What's the Passing Score on the Missouri Permit Test?
You need roughly 80% on each of Missouri's two separate permit tests — the 25-question written knowledge test (20 correct) and the distinct 16-question road-sign test — to qualify for an instruction permit.
Two scores, not one
The written knowledge test requires at least 20 of 25 questions correct, an 80% threshold.
The road-sign test is scored separately at roughly the same 80% standard, so a strong written-test score doesn't carry over to the sign test.
Both are graded by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at the driver examination station where you test, not mailed in or scored remotely.
Building in a safety margin
Treat 80% as a floor, not a target — aim for 90%+ across all topic areas in practice, since real testing conditions tend to run a few points below your practice average.
Our practice tests break your score down by topic immediately after each set, so a weak spot doesn't stay hidden inside an otherwise decent overall percentage.
Why the sign test trips up unprepared applicants
The road-sign test is purely visual recognition, with no context clues from a written question stem, so cramming rules but skipping sign practice is a common way to fail just that portion.
Read the explanation on every practice question, correct or not — it's what actually closes these gaps, not just re-answering until you get lucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need 80% on both Missouri permit tests, or just one?
Both. The written knowledge test and the separate road-sign test each require roughly 80%, and both must be passed.
How many written-test questions can I miss and still pass?
At most 5 of the 25 written-test questions, keeping you at 20 correct (80%).
What score should I aim for on practice tests?
Aim for 90% or higher consistently before your appointment, on both the sign-recognition and rules content, to build in a buffer above the 80% minimum.
Ready to put this into practice?
Start a free Missouri permit practice testLast reviewed: 2026-07-21