Cornhusker State Driver: Your Complete Guide to a Nebraska Driver's License

Getting your driver's license in the Cornhusker State is a major milestone, unlocking the freedom to explore everything from the vibrant city of Omaha to the vast, open plains. The journey to becoming a licensed driver involves several key stages managed by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap, breaking down Nebraska's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program for teens and outlining the process for adults, ensuring you arrive at the DMV confident and prepared for every step.

For Teen Drivers (Under 18): The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

To ensure young drivers gain experience in a safe, controlled manner, Nebraska has a comprehensive GDL program. This system is designed to gradually introduce teens to more complex driving situations as they gain skills and maturity. It has several permit and license stages.

Step 1: The School Learner's Permit (LPE)

This initial permit is for young teens to begin their practice driving with specific limitations.

Who is eligible?

• You must be between 14 and 16 years old.
• You must live outside a city of 5,000 or more, or attend a school outside a city of 5,000 or more.

Step 2: The School Permit (SCP)

This permit allows for limited, unsupervised driving for school-related purposes.

Who is eligible?

• You must be between 14 years and 2 months and 16 years and 3 months old.
• You must have held an LPE or LPD for at least two months.
• You must have completed a DMV-approved driver safety course.

Step 3: The Learner's Permit (LPD)

This is the standard starting point for most teen drivers.

Who is eligible?

• You must be at least 15 years old.

How to get your Learner's Permit:

1. Gather Your Documents: You will need to bring several key original documents to the DMV, including proof of identity (like a birth certificate), Social Security number, and two proofs of Nebraska residency.
2. Visit a DMV Driver Licensing Office: You must apply in person. It's highly recommended to schedule an appointment online. At your visit, you will:
   • Submit your application and all required documents.
   • Have a parent or legal guardian present to provide written consent.
   • Pay the required permit and testing fees.
   • Pass a vision screening.
3. Pass the Written Knowledge Test: You must pass a 25-question written test based on the "Nebraska Driver's Manual." You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (an 80% score) to pass.

Step 4: The Provisional Operator's Permit (POP)

After holding your permit for six months and completing your practice hours, you are eligible for a Provisional Operator's Permit (POP), which is Nebraska's version of an intermediate license.

Who is eligible?

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have held your learner's permit for at least six months, conviction-free.
• You must have completed a driver safety course OR have a parent/guardian sign a 50-hour driving log.

How to get your POP:

The final step is to pass the driving skills test (road test). Once you pass, you will be issued your POP.

GDL Restrictions on a POP:

• Nighttime Curfew: You cannot drive between 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 6 a.m. unless for work, school, or accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older.
• Passenger Restrictions: For the first six months, you are not permitted to have more than one passenger under the age of 19 who is not an immediate family member.

These restrictions are lifted when you turn 18.

For Drivers 18 and Over

If you are 18 or older and applying for your first Nebraska license, the process is more direct.

1. Visit a DMV Driver Licensing Office: Make an appointment and bring your original documents for a REAL ID.
2. Pass the Tests: You must pass the vision screening and the written knowledge test. You will then be issued a learner's permit.
3. Take the Road Test: After practicing with your permit, you must schedule and pass the road test.
4. Pay the Fee and Get Your License: Once all tests are passed and documents are verified, you'll pay the licensing fee and receive your full driver's license.

New to Nebraska? Transferring Your License

If you move to Nebraska and hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you must obtain a Nebraska license within 30 days of establishing residency.

• Make an appointment at a DMV office.
• Surrender your out-of-state license.
• Provide full documentation for a REAL ID.
• Pass a vision screening.
• The written test and road test are waived if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired for more than one year.

By understanding these steps and preparing for each one, you can successfully navigate the process and earn the privilege of driving in the Cornhusker State.