Missouri Driver’s License
Driver Education:
Missouri law requires that teens complete 40 hours of supervised driving with a parent, legal guardian, or qualified instructor before being licensed. Consequently, many young drivers believe this practical experience will teach them everything they need to know about how to drive safely. However, classroom education is just as important as hands-on training when it comes to learning how to operate a motor vehicle safely.
To get the knowledge you need to become a better driver, you can review the Missouri Driver Guide. This comprehensive guidebook will help you prepare for the written exam that is necessary to receive an instruction permit. If you are unable to download the manual, you may request a printed copy at your nearest driver's license station.
In addition to carefully studying the Missouri Driver Guide, you may also wish to complete a formal driver's education course. Driver education programs are offered through local schools and private businesses. They discuss all of the topics covered on the driver's license written exam and provide additional behind-the-wheel experience that can make it easier to successfully complete the driving test needed to receive an intermediate license.
Driver’s Permits: Click here for details
Divers Training: Click here for details
Missouri Speed Limits
One of MoDOT’s most complicated jobs is figuring out what the speed limit should be on a state highway. Actually, the process of setting the speed limit is relatively simple. The complicated part is dealing with the public assumptions and political pressures that arise once a speed limit is set. In short, there are many misconceptions about speed limits. Here are a few of them:
- Lowering the speed limit will decrease accidents and improve safety
- Raising the speed limit will increase accidents and decrease safety
- Drivers will usually go five mph over the posted speed limit
Decades of research prove these assumptions wrong. Here’s what actually happens:
Drivers go the speed which they perceive as safe and reasonable. Drivers base this perception on the condition of the roadway, weather conditions and the amount of traffic. The posted speed limit is ignored by many drivers. In fact, many drivers are frustrated by speed limits that are set lower than the perceived safe and reasonable speed. The few drivers that go the speed limit, regardless of how low it’s set, help create this frustration. It creates conflict between the slow and fast drivers. It reduces the gap between vehicles and makes it harder to judge the distance and speed of approaching vehicles. Bottom line: accidents increase.
The trick to setting a speed limit is finding that speed which most drivers consider safe and reasonable. This is the speed that most drivers will go. It results in fewer accidents because there is a constant speed among vehicles. Constant speed is the key. Without it, accidents increase.
MoDOT determines what the safe and reasonable speed is by conducting a speed study. A speed study is pretty much what it sounds like: it determines how fast drivers are traveling. We then set the speed limit as near as practical to the speed at or below which 85 percent of the drivers travel. This 85th percentile speed is the safe and reasonable speed. The Federal Highway Administration reports that all states and most local agencies use the 85th percentile speed as the basis for establishing speed limits. Once the 85th percentile is determined, it’s used as a sort of benchmark. Traffic engineers may adjust the actual speed limit by taking into account the number of accidents on the road, parking, pedestrians, curves and property development.
Missouri Driving Laws/Info
First Missouri DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 6 Months
- Fine- Up to $500
- License Suspension – 30 Days Full Suspension
- License Suspension – 60 Days Restricted (After Serving 30 Day Full)
- $45 License Reinstatement Fee
- Missouri SR22 Insurance Requirement (Proof of Insurance)
- Ignition Interlock Device Possible
Second Missouri DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 1 Year
- Fine- Up to $1,000
- License Suspension – 1 Year
- Ignition Interlock Device Required After Reinstatement
- License Suspension – 5 Years (If Within 5 Years of Previous)
- Ignition Interlock Device May Be Allowed after 1 Year
- Missouri SR22 Insurance Requirement (Proof of Insurance)
- $45 License Reinstatement Fee
Third Missouri DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 4 Years
- Fine- Up to $5,000
- License Suspension – 10 Years
- Ignition Interlock Device Required
- Missouri SR22 Insurance Requirement (Proof of Insurance)
- $45 License Reinstatement Fee
MO License Point System:
Accumulating too many points on your driving record is a serious matter.
- If you accumulate four or more points in a 12-month period, the Driver Licensing Division will send you a warning letter stating that you are in danger of losing your driving privileges.
- If you accumulate eight or more points in an 18-month period, your driver's license will be suspended for 30 days. If you've previously had your license suspended for accumulating too many points, you'll lose your driving privileges for 60 days on the second suspension and 90 days on any subsequent suspensions.
- If you accumulate 12 or more points in 12 months, 18 or more points in 24 months, or 24 or more points in 36 months, your Missouri driver's license will be suspended for one year.
