We know that taking your Missouri road test can be nerve-wracking. With a little preparation and insight into the test itself, there’s nothing to be worried about. This guide will make sure you know the specific requirements in Missouri, what you can expect on the road test itself and give our best practice tips. Here’s exactly what you need to know to pass your Missouri road test.

What to know before your Missouri road test

First, you need to have a road test scheduled. There are no walk-ins. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) administers the road tests, so you can schedule yours by calling the MSHP at (573) 751-1887.  Next, make sure you have valid registration and insurance for the vehicle you’ll be taking your test in. You’ll need all of these documents when you check-in at the DMV.

Lastly, make sure your testing vehicle meets Missouri requirements, and that you have a licensed driver to accompany you to your road test. We’ve listed out the car requirements for you in the next section, to make it easier to go through and check off each one.

Once you verified your road test, paperwork, and car requirements, it’s time for more practice. We strongly recommend that you practice in the area around the area where your road test is scheduled, as this is likely where part of your road test will be. Take time and get to know the area.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Missouri road test?

Many people are denied testing because their car doesn’t meet the Missouri state requirements. Check these and check them again. Here’s what your vehicle needs to have:

• Current registration, insurance, and inspection sticker
• A windshield with no cracks or debris that would obstruct the view
• Key safety requirements: working speedometer, horn, rearview mirror, seatbelts, and windshield wipers
• Working doors: the driver and passenger doors must open from the inside and outside
• Working lights: brake lights, turn signal lights in front and back, headlights and taillights
• No service or warning lights illuminated on the dashboard

If you don’t have a vehicle that meets all of these requirements and/or a licensed driver to take you to your road test, you have a few options. You can get a car through a driving school, see if a friend or family can accompany you with their car, or  Skip offers a car and driver for the Missouri road test which you can reserve ahead of time online.

What to know the day of your Missouri road test

First, get to the DMV early! If you’re late, they’ll ask you to reschedule.

After you check-in, the examiner will come out to meet you. At this point, your licensed driver will leave the car (and can wait for you inside) and the examiner will begin the test, which starts with the vehicle safety check in the parking lot. They’ll as you to show them the car’s hazard lights, left and right blinker, horn as well as hand signals. The examiner will then move into the passenger seat and start the driving portion of the test. No one but you and the examiner are allowed in the car during your test.

Not to worry, the examiner will tell you exactly what to do and give you enough time to perform each maneuver smoothly and safely. Passing is a 70%, so you can get up to 30 points off and still pass.

Lastly, remember, the examiners are not out to fail you. They want you to pass as much as you do. First and foremost, they want safety on the road, so show them you have good, safe control of the vehicle and you should do fine. 🙂

What will I be tested on for the Missouri road test?

We recommend practicing all of these maneuvers until they feel smooth and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect to be tested on:

1. Starting and stopping the vehicle: Be sure to do so smoothly and with good control.
2. Parallel parking: The examiner will ask you to do this in a space next to the curb, so be sure not to hit the curb or space markers. Also, make sure to check traffic and signal before you leave the space.
3. Backing: Remember to look over your shoulder when backing (not just in your mirrors) and do so in a straight line, smoothly.
4. Right and left turns: You’ll make at least two of each. Make sure your turn into the proper lane (the same one you’re turning from).
5. Parking on a hill: Remember to put your vehicle in park, set the parking brake, as well as turn the wheels in the right direction for parking (facing uphill – wheels turn away from curb, downhill – wheels face toward curb).
6. Entering and leaving intersections: Pay attention to the traffic signs and lights and be sure to make a full stop behind the white line at stop signs.
7. Obeying traffic signs and signals: if you’d like any refreshers on signs and safety, feel free to check out the Missouri Drive Guide.

Lastly, during your road test, it’s highly likely that your examiner will be taking notes on a clipboard. This is nothing to worry about! The examiner is probably checking off requirements as you complete them. Keep your eyes on the road and not on your examiner, and you’ll do just fine.

What happens after my Missouri road test?

Congratulations on making it this far! If you passed, the tester will let you know where to go to get your license. If you failed, not to worry, most people pass by their second try. The examiner will be happy to go over anything you got wrong and answer any questions.

In Missouri, you can take the test again as soon as the next day. If you fail 3 times, you’ll need to get the Department to write you an authorization letter before you can test again. Each time you take the test, make sure you have a licensed driver with you and car. In the meantime, keep practicing and re-schedule your road test when you feel ready. 🙂