Top Step 1: Obtaining an Instruction Permit

If you're tired of the passenger seat, you'll have to do a few things for the Missouri DMV before you can hop behind the wheel. The first step is to get an instruction permit, which lets first-time drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 drive while accompanied by a qualified person (someone over 21 with a valid license).

To get an instruction permit, you must do the following:

• Pass all required tests (vision, written and road sign). To schedule an appointment, call any of the driver examination stations. You can find a practice test at the end of the Missouri Driver Guide or at our practice test page.

• A parent or legal guardian must sign a permission statement at a contract office.

• Pay the $3.50 fee.

Note: Instruction permits are valid for one year. You can renew your instruction permit if you haven't graduated to an intermediate license.

Top Step 2: Getting an Intermediate License

Your intermediate license lets you drive alone, except between 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Note that all passengers and intermediate license holder must wear seat belts at all times.

To graduate to an intermediate license, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be 16 to 18 years old.

• Have the instruction permit for at least 182 days.

• No alcohol-related convictions for 12 consecutive months.

• No traffic violations for 6 consecutive months.

• 40 hours of driving instruction with an instruction permit. Ten of these hours must be between sunset and sunrise with a qualified person. You can download a log from Missouri DMV's website.

• Pass a driving test. To schedule an appointment, call any driver examination station.

• Pay the $7.50 fee.

What your intermediate license doesn't allow you to do:

• You can't drive between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., unless accompanied by an adult. Emergencies, jobs, and school activities are the only exceptions.

• During the first six months, you can't drive with more than one passenger under the age of 19 who isn't your immediate family member.

• After your first six months, you can't drive with more than three passengers under the age of 19 who aren't immediate family members.

Note: Intermediate license are valid for two years.

Top Step 3: Getting a Full License

After you've satisfied all the requirements, you can finally get a full driver's license. Requirements are as follows:

• You intermediate license cannot be denied, revoked or suspended at time of application for your full driver's license.

• You cannot have had any alcohol-related or traffic convictions for 12 consecutive months.

• You must pass a vision and road sign test.

Top Replacing a Lost Permit

If you've lost your instruction permit, you can go to any contract office to get a duplicate. All you need to do is bring proof of identity and a form of payment.

Top Renewing a Permit or Intermediate License

Currently, Missouri DMV allows you to renew your instruction permit and your intermediate license. Bring proof of lawful presence, proof of identity and proof of residency to your local contract office to renew.

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