Types of Driver’s License in Missouri (A Complete Guide)

Class A. Class B. Class C. Class F. Class E. Class M.

What driver’s license type should you get?

We’ll help you figure that out with this complete guide to the types of driver’s licenses in Missouri. 

Here, we’ll tell you what each license type can operate, as well as give you the steps on how to obtain each one. 

So shall we? 

What are the Driver’s License Types in Missouri?

As we saw, there are 6 types of driver’s licenses in Missouri:

• Class F
• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL
• Class E
• Class M

Let’s explore each of these to see the differences between them.

Class F

Class F is the standard driver’s license that most people carry. You use it to operate private vehicles. These typically include sedans, SUVs, pick-ups, and anything that isn’t used for commercial purposes. 

Class A CDL

You need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if you’re operating a commercial vehicle. 

Now, the highest CDL is Class A. 

It is used to drive combination commercial vehicles that have a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or heavier. It should tow a unit weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

Examples of Class A vehicles are semis or big rigs.

Most commercial drivers prefer getting a Class A CDL as it also allows them to drive Class B and Class C vehicles, too. Keep in mind that you have to have the right endorsement to do this.

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL is for driving heavy straight vehicles. These are single vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds and above. Usually, Class B vehicles don’t tow units, but if it does, these should weigh fewer than 10,000 pounds.

Common examples of Class B vehicles are tourist and city buses, straight trucks, and box trucks. 

A Class B CDL allows you to drive Class C vehicles (with the right endorsement) but not Class A vehicles. 

Class C CDL

The last commercial driver’s license is the Class C CDL. With this, you can drive a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less THAT serves either one of these purposes: 

• Transporting 16 or more passengers (including the driver)
• Moving large quantities of hazardous materials (enough to require placarding)

Also, if your Class C vehicle tows a unit, its weight should NOT exceed 10,000 pounds.

Class E

A Class E license is also known as a For-Hire license. Here are situations when you might need one:

• Your job requires you to drive a vehicle transporting 14 or fewer passengers.
• You make deliveries for a living using a motor vehicle (food delivery services do not count)
• You use a motor vehicle to transport non-hazardous goods and merchandise for employment

Remember that these conditions only apply if the vehicle’s GVWR is less than 26,000 pounds. You do not need a Class E license if it weighs less than 12,000 (such as a cab).

Class M

If you’re a driver of either a motorcycle or motor tricycle, you need a Class M license to drive on public roads. 

If you already have a Class F license, you can simply add an ‘M’ endorsement to it. 

NOTE: A motorized bicycle does not require a Class M license/endorsement. However, you must have a valid Class F license to drive it on public roads. 

How to Get a Class F License in Missouri

Missouri has a graduated driver’s license program. So if you’re anywhere between 15-17 years old, prepare to go through three phases:

• Getting an instruction permit
• Earning an intermediate license
• Graduating to a full Class F license

Let’s look at the details of every phase.

How to Get an Instruction Permit in Missouri

Here’s how to get your instruction permit in Missouri:

1. Be at least 15 years old.

2. Visit a Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) examination station and submit the following documents:
   1. Proof of identity (it must show your full name and birthdate)
   2. Verification of lawful status 
   3. Proof of Social Security Number
   4. Proof of residence in Missouri
   5. Supporting name change (if applicable)

NOTE: You can use Missouri’s acceptable documents guide to figure out what to bring. 

3. Take and pass the following tests:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Road sign recognition test
   3. Written knowledge exam

4. Visit a local driver’s licensing office and bring the following:
   1. The required documents (same as when you visited an exam station)
   2. A completed application form (found at the office)
   3. Proof that you passed the tests (Form 100). You will receive the form from the examination station. 

NOTE: Make sure you visit with a qualified person so they can sign a permission statement. These can be:

• A parent or stepparent
• A legal guardian
• A certified trainer (must have a federal residential job training program)

5. Pay the $7 permit fee.

Awesome job! Now you have your instruction permit. 

How to Get an Intermediate License in Missouri

Next up is your intermediate license. Before anything else, you must comply with the requirements that allow you to graduate from a permit.

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Must have had your instruction permit for at least 6 months.
• Completed the 40 hours of driving practice, 10 of which must have been at night.
• Have no alcohol-related offenses or traffic convictions.

If you checked off all the boxes, here are your next steps:

1. Go to an MSHP examination station again and bring the following:
   1. Your valid instruction permit
   2. Proof of identity
   3. A vehicle with valid insurance and registration
   4. A parent or legal guardian 

2. If it’s been more than a year since your test results, you will have to retake:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Written exam
   3. Road signs recognition test

3. Take and pass the driving test.

NOTE: Although you don’t need to make an appointment, don’t wait until the end of the day to go. MSHP personnel administers the driving test based on availability. If you arrive late in the afternoon, you might not take the test on the same day.

4. Go to a local license office and bring documents proving the following:
   1. Identity
   2. Lawful presence
   3. Social Security Number
   4. Missouri residency
   5. Your passing driving test score (Form 100 from the MSHP)

5. Have your parent/stepparent/legal guardian/certified trainer confirm that you completed the required 40 driving hours.

6. Pay the $11 licensing fee.

And just like that, you have your intermediate license!

How to Get a Full Class F License in Missouri

Getting your full license is a piece of cake compared to what you had to undergo in the first two phases.

To qualify for it, you must:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You carry a valid intermediate license.
• You have active driving privileges.
• You did not commit alcohol-related offenses or have traffic convictions in the last 12 months.

A check in all 4 boxes means you can do the following:

1. Go to an MSHP testing site and pass the following:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Road sign recognition test

2. Pay the $13.50 licensing fee.

3. Receive your temporary license. Your official credential will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days.

And you’re done! 

How to Get a Class F License When You’re Over 18 in Missouri

Not everyone goes through the GDL program. If you’re already 18 and working on your license for the first time, here are the steps:

1. Prepare the necessary documents:
   1. Proof of identity (it must show your full name and birthdate)
   2. Verification of lawful status 
   3. Proof of Social Security Number
   4. Proof of residence in Missouri
   5. Supporting name change (if applicable)

2. Visit an MSHP examination station and pass the following tests:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Written knowledge exam
   3. Road sign recognition test

3. OPTIONAL: Apply for an instruction permit at a Department of Revenue licensing office. Here are the steps to do that: 
   1. Present the documents you showed at the MSHP exam site
   2. Show the Form 100 from MSHP proving you passed the necessary tests
   3. Pay the $7 permit fee

4. Pass the driving test at an MSHP testing site.

5. Visit a DOR driver’s license office and apply for your license.

NOTE: Don’t forget to bring the necessary documents. You will need to show these again.

6. Pay the appropriate licensing fee:
   1. $13.50 for a 3-year license
   2. $27 for a 6-year license

7. Wait for your Class F license to arrive via mail. In the meantime, the driver’s license office will provide you with a temporary one.

If you want more information, you can read our complete guide on Missouri driver’s license requirements. 

How to Get a Class E License in Missouri

You cannot get a For-Hire license in Missouri unless you already have a Class F license. 

If not, then focus on that first. 

If yes, then follow these steps: 

1. Take the following tests at an MSHP testing site:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Road sign recognition test
   3. For-Hire written knowledge exam. This has questions on commercial vehicles.

2. Prepare the following:
   1. Proof of identity and legal presence
   2. Proof of Social Security Number
   3. Proof of Missouri residency
   4. Form 100 from the MSHP
   5. Your valid Class F license

3. Visit a local driver’s license office and present the necessary documents.

4. Pay the correct licensing fee:
   1. 3-year license – $21
   2. 6-year license – $42
   3. For drivers 70 and above with an S endorsement – $11

And just like that, you have your Class E license!

How to Get a Class A, B, and C CDL in Missouri

Although there are three CDL classes, you follow the same steps for all of them. 

This includes:

• Getting a CDL permit 
• Getting a CDL

How to Get a CDL permit in Missouri 

Like a standard license, you first need a permit. 

Here are the steps to get one:

1. Ensure you’re eligible for a commercial license. 

2. Decide on your CDL class and endorsement(s).

3. Prepare the necessary documents. These include:
   1. Proof of identity or lawful presence
   2. Proof of Missouri residence
   3. Proof of Social Security Number
   4. Your active driver’s license
   5. A valid Medical Examiner’s certificate 

4. Visit an MHSHP CDL testing station and complete the following:
   1. Show the required documents
   2. Pay $25 for the written test fee 
   3. Pass the necessary knowledge exam(s)

5. Apply for a CDL permit at a local driver’s license office.

6. Submit the necessary documents (see list above)

7. Pay $16 for the CDL permit fee.

8. Get your CDL permit. 

How to Get a CDL in Missouri

Before you can move on to getting your CDL, you must first comply with the following:

• Complete the required Entry-Level Driver Training program. This is a requirement for all CDL applicants who:
  • Are first-time applicants of a Class A or Class B CDL
  • Are first-time applicants of an S, P, or H endorsement
  • Are upgrading their CDL from a Class B to a Class A
• Hold your CDL permit for at least 14 days.

Then you can proceed with these steps:

1. Schedule a skills test with the MSHP. Bring the following with you on your appointment:
   1. Your CLP (it must still be valid)
   2. The vehicle you’ll use for the skills test
   3. Registration and insurance papers

2. Pay the $25 skills test fee.

3. Take the CDL skills test. Remember, you must pass all three parts:
   1. Pre-trip inspection
   2. Basic vehicle control
   3. On-road driving test

4. Visit a driver’s license office, apply for a commercial license, and submit the required documents:
   1. Proof of identity or lawful presence
   2. Proof of Missouri residence
   3. Proof of Social Security Number
   4. Your active driver’s license
   5. A valid Medical Examiner’s certificate 

5. Pay the appropriate CDL licensing fee:
   1. 3-year validity – $26
   2. 6-year validity – $52

Congratulations! Now you have a Missouri CDL. 

If you want an even more detailed guide, read our complete guide to Missouri CDL requirements here. 

How to Get a Class M License in Missouri

And finally, here’s how to get a Class M license/endorsement in Missouri:

1. Complete a Motorcycle Rider Training Course.

2. Go to an MSHP examination site and take the following tests:
   1. Vision screening
   2. Road sign recognition test
   3. Knowledge exams for Class M and Class F (Class F exam is not required if you are just getting an M endorsement)

3. Pay the motorcycle permit fee:
   1. 15½ years old – $9.25
   2. 16 years old – $7

4. Visit a local driver’s license office and apply for a permit. 

5. Show the following documents:
   1. Proof of identity
   2. Proof of legal presence
   3. Proof of Missouri residence
   4. Proof of Social Security Number
   5. Form 100 from the MSHP

6. Receive your motorcycle instruction permit.

NOTE: With this, your driving privileges are restricted. Always be aware of these limitations:

• Your motorcycle’s engine cannot be more than 250 cc
• You cannot have passengers
• The farthest you can go is 50 miles away from your home
• You can only ride during the day

7. Take the on-bike skills test.

NOTE: You can do this with the MSHP or the MRTC.

8. Apply for a Class M license at a driver’s license office. Remember to bring the necessary documents mentioned above. 

9. Pay the appropriate fee:
   1. 3-year license – $10 
   2. 6-year license – $20

Once you have your Class M license/endorsement, you can now drive your motorcycle on public roadways. 

Conclusion

Whew! That was a LOT.

But now you know about the different types of driver’s licenses in Missouri. Not only that, but you know how to obtain each one. 

So whatever license type you need, go ahead and start the process for it. 

Good luck!