Minimum age for a car driving licence in Missouri (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A Class F instruction permit is available from 15 and an intermediate licence from 16 in Missouri. The intermediate licence requires six months with a permit, or a valid licence from another state.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | An intermediate licence can be issued between 16 and 18 to an applicant who has held a temporary instruction permit for at least six months (or holds a valid licence from another state) and whose supervisor certifies supervised driving experience. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 15 years [2] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | A parent, grandparent or legal guardian must sign the application stating that the applicant has completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving on a temporary instruction permit. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | An intermediate licence holder (16 to 18) may not drive between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a qualified licensed supervisor, or travelling to or from school or an educational programme or activity, regular work, or in an emergency. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | For the first six months an intermediate licence holder may not carry more than one passenger under 19 who is not immediate family; after that, no more than three. Agricultural work is exempt. [1] |
Notes
- This is the age for a restricted licence (intermediate or provisional stage). The restrictions are described under driving before the minimum age.
- No official page on age conditions for visitors holding an out-of-state licence was read.
Sources
- Missouri Revisor of Statutes: RSMo 302.178 (Intermediate driver's licence), version effective 28 August 2014 (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Missouri Department of Revenue: Driver License - General (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Missouri and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Intermediate licence at 16 after 6 months with a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Arkansas | 16 (intermediate licence) | 14 (learner's licence) | Intermediate from 16; unrestricted at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Iowa | 16 (intermediate licence) | 14 (instruction permit) | Intermediate from 16 after 12 months on a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | 16 (initial licensing phase) | 15 (permit, enrolled in driver education) | 9 months on permit; licence at 16; full at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kansas | 15 (restricted licence) | 14 (instruction permit) | Restricted licence from 15; full from 17 | Yes, 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Kentucky | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Intermediate at 16; full licence after 180 days | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Nebraska | 16 (provisional operator's permit) | 15 (learner's permit) | Provisional permit at 16; Class O after 12 months | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oklahoma | 16 (intermediate licence) | 15 with driver education; otherwise 16 | Learner permit at 15 with driver education | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Tennessee | 16 (intermediate restricted licence) | 15 (learner permit) | Permit at 15; intermediate licence at 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Missouri
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes, with a registration card
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph unless posted · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 60 mph
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 16+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (permitted retailers) · Minimum age to buy: 14 (under 14 with parent)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and front-seat passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: No for adults; children under 16 must be secured
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 (supplying under 21 banned) · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21 (supplying under 21 banned)
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.