Missouri Permit Test Hours and Wait Times: MSHP vs DOR Schedules (2026)

Missouri splits driver services between two agencies. The State Highway Patrol runs testing stations. The Department of Revenue completes permit issuance and provides the temporary paper credential; the permanent card is produced centrally and mailed. You can't take the written test at a standard DOR office.

What Are Missouri MSHP Permit Test Station Hours?

MSHP examination hours are location-specific. Missouri has full-time examination sites and many part-time travel sites, so there is no single statewide Monday-Friday schedule that fits every station.

Check the exact current schedule for the station you plan to use through the MSHP Driver Examination Station locator. Pay attention to the listed days, opening hours, lunch closures and any local testing cutoff.

How late can I arrive before an MSHP station stops written testing?

It depends on the station. Many current MSHP listings require written tests to be completed about 10 minutes before closing, while some locations publish an earlier specific cutoff. Check the exact station entry before leaving. See the MSHP examination-station locator.

What does "part-time travel site" mean for Missouri permit testing?

A part-time travel site is not open for driver testing every weekday. It may operate only on certain days, certain weeks of the month, or limited hours, so use the current MSHP listing rather than assuming regular business hours.

Do Missouri MSHP testing stations close for lunch?

Some do. Current MSHP station listings show midday closures at a number of travel sites, while other locations run different schedules. Check your exact station's office-hours entry before you go.

What if my MSHP examination station is temporarily closed?

Check the current MSHP locator for closure notes and another nearby testing site. The locator is updated regularly and lists station phone numbers so you can confirm availability before traveling.

Do the MSHP testing station and DOR license office have the same hours?

No—treat them as separate stops with separate schedules. MSHP handles testing and publishes examination-station hours; DOR contract license offices handle permit issuance and may have different hours or appointment procedures.

How Long Are Missouri DOR and MSHP Wait Times?

Wait times vary by station and license office. Use the current location page, booking system or virtual queue—when offered—to see the latest availability.

• MSHP: Check the exact examination-station schedule before traveling.
• DOR: Appointment, virtual-queue and walk-in options vary by license office.

For detailed booking and rescheduling rules, use the dedicated Missouri permit appointments page.

Best Time to Take Your Missouri Permit Test

The best time to go is mid-morning (10:00 AM) or mid-afternoon (2:00 PM) on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Mondays and Fridays are packed.

• Best Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
• Best Times: 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM
• Worst Days: Mondays, Fridays, the first and last days of the month, and the day after a holiday
• Arrival Time to Avoid a 3-Hour Wait: Arrive at least 1 hour before closing and 45 minutes before any lunch closure, for a 5:00 PM close, be ready to test by 4:00 PM

The Tuesday after Labor Day 2024 saw a 3-hour walk-in wait at a testing station. Avoid the day after any holiday.

Can You Take the Missouri Permit Test on Weekends or Holidays?

Testing days and hours are location-specific. Some MSHP examination stations may offer Saturday testing, but there is no single statewide Saturday schedule. Non-CDL written and skills tests do not require an appointment. Check the current MSHP examination-station listing for the location's current days, hours and any temporary changes before traveling.

All Missouri permit requirements are covered in the Missouri permit guide.

Both DOR License Offices and MSHP testing stations are closed on all state and federal holidays, including Missouri-specific closures like Lincoln's Birthday (Feb 12) and Truman Day (May 8). Check 2026 holiday schedule updates if you're planning near these dates.

How Much Does a Missouri Permit Cost and Where Should You Go

The current Class F instruction permit fee is $10. See the Missouri DOR fee chart for current credential fees.

This page focuses on hours and wait times. For complete fee details, use the dedicated Missouri permit fees page; for document requirements, use the dedicated documents page.