What is the difference between a license and permit in Missouri?

Permit vs License

A permit allows someone that is learning to drive with specific restrictions, whereas a drivers license allows someone to drive without restrictions after passing the driving skills test. Missouri offers several types of licenses and permits.

Types of Licenses

A Class F driver license is considered a full drivers license and residents are eligible for this license at age 18 years of age or older. Other types of licenses offered in Missouri include a motorcycle license, a for-hire license, and a commercial drivers license (CDL).

Graduated License Program (GDL)

Residents age 15 to 21 qualify for the Graduated License Program (GDL) which starts out with a permit, then moves on to an intermediate license before allowing a resident to qualify for a Class F driver license. The instruction permit and intermediate license both carry specific driving restrictions.

Drivers with an instruction permit can only drive with a licensed family member or legal guardian over the age of 21 in the front seat passenger seat.

Drivers with an intermediate license cannot drive with more than one passenger under the age of 19 and cannot drive between the hours of 1am and 5am.