While most teens eagerly anticipate the day they can get behind the wheel, learning to drive requires a great deal of maturity. Driving is a privilege that Nebraska teens must earn by demonstrating their knowledge of motor vehicle laws and safe driving procedures.

To get the experience they need, many Nebraska teens enroll in a driver education course before applying for their first driver license. The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicle maintains a list of approved driver education programs.

The list includes programs offered at area high schools as well as private courses. To learn more about a particular program, you'll need to contact the instructor directly. The Nebraska DMV does not answer questions regarding issues such as fees or scheduling.

If you pass a driver education program's written and driving tests, this will be considered proof of the knowledge and skills necessary for a school permit (SCP) or provisional operator's permit (POP). If you do not take an approved driver education course, you will need to submit a signed 50-hour certification form before receiving an SCP or POP.

For complete details about permits, see our Teen Drivers page on this site.

If you have questions about driver education programs for teen drivers, please contact the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles at (402) 471-3861.

Safety Tips for Young Drivers

Although the ability to drive safely generally improves with experience, Nebraska teens who follow a few simple safety tips can drastically reduce their risk of being involved in a serious auto accident.

• Slow down! Speeding substantially increases your risk of being involved in an auto accident. Instead of rushing to your destination, trying leaving 10 or 15 minutes earlier.

• Stay focused on the road. Don't talk on your cell phone, eat, drink, adjust your stereo, or apply makeup while driving. Distractions cause accidents!

• Don't drive alone at night until you've gained plenty of supervised driving experience. Driving at night is especially difficult for young drivers, since it's harder to anticipate potential dangers.

• Always wear your seatbelt. If you are involved in an accident, buckling up is the best thing you can do to reduce the risk of death or serious injury.

• If you've been drinking or taking illegal drugs, get a ride home from a trusted friend or family member. Driving under the influence is illegal and extremely dangerous.

For related information, see First-time Drivers, Practice Tests, Teen Drivers, and Drivers Training on this site.

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