Tips to Passing the Missouri Driving Test

Few experiences fill teenagers with more excitement and dread than their driving test. After all, it's seen as a rite of passage and the key to newfound freedom. To help up-and-coming Missouri drivers, we put together some tips on how to improve your chances of passing the test.
Tip One: This may be obvious, but make sure you've completed the preliminary steps required to get a Missouri driver's license. 

For teenagers and first-time drivers, this includes getting an Instruction Permit by passing the vision and written test, and holding it for at least 182 days. Experienced drivers can skip this step.

Tip Two: Practice and familiarize yourself with Missouri's particular driving requirements and rules. 

You read that right; different states have different guidelines. So make sure you practice for Missouri's, specifically. Test administrators will keep an eye out for:

  • Your overall control over the vehicle. In other words, no swerving, abrupt braking, etc.

  • Your confidence when finding various car controls and buttons. This includes windshield wipers, turn signals, etc.

  • How you park on a hill to prevent rolling (turning the wheel and utilizing the emergency brake).

  • Your parallel parking abilities, as well as whether you follow related safety rules regarding turn signals and observing traffic. If you want to practice this particular skill beforehand, create a space that measures 25' x 7', and try to park within a foot and a half from the curb.

  • Confidence when turning and maneuvering traffic. Turning left (and cutting into other lanes) can rattle both amateur and experienced drivers. Make sure to have this particular maneuver down pat for both your Missouri driving test and general safety.

  • Respect for speed limits. If you fail to go five miles an hour in the parking lot, expect points to be deducted. Fly by a stopped school bus, and expect an immediate fail. In short, don't let your nervousness lead to jumpiness or excessive speeding.

  • Your general adherence to rules of the road, such as turning from the correct lane, observing the speed limit, safely interacting with other vehicles at intersections.
Consider working with an instructor. Read our post Best Driving Schools in St. Louis for recommendations.
Tip Three: When practicing and taking the test, don't neglect the small details. Your Missouri test administrator will note seemingly minor mistakes that you could overlook in moments of stress. Do you completely still the car at stop signs or do a "rolling stop"? Do you look at your mirrors before changing lanes? Do you grant the driver in front of you an appropriate amount of space rather than tailgating? Small errors such as these cause many test takers to lose points, so take extra care not to slip up. Make sure you don't accidentally make a faux pas by reading Common Questions About Missouri Driving Laws.

Tip Four: Make sure the car you're using for your Missouri driver's test is up to snuff. This entails having all licenses and registrations up to date, operational seat belts, a working horn, and all brakes (foot and emergency) in good condition. The windshield should not be cracked. It's important that you regularly drive this particular vehicle prior to taking the test. Otherwise, you may not know the location of important controls and be uncomfortable with the car's unfamiliar dimensions and handling.

Tip Five: Don't rush to take the test. Instead, delay it until you're ready. The minimum amount of time you must have your Instruction Permit is 182 days, but that doesn't mean you must take the test on the 183rd day. In fact, you can have it up to one year in Missouri before you need to renew it. Wait until you feel confident. Did you finally nail parallel parking yesterday? Keep practicing it until it becomes second nature. By holding off on the testing date, you can increase your confidence so you pass with flying colors.
 
Tip Six: Remember, a relaxed driver is a better driver. Try not to get into your head (easier said than done). Below are ways to prevent yourself from getting too nervous to perform:

  • Remind yourself that you can take the Missouri driver's license test multiple times. This lessens the pressure to be perfect the first time around.
  • Avoid drinking a lot of caffeine. While it's important to be alert and awake, too much caffeine can cause jitters. Your adrenaline will most likely naturally provide you with that boost of energy, making that second cup of coffee unnecessary.
  • Arrive at the appointment early. Most test administrators won't let you take the test if you arrive late, adding extra stress if you encounter traffic on your way there. Instead of rushing to be right on time, give yourself an additional fifteen minutes by leaving the house early.
Bonus Tip: Pick out a great vehicle at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford! Explore our broad inventory of used trucks and cars located near Ellisville, MO. Our sales team can help you find vehicles with teen-friendly features, helping you safely and confidently start the next leg of your journey into adulthood.

Additional Questions About Taking Your Drivers License in St. Louis or Missouri

Is there a limit to how many times I can retake a driving test in Missouri?

You can only take one test per day. Additionally, you can only fail the driving test three times before having to renew your permit, and you'll have to get an authorized letter from the Department. Similarly, if you fail to retake the test within 90 days of the first test, you'll have to start the process all over again.

Are some vehicles better than others when taking the test?

As mentioned above, it's important that you are experienced in driving the vehicle you will use during your test. However, if given the choice between two cars, consider whether one has technology that can ultimately keep you safer and boost your confidence. For example, newer Ford models have advanced features like collision warnings, parking assist, blind-spot monitoring, etc.

Is it necessary to study for the written portion of the Missouri driving test if you're an overall good driver?

Some people have a natural instinct behind the wheel, but this, unfortunately, does not translate onto the paper test. Examples of multiple-choice questions given on real Missouri driving tests have been:
  • What is the fee for an instruction permit is?
  • What are motorcycles entitled to?
  • What must you do if you're leaving your vehicle unattended?
  • What must you do to let others know that you want to be an organ donor?
  • What is SATOP is an abbreviation?
Most young drivers won't know these answers intuitively, so studying is key to passing your Missouri driving test.  

By Sara Beuckman Faron

Sarah Faron is the Marketing Manager at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford and represents the third generation of the Beuckman family to help run the dealership. She lives in Wildwood, Missouri with her husband and their three children.