Missouri Teen Driving Laws: A Parent's Guide to the GDL Program

For a teenager in Missouri, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage. For parents, it marks the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and concern. To address this, Missouri has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for all drivers under the age of 18.

These laws are not designed to be inconvenient; they are a data-driven safety system created to protect new, inexperienced drivers by limiting their exposure to the highest-risk driving scenarios. For these laws to be effective, both teens and parents must understand and enforce them as a team.

The Foundation: The Instruction Permit Phase (Age 15)

The journey begins with a learner's permit, which is all about supervised practice.

Mandatory 182-Day Holding Period: A teen must hold their instruction permit for a minimum of 182 consecutive days (6 months), conviction-free, before they are eligible to take their road test.
The 40-Hour Driving Log: During this six-month period, a parent or legal guardian must supervise and certify that the teen has completed at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
- Of these 40 hours, at least 10 hours must take place at night.
Supervision Rule: During the entire permit phase, the teen must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or a qualified driving instructor.

The Intermediate License (Age 16)

After successfully completing the permit phase, a teen can take the road test to earn their intermediate license. This license comes with critical restrictions.

1. Nighttime Driving Curfew

A teen with an intermediate license CANNOT drive between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
Exception: This curfew is waived if the teen is accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

2. Passenger Restrictions

This is one of the most important GDL rules, and it has two phases.

For the first six months of holding an intermediate license, a teen driver CANNOT transport more than one passenger under the age of 19 who is not a member of their immediate family.
After six months, they cannot transport more than three passengers under 19 who are not family.

3. The Mobile Device Ban

This rule is simple and strict. Drivers under the age of 21 are PROHIBITED from using any cell phone or other wireless communication device to send, read, or write a text message while driving.

4. Seat Belts

The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.

The Full Unrestricted License (Age 18)

At age 18, the GDL restrictions are lifted, and a teen can apply for a full, unrestricted license.

The Parent's Crucial Role

The GDL laws provide the legal framework, but a parent's reinforcement is what truly creates a safe driver.

Know the Rules: Be an expert on the curfew and passenger restrictions so you can enforce them correctly.
Lead by Example: Your teen learned their driving habits from watching you. Put your phone away, obey the speed limit, and always wear your seat belt.
Create a Driving Contract: A written parent-teen agreement that outlines the rules and consequences can be a powerful tool for setting expectations beyond what the law requires.

By working together, parents and teens can navigate Missouri's GDL program, ensuring the path to driving freedom is a safe one that builds a lifetime of responsible habits.