Missouri Permit Test Failure Rules: Same-Day Retakes and Attempt Limits (2026)

Failing the Missouri Instruction Permit knowledge test delays your permit, but you can try again. Missouri requires 20 correct answers out of 25 to pass, and MSHP allows up to two written-test attempts per day.

What Happens Immediately After Failing the Missouri Permit Test?

A score below 20 out of 25 is a failing result. Your Driver Examination Record (Form 100) records the examination result and score. It does not provide a topic-by-topic list of every question you missed.

Use the result as a signal to review the official Missouri Driver Guide. For deeper study help, use the dedicated handbook, hard-topics, and practice-test guides rather than relying on Form 100 as a diagnostic sheet.

Does failing the road-sign test mean you failed the written knowledge test too?

No. The written knowledge test and road-sign recognition are separate examination components. A failed road-sign result does not turn a passing written-test result into a written-test failure, but you must pass all required examination components before DOR can issue the permit.

When Can You Retake the Missouri Written Permit Test?

MSHP allows up to two written-test attempts per day. There is no general 24-hour or next-business-day waiting rule for the written knowledge test. A same-day second attempt depends on having enough time left within that examination station's testing hours.

Can you retake the Missouri permit test the same day?

Yes. You may take the written test up to twice in one day. If the station is close to its written-test cutoff or closing time, the second attempt may need to wait until another testing day.

Do you have to pay again after failing the Missouri written test?

No MSHP fee is charged for another written-test attempt. The Class F instruction permit fee is paid when you apply for the credential after passing the required examinations; the current permit total is $10. Detailed fee information belongs in the Missouri permit fee guide.

Can you retake the Missouri written test at a different MSHP station?

You can use another current MSHP driver examination station that offers Class F written testing. Check that site's current hours and testing schedule before going.

What Happens If You Fail the Missouri Written Test Multiple Times?

Multiple written-test failures do not trigger the special three-failure rule used for the driving skills test. You can continue retaking the written test under the normal limit of up to two written attempts per day.

What happens if you fail the Missouri permit test three times?

If the failures are on the written knowledge test, there is no separate three-failure DOR authorization rule. The special rule applies after three failed skills tests within 12 months.

After repeated written failures, review the official Driver Guide and use varied practice questions to identify weak concepts. Detailed topic-by-topic study advice is covered in the dedicated test-prep pages.

Can You Challenge a Failed Missouri Permit Test Result?

Generally, computer-scored test results are treated as final. If you believe there was an administrative or system problem during the test, report it to the examiner before leaving the facility.

Multiple failed knowledge-test attempts are not presented here as a separate point or suspension event on your Missouri driving record. The important next step is to pass the required examination before applying for the instruction permit.

What Should You Do After Failing the Missouri Permit Test?

1. Review the official Driver Guide: Revisit the rules or signs you were least confident about.
2. Use varied practice questions: Avoid memorizing one practice-test sequence.
3. Check station hours: If you want a same-day second attempt, make sure the station still has enough testing time.
4. Retake when ready: Written testing is allowed up to twice per day.

For the broader application and document steps after passing, use the dedicated Missouri permit application and required-documents guides.