each driving error. You fail if you lose more than 30 points; MSHP states the minimum passing score is 70%. Parallel parking counts for only a few points and is not an automatic fail. Per-item point values are not published.
Official Missouri sources list these as automatic failures: An at-fault crash with another vehicle; Hitting a pedestrian; Driving so dangerously you might have caused a crash; Violating a traffic law; and Refusing to drive as the examiner asks.
A valid Missouri permit (or one expired no more than six months) as ID; A licensed driver 21 or older if a permit holder drives to the test; A properly registered and insured vehicle (it need not be yours); and Proof of financial responsibility (insurance).
Current license plates and a valid inspection sticker; Working seat belts; Working doors for the driver and examiner; A clean, safe seat for the examiner; Working parking brake and foot brake; Working horn; Proof of financial responsibility; and No passengers besides the examiner.
Teens 16 to 18 must hold the instruction permit at least six months (182 days) with no alcohol convictions in 12 months or traffic convictions in six months, and complete 40 hours of driving instruction (10 at night). At 18 and older you only need to pass the skills test. The written, vision and road sign tests must be passed first.
Only one driving test per day, and it is free. After three failures (MSHP: a maximum of three tests in 12 months) you need written authorization from the Department of Revenue, which requires proof of additional behind-the-wheel training before you can test again.
All Class F driving tests are given by MSHP driver examiners; no third-party or driver-ed waiver is published. Drivers transferring a valid out-of-state license (or one expired under 184 days) for the same license type take only the vision and road sign tests.
No examiner score sheet or per-maneuver point values are published. The pass mark comes from the Driver Guide (fail at more than 30 points lost) and the MSHP FAQ (minimum 70%). The Driver Guide says no further tests after three failures without DOR authorization; the MSHP FAQ says a maximum of 3 tests in 12 months without DOR permission. Appointments are not required for non-CDL skills tests, though some sites offer them. The 'Start and stop' item uses the 'stopping' id.
Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.
This guide summarizes official Missouri sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DOR examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Missouri Department of Revenue, Driver License Bureau before test day.