Behind-the-Wheel Training in Missouri

Missouri Behind-the-Wheel Training

Young drivers applying for a new Missouri driver's license must complete supervised behind-the-wheel driving practice to satisfy the graduated driver license (GDL) program requirements of the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR).

Your supervised driving practice will help you build your driving skills and gain the experience necessary to pass your driving test and begin driving by yourself.

On this page you'll find information about your behind-the-wheel requirements and the next steps towards your first driver's license.

MO Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

If you are younger than 18 years old, you'll need to complete the graduated driver's license (GDL) program to get your unrestricted driver's license.

During the learner's permit stage of the GDL program, you'll need to complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving instruction.

You can begin your behind-the-wheel practice requirement when you are at least 15 years old by applying for your learner's permit.

For more information about obtaining your learner's permit, please visit our Driver’s Permits in Missouri page.

Although you are not required to complete a Missouri Driver's Ed course as part of your GDL requirements, completing a course that includes a behind-the-wheel component can provide you with valuable driving experience and knowledge. This is in addition to the skills you'll gain during the time you spend practicing your driving with your licensed parent or an other qualified adult.

For more information about enrolling in a driver's training program:

  • Contact the Missouri DMV.
  • Talk to your local school district.
  • Look up driver's training, driving school, or driver's education in the phone book or on the internet.

Missouri Behind-the-Wheel Practice

With your learner's permit, you'll be allowed to practice driving with a qualified adult or a certified driver's training instructor.

You'll need to complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving practice with at least 10 hours completed at night.

You can keep track of your supervised behind-the-wheel practice with the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Experience Log (Form 4901).

If you are younger than 16 years old, you must be accompanied by:

  • Your parent/legal guardian or grandparent.
  • A certified driving instructor.
    OR
  • A licensed adult who is at least 25 years old, has held a driver's license for at least 3 years, and has written permission from your parent/legal guardian.

If you are 16 years old or older, you can drive with any licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

Next Steps - Getting Your Provisional License

You'll be eligible to advance from your Missouri learner's permit to your provisional driver's license when you:

  • Are at least 16 years old.
  • Have held your instruction permit for at least 182 days.
  • Have had no alcohol-related violations in the past 12 months.
  • Have had no traffic violations in the past 6 months.
  • Have completed your behind-the-wheel supervised driving practice.
  • Pass your DMV road test.

You must take your driving test at a Missouri State Highway Patrol driver testing location. No appointment is necessary, but you can visit the MO State Highway Patrol website for a complete list of testing locations and hours.

For more information, please visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Missouri page.

Please enter your ZIP code OR city and state abbreviation

Forms

4901
Driver Experience Log
Use this form to log the practice driving hours needed to earn a Missouri driver's license.
DMV.ORG BBB Business Review