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Driver's License Requirements in Missouri
The ability to legally drive a car in Missouri is not a right--it is a privilege. In order to get a Driver's license, one must pass a written test, correctly identify various road signs by shape and design, pass a standard vision test (corrective devices, such as glasses or contact lenses, can be worn for this test), and then successfully demonstrate to an examiner that you can safely pilot your car. The state has published a full guide to these tests, which you can view here.
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To apply for a Driver's license in Missouri, one must be a legal resident of the United States and be age 16 or older. One can apply for a learner's permit at the age of 15, which allows them to drive when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or someone 21 or older with a valid Driver's license. Missouri has also adopted what is called a "graduated driver license" law, which sets a number of limits on young Driver's privileges. For instance, drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 cannot drive with more than one other passenger age 19 or under for the first six months of their license, and cannot drive alone between the hours of 1 am and 5 am unless they are going to work. Driver's licenses must be renewed every six years, or every 3 years if you are age 70 or older.
Missouri driver's licenses can be suspended or revoked for a large number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for the loss of driving privileges include:
- Being arrested and convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Not paying traffic tickets (both for moving violations and parking tickets)
- Not having proper insurance
- Not paying child support
- Accumulation of license penalty points
Points can be put on Missouri Driver's licenses for violating various traffic offenses. A complete list of violations, and the number of points they carry, can be viewed here. If you get four points put on your license in a 12-month period, the Missouri Department of Revenue will send you a warning letter. 8 points in an 18-month span results in a minimum 30-day driving suspension, while 12 points in a 12-month period means your driving privilege is revoked for a year. Following the restoration of your driving privileges after a point-based ban, your point total is reset to 4. Point totals can be automatically lowered if you drive for a year without any additional traffic offenses, with all points being erased after 3 straight years of clean driving.
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