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Nebraska driver's license

Get your first license in Nebraska after moving to the US.

How it goes

  1. 1
    You arriveYou have moved to Nebraska and you want to drive here.
  2. 2
    Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
  3. 3
    The written testYou take the written test.
  4. 4
    Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
  5. Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

What it costs

A first license

$29 in total for a Class O license valid five years: $24 plus a $5 security fee. The fee steps for a shorter license are $5, $10, $14 and $19 — $10 when valid more than one but not more than two years, $14 when more than two but not more than three, $19 when more than three but not more than four (an under-21 license expires on your 21st birthday).

You pay this when you apply.

If you just arrived in the US

If your license from another state has expired

Expired less than a year: only the written test is required. Expired more than a year, or you cannot hand over the old card: both the written and driving tests are required.

  • The license can be issued at any time within one year after the original license expired.

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

You must give a Social Security number the Social Security Administration can verify, or show a valid, unexpired I-94 or I-94A in a valid foreign passport as proof you are exempt.

  • You must give a valid Social Security number or show proof that you are exempt.

  • Every new and renewal applicant gives an SSN for online verification with the Social Security Administration, unless you are not authorized to work and cannot get one; a physical proof document is needed only when that verification fails. When your number is verified, it is not checked again unless your name, date of birth or SSN changes, and the DMV can share it with Selective Service only for male licensees age 17 through 26 and only for Selective Service duties.

  • Every new and renewal applicant must provide a valid Social Security number.

  • Your application is checked against the S2S, PDPS, SSOLV and SAVE systems.

  • Your complete Social Security number goes on the application data form, unless you are not eligible for one.

  • You must provide a valid Social Security number or a valid USCIS I-94 document in a valid foreign passport.

Tests you take

Eye test

A side-vision field of 140 degrees or more passes with no restriction, 120 to 139 degrees adds restriction F, 100 to 119 degrees adds restrictions F, V, G and X, and under 100 degrees the license is denied — constant double vision is also denied. If you fail the staff screening, the Statement of Vision form from an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the only form accepted.

  • DOT Part 391 requires 20/40 vision in each eye and in both eyes together, with or without corrective lenses, a 70-degree field of vision in each eye, and the ability to recognize standard red, green and amber traffic signal colors.

Drive test

Required for Class O or M permits.

  • Also required when your current license has no restrictions but you need them.

  • A passing score on the CDL Basic Control Skills test is 12 points or less.

  • A passing score is 15 points or less, calculated automatically on the drive test tablet.

  • Bad weather does not cancel the test: if the office is open, the test goes ahead, so be ready to drive in snow.

  • You fail the CDL road test at 31 or more points of deductions.

Tries you get on the written test

You wait one day between the first three tests, 7 days before the fourth, and a supervisor gets involved for the sixth. After a sixth failure you must complete an approved driver training course or wait 90 days from the last failure.

  • If you fail the Class O written test, you cannot take it again the same day.

  • After failing ten written tests of the same type, you must complete a driver training course (written CDL) or wait 30 days from your last failure.

  • One day between the first three tests, 7 days before the fourth, and the sixth test needs instructions from a supervisor or the Driver License Manager. After a sixth failure you must complete an approved driver training course or wait 90 days from the last failure — staff can shorten these waits but never lengthen them.

  • After failing six written tests, you must wait 90 days from the last test or show proof of completing a driver training course.

  • A failed written test cannot be retaken the same day.

  • Staff can shorten the waits between written tests but never lengthen them, so if you traveled a long way you can ask for an earlier retest.

  • If you fail, the earliest retake is the next day.

Practice questions for the written test

The Nebraska Driver's Manual is available in print and on the DMV homepage, and it carries copies of the blank application data forms.

  • There is a practice test on the DMV website, in addition to the driver's manual.

Using an interpreter

A translator can help you with the application, the vision check, the drive-test instructions, and the explanation of your drive-test results. You can also use a foreign-language dictionary (paper or electronic) on the written test after the examiner has checked it for notes.

Practising with your permit

Who can sit with you while you practise

A licensed driver at least 21 years old with a current Nebraska or out-of-state license, in the seat beside you. On a motorcycle, a licensed motorcycle operator must stay within visual contact.

  • A school permit holder can drive at any time when a licensed driver at least 21 years old rides along.

  • For a school learner's permit, the supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a current Nebraska or out-of-state license.

  • A licensed driver at least 21 years old must be in the seat beside you; a Nebraska license or another state's license is accepted.

  • The permit lets you practice driving for a Provisional Operator's Permit, School Permit, Class O license or motorcycle license, with a licensed driver age 21 or older beside you. For motorcycle practice, a licensed motorcycle operator must keep you within sight.

What to bring to the drive test

Who comes with you

During the road test itself, the examiner and you must be the only people in the car — a parent, spouse, friend or interpreter cannot ride along.

  • While you hold a learner's permit, a licensed driver at least 21 years old, licensed in Nebraska or another state, must sit in the seat beside you. During the drive test itself, only the examiner and you ride in the car.

  • A school permit holder can drive alone to and from school by the direct route from home, and can drive at any time when a licensed driver at least 21 years old rides along.

  • A service animal — a dog or miniature horse wearing a vest — can ride along on the drive test. An emotional support animal needs prior approval from the office supervisor and can be refused as a distraction.

  • Only the examiner and you are allowed in the vehicle during the skills test.

The car and its insurance

If both brake lights are missing, broken or not working, the drive test is not given — it is cancelled for an improper vehicle; one working brake light is enough. A speedometer that stops working during the test is a separate, instant failure.

  • The examiner checks the brake lights: if both are missing, broken or not working, the test is cancelled for an improper vehicle. A state vehicle is never used for the drive test, so you bring your own car.

  • On the motorcycle test, you must be the only person on the motorcycle.

Where to go

Who gives the tests

Staff examiners hold a valid Class O license and have completed a defensive driving course.

  • DMV staff appointed by the director examine applicants. A driver safety course instructor appointed by the director can also test initial, revoked or canceled Class O applicants.

Booking an appointment

You can book an appointment at nebraska-dmv.caseapp.tylerapp.com/page.request.do?page=com.tylertech.dmv.landing.

  • You can book a Class O drive test appointment at appengine.egov.com/apps/ne/dmv/data-form.

Office locations

You can find Nebraska DMV offices and their hours at dmv.nebraska.gov/locations.

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Every source, quoted46 sources

Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

Applying for a driver's license in Nebraska?

Answer a few questions and see the steps that apply to you.

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