What a Class E License Is and Who Needs One

A Class E license in Missouri is the standard driver's license for operating a passenger vehicle on public roads. It covers cars, pickup trucks, and vans up to a certain weight. If you want to drive a regular car in Missouri, a Class E is what you need.

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Class E license. Missouri allows 15-year-olds to get a learner's permit first, which comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive. Most people move from the learner's permit to a full Class E license once they meet the age and experience requirements.

Class E is different from other Missouri license classes: a Class D is for commercial vehicles, a Class A or B is for trucks or buses, and a Class M is for motorcycles. If you are driving anything other than a standard passenger vehicle, you will need a different class.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and hold a learner's permit for a minimum of 182 days before you can test for a Class E license.
  • The written test covers Missouri traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is performed by a Department of Revenue examiner at a local office.
  • You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Missouri residency to your appointment.
  • The fee for a Class E license is $25 for a four-year license or $37.50 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of your test.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait one business day before scheduling your next attempt.

Getting Your Learner's Permit First

Before you can test for a Class E license, Missouri requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 182 days. You cannot skip this step. To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old and pass a written test on Missouri traffic laws and road signs.

Visit your local Missouri Department of Revenue office with your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Missouri residency (a utility bill or lease). You will take the written test on a computer at the office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 19 correctly to pass.

Once you pass, you will receive your learner's permit when ready. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Keep your learner's permit safe. You will need it when you return to test for your Class E license. The 182-day waiting period begins the day you receive your permit, so mark your calendar for when you become may be able to access to test.

Scheduling and Preparing for Your Written Test

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 182 days, you can schedule an appointment to test for your Class E license. You can book your appointment online at the Missouri Department of Revenue website, by phone at 573-526-2407, or in person at any local office. Appointments fill up, especially in busy seasons, so book as soon as you are may be able to access.

The written test for a Class E license has 25 questions and covers Missouri traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test is taken on a computer at the Department of Revenue office and takes about 15 minutes.

To prepare, study the Missouri Driver Guide, which is free and available online at the Department of Revenue website. The guide covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, lane changes, and what each road sign means. Many people also use practice tests online, which follow the same format as the real test.

Bring your learner's permit, a valid form of identification, and proof of residency to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you fail the written test, you can retake it after one business day has passed.

Taking Your Driving Test

Once you pass the written test, you will schedule a separate appointment for your driving test. This test is performed by a Department of Revenue examiner and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws.

Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before the test begins. You must also have your learner's permit and a valid form of identification.

During the test, the examiner will direct you through a route that includes residential streets, busier roads, and sometimes highway driving. You will be tested on your ability to follow traffic laws, use proper signals, maintain safe speed, and respond to the examiner's instructions. Common reasons people fail include speeding, not coming to a complete stop, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb during parking.

If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. If you fail, you will receive a written explanation of what you did wrong. You can retake the driving test after one business day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring the following documents to your appointment for your written test and driving test:

  • Your learner's permit (required for both tests)
  • A valid form of identification, such as a passport, military ID, or state ID
  • Proof of your Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return
  • Proof of Missouri residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
  • For the driving test, the keys to the vehicle you will be driving

If you do not have all of these documents, your appointment will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule. Make copies of everything and keep them with you. If you have changed your name since your learner's permit was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

License Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

When you pass your driving test, you will pay the license fee at the Department of Revenue office. A Class E license costs $25 for a four-year license or $37.50 for an eight-year license. You choose which length you want. Payment is made in cash or by card at the time you pass your test.

Your license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. Do not lose this temporary license — you will need it if you are pulled over.

When your license expires, you will need to renew it. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation. If you renew online or by mail, there is no test required — you straightforward pay the renewal fee and provide updated information if anything has changed.

What to Do If You Fail Your Test

If you fail the written test, you will receive a score report showing which topics you missed. Study those areas in the Missouri Driver Guide and retake the test after one business day. You can retake the written test as many times as you need.

If you fail the driving test, the examiner will give you a written report of what you did wrong. Common failures include speeding, rolling through a stop sign, improper lane changes, hitting the curb, or not using your turn signal. Review the specific mistakes and practice those skills before your next appointment.

You must wait one business day after a failed test before you can schedule your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, and there is no additional fee for retakes. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so do not get discouraged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Class E license before I turn 16?

No. Missouri law requires you to be at least 16 years old to hold a Class E license. You can get a learner's permit at 15, but you cannot test for your Class E until you turn 16. If your birthday falls between your written test and driving test, you can still complete the process.

Do I have to hold my learner's permit for exactly 182 days?

You must hold it for at least 182 days. You can wait longer if you want, but you cannot test before 182 days have passed. Count 182 days from the date you received your permit, not from when you applied. If you are unsure of the date, the Department of Revenue can tell you when you become may be able to access.

What happens if I move to a different state after I get my Class E license?

Your Missouri Class E license is valid in all 50 states and U.S. territories. You do not need to exchange it for a license in another state unless you become a resident of that state. If you move and establish residency elsewhere, you will eventually need to get a license from your new state, but there is no rush to do so when ready.

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The two appointments are scheduled independently. Most people schedule their driving test a few days or weeks after passing the written test, giving themselves time to practice.

What if I fail the driving test because of a vehicle problem, not my driving?

If the vehicle breaks down or has a mechanical failure during the test, the examiner will stop the test and you can reschedule. This is not counted as a failure. However, if the vehicle has a safety issue before the test starts — such as a broken taillight — the test will not begin and you will need to bring a different vehicle.