Young Drivers

Missouri's Graduated Driver License law requires that all first-time drivers between 15 and 18 years old complete a period of driving with a licensed driver (Instruction Permit), followed by a period of restricted driving (Intermediate License), before getting a full license.

• If the permit holder is under 16 years old, the accompanying licensed driver must be their parent, step parent, grandparent, legal guardian*, or a certified driver training instructor employed by a federal residential job training program; or in case of disability, their designee. If the permit holder is enrolled in a driver training program, the driver may also operate a motor vehicle while a qualified driver training instructor occupies the seat beside the driver. Qualified driver training instructors are defined as instructors who have a valid driver education endorsement on a teaching certificate issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or an instructor with a private driver education program.
• If the permit holder is 16 years old or older, the accompanying driver can be any person who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver license.

At age 16, the driver may obtain an Intermediate License. The Intermediate License allows the driver to drive alone except under certain conditions during a late night curfew (1:00 am to 5:00 am). The driver and passengers must use seat belts, be free of alcohol and drugs and obey the traffic laws.

At age 18, the driver may apply for a Full License.

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