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Nebraska Driver’s License Requirements (A Complete 2023 Guide)

Nebraska Driver’s License Requirements (A Complete Guide)

How do I get a driver’s license in Nebraska?

When is the earliest age I can apply for a license?

Most people think that a license application is a very complicated process. 

We’re here to tell you that it’s not. 

Sure, it might take quite a while to be fully licensed, but if you follow the steps one by one, you’ll get there in no time. 

And this is why, here, we’re going to give you a complete guide on Nebraska driver’s license requirements. We’ll list everything — from start to finish. 

This way, you know exactly what you need to do. 

So shall we? 

How to Get A Driver’s License in Nebraska

In Nebraska, you can start your driver’s license application as early as 14 years old. However, as a minor, you need to go through the Graduated Driver Licensing program. This includes:

  • School Learner’s Permit (LPE) and School Permit (SCP)
  • Learner’s Permit (LPD)
  • Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP)
  • Operator’s License

Let’s go through each stage one by one. 

NOTE: The LPE and SCP are special learner’s permits. Not everyone can get it. 

How to Get a School Learner’s Permit (LPE) and School Permit (SCP) in Nebraska

As we mentioned, the LPE is a special learner’s permit given only to: 

  • Those who live outside a city with a population of 5,000 or more
  • Those who attend school outside a city with a population of 5,000 or more

In both cases, you can apply as early as 14 years old. 

Now, having an LPE allows you to drive supervised going to and from school and other school activities. 

Here’s how you can apply for an LPE: 

  • Visit the nearest DMV location with your parent or legal guardian and bring the following documents:
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of US citizenship or lawful status
    • Proof of residence in Nebraska (parents’ or legal guardian’s residence is allowed)
    • Social Security Number

NOTE: For acceptable documents, you may refer to this list

  • Pass a vision test. 
  • Pass a written exam. 
  • Pay the permit fee of $13.

This permit is only valid for 3 months, but you can renew this until such time that you can apply for an official learner’s permit. 

But wait, the LPE doesn’t end there…

The LPE is only a learning permit, but a school permit (SCP) is the permit that allows you to drive unsupervised with a few restrictions: 

  • You can drive unsupervised to and from school and to other school activities only
  • You can bring one passenger with you if you’re going to the same place
  • You are required to drive supervised to any other location apart from your school route

This is how you can get an SCP: 

  • Hold your LPE for at least 2 months. 

OR 

  • Submit a certification proving that you have taken behind-the-wheel training for at least 50 hours with a licensed adult at least 21 years old
  • If you completed a safety course, apply for an SCP online. Your SCP will be mailed to you in 9-12 business days. 
  • If you did a behind-the-wheel training, visit the nearest DMV location and bring the following documents:
    • Proof of the 50-hour driving certification
    • 2 proofs of residence in Nebraska (parents’ or legal guardian’s residence is allowed)
    • 1 proof of identity
  • Pass a vision test. 
  • Pass the driving test. 
  • Pay the $13 fee. 
  • Wait for your school permit to be delivered within 30 business days. 

And now you have a school permit!

How to Get a Learner’s Permit (LPD) in Nebraska

If you don’t fit the requirements of an LPE, you are only allowed to start your licensing journey by the age of 15. During this time, you should apply for a learner’s permit (LPD). 

Here’s how you can apply for a learner’s permit: 

  • Print and fill up the Class O ID Form. You may fill this up at the office, but answering the form beforehand saves time. 
  • Visit the nearest DMV location with your parent or legal guardian and bring the following documents:
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
    • Proof of residence in Nebraska (parents’ or legal guardian’s residence is allowed)
    • Social Security Number
    • Class O ID form

NOTE: You can click here to see acceptable documents you can bring. 

  • Pass a vision test. 

NOTE: You can waive the vision and written exam if you hold an LPE and SCP that is valid or has expired for less than a year. 

  • Pay the $13 fee. 
  • Receive your learner’s permit (LPD). 

Now you can start learning how to drive — and not just to and from school!

But remember, you can drive anywhere as long as you are supervised by an adult at least 21 years old and has a valid driver’s license. 

How to Get a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) in Nebraska

You can only start applying for a POP if:

  • You are at least 16 years old
  • You have had your learner’s permit (LPD) for at least 6 months
  • You didn’t accumulate 3 or more points on your driving record for the past 6 months

Now, with a provisional operator’s permit, you can drive unsupervised but with restrictions:

  • You cannot drive between 12 AM to 6 AM unless you’re driving to and from school or work
  • You are only allowed to carry 1 passenger that is not part of your immediate family during the first 6 months 

Having a POP is exciting! So here is how to get one:

  • Apply online if you’ve completed a DMV-approved driver safety course. If not, then apply in person at the nearest DMV location.

If you’re applying in person, follow these steps: 

NOTE: If you take a DMV-approved driver safety course, the drive test will be waived. 

  • Prepare the following documents before going to the DMV office:
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
    • 2 proofs of residence in Nebraska (parents’ or legal guardian’s residence is allowed)
    • Social Security Number
    • Completed Class O ID form
    • Certification proving 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training
  • Pass the vision test. 
  • Pass the drive test. 
  • Present the certificate of passed tests. 
  • Pay the $20 fee. 
  • Wait for your POP to be delivered to you within 30 business days. 

You’re one step closer to getting a full driver’s license! 

How to Get an Operator’s License in Nebraska

The last step is getting your operator’s license, also known as your full driver’s license. This license has no restrictions and is given only when you turn 17 years old. 

Before you apply, you should make sure that you:

  • Have had your provisional operator’s permit (POP) for at least 1 year
  • Have not accumulated 3 or more points when you had your POP

If you meet those requirements, here’s how you can convert your POP to a full license:

  • Pay the $24 fee. 
  • Wait for your full driver’s license to be mailed within 30 days. 

What if you’re already 18+ years old and just starting the driver’s license process?

Well, here are the steps: 

  • Visit the nearest DMV location and bring the following documents:
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of US citizenship
    • Proof of residence in Nebraska 
    • Social Security Number
    • Completed Class O ID form
  • Pass the vision test. 
  • Pass the written exam. 
  • Pass the drive test. 
  • Go to a county office and present the certificate of passed exams. 
  • Pay the $29 fee.
  • Wait for your full driver’s license to be mailed to you. 

If you wait until you are 18 years old, the process is a lot faster. 

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions. 

How much does it cost to get a Nebraska driver’s license? 

If you’re a minor, expect to pay around $57 for the fees. As for the driver safety course, it starts at around $400. So overall, you will need to spend anywhere between $457 to $700. 

How many questions are on the Nebraska driver’s test?

There are 25 questions on the Nebraska driver’s test. You need to get 20 questions correct to pass.

Can I get my license at 18 without a permit in Nebraska?

If it’s your first time getting a license and you’re already 18+ years old, you can apply directly for the full driver’s license. However, you still need to take and pass a vision test, written exam, and drive test. 

Can you drive straight after passing your test in Nebraska?

No, you still need to get your license or permit before you can operate a motor vehicle in Nebraska. 

Can a 15 year old drive to work in Nebraska?

A 15-year-old can drive to work as long as they have a learner’s permit (LPD) and is supervised by an adult (21 years old and above) with a valid driver’s license. 

Can a 14 year old drive to school in Nebraska?

Yes, a 14-year-old can drive to school if they have a school learner’s permit (LPE) and an adult is supervising them while they drive. They can also get a school permit (SCP) to drive unsupervised but it should only be to school and nowhere else. 

Take note that an LPE and SCP are only given to those who live outside a city or go to school with at least 5,000 in population.

Can a 16 year old drive friends in Nebraska?

For the first 6 months of having a POP, you can only drive 1 passenger that is not part of your immediate family. After the first 6 months, you can already drive friends around Nebraska. 

Do you need a driver’s ed in Nebraska?

A driver’s ed is one of the options you can take as a requirement for the Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP). You can choose a driver’s safety course or a 50-hour behind-the-wheel training. 

If you choose the course, you can apply with a DMV-approved school here

Conclusion

And that was your complete guide on Nebraska driver’s license requirements. 

Sure, the road to getting a driver’s license is a long one, but if you follow our guide, you’ll get there soon enough. 

Once you have your permit, just watch out for violations so you don’t experience delays on your application. 

Good luck!

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