Drivers Permits in Nebraska

Nebraska Driver's Permits

In Nebraska, if you're a teenager applying for your first driver's license, you must first obtain a driver's permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Depending on your age, there are different learner's permits you must apply for. Obtaining a learner's permit is the first stage of the graduated driver licensing (GDL) process and helps you to gain the skills necessary to become a safe driver.

Read below to find out more about the different types of learner's permits and how to eventually move on to your full driver's license.

New to Nebraska?

If you're new to Nebraska and have an out-of-state learner's permit, you must still complete the NE GDL process before you can receive a driver's license. Keep reading below to find out how to apply for your Nebraska learner's permit.

If you're 18 years old or older and have an out-of-state driver's license, you can transfer it once you've passed the vision test. In certain circumstances, you may need to also pass the written permit test and driving test. See our Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) in Nebraska page for more information.

NE Learner's Permit Requirements

In Nebraska, the type of driver's permit you can apply for depends on age, experience, and circumstance.

  • School learner's permit (LPE): Eligible at 14 years old to 16 years old.
  • School permit (SCP): Eligible at 14 years and 2 months old to 16 years and 3 months old.
  • Learner's permits (LPD): Eligible 60 days before you turn 15 years old.
  • Provisional operator's permit (POP): Eligible 60 days before you turn 16 years old.

Apply for Your Nebraska Driver's Permit

School Learner's Permit (LPE)

An LPE allows you to legally practice driving before you apply for your school permit (SCP).

You must be between 14 years old and 16 years old to apply for your LPE, which will be valid for 6 months.

To apply, visit your local NE DMV office and bring the following:

  • The $13 learner's permit (LPE) application fee.
  • 1 document proving your identity (e.g. certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport).
  • 2 documents proving your NE address (proof can not be more than 90 days old from your parent or guardian).
  • Proof of your Social Security number (e.g. Social Security card, W-2 form), if required.
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.

For more information, please refer to this list of acceptable documents.

While at the DMV, you'll also need to pass the vision and written tests.

School Permit (SCP)

You can apply for a school permit (SCP) if you:

  • Live outside a city of more than 5,000 people.
  • Attend a school outside a city of more than 5,000 people.

To be eligible, you must be between 14 years and 2 months old and 16 years old and 3 months old, and have held your LPE or LPD for at least 2 months. You must also have completed one of the following options:

  • A DMV-approved Nebraska driver safety course.
    • NOTE: The DMV will waive the written and road tests if you complete this course (the DMV automatically receives all course completion information).
  • 50 hours of driving practice (including 10 hours at night).
    • NOTE: You must present a completed 50 Hour Certification (Form DMV 06-91) signed by your parent, guardian, or a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.

Once you meet all eligibility requirements, you may visit the ClickDMV website or a local NE driver licensing office to obtain your NE school permit.

You will need to:

  • Pay the $13 SCP application fee.
  • Submit a learner's permit waiver form, if applicable.
  • Present 1 document proving your identity (e.g. certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport).
  • Present 2 documents proving your Nebraska address (proof cannot be more than 90 days).
  • Prove your Social Security number (e.g. Social Security card, W-2 form), if required.
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • Pass the vision and written exams.
    • The NE DMV will waive the written test if your school learner's permit (LPE) is valid or has been expired for no more than 1 year.

Visit the NE DMV website for a complete list of accepted documents proving your identity, address, and Social Security number.

Learner's Permit (LPD)

A learner's permit (LPD) allows you to practice driving before you obtain your provisional operator's permit (POP) or operator's permit (Class O).

You must be at least 15 years old to get this permit, but you may apply for one 60 days before you turn 15 years old. This permit is valid for 1 year.

To apply, visit your local DMV office and:

  • Pay the $13 learner's permit (LPD) application fee.
  • Present 1 document to prove your identity (e.g. certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport).
  • Present 2 documents to prove your residential address (proof cannot be more than 90 days).
  • Prove your Social Security number (e.g. Social Security card, W-2 form), if required.
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • Pass the vision exam.
  • Pass the written knowledge exam.
    • Your test will be waived if you have a LPE, SCP, or LPD that is valid or has been expired for 1 year or less.

Visit the NE DMV website for a complete list of accepted documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number.

Taking the Nebraska Written Permit Test

There is a different written exam for each type of permit. Before taking the test, you should study the Nebraska Driver Manual and the the DMV also offers a basic practice test. Our suggestion is to further prepare yourself using an online permit practice test from our approved partner.

As mentioned above, the written exam will be waived if your LPE, SCP, or LPD is currently valid OR has been expired for less than 1 year. If you have completed the DMV-approved driver safety course, the DMV will also waive your written and drive tests. Your course completion results will be sent electronically to the DMV.

For more information about Driver's Ed, please refer tour Driver’s Ed in Nebraska page.

Learner's Permit Driving Restrictions in NE

School Learner's Permit (LPE) Restrictions

If you have your LPE, you can only drive while accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older.

School Permit (SCP) Restrictions

With your SCP, you can drive:

  • Anytime when supervised by a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older.
  • Unsupervised to and from school for the purposes of scheduled instructional courses, extracurricular activities, or school-related activities.

Learner's Permit (LPD) Restrictions

If you have a LPD, you can only drive while accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements

Prior to moving onto your provisional operator's permit (POP), you must complete 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent, guardian or licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. Of this practice, 10 hours must be completed at night.

These hours must be logged on a 50 Hour Certification (Form DMV 06-91) and signed by your supervising driver.

Next Step: Provisional Operator's Permit

After obtaining your LPE, SCP, or LPD, the next step is to apply for your provisional operator's permit (POP).

You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a POP. However, you may begin the application process 60 days before you turn 16 years old.

To be eligible for a provisional operator's permit, you must:

  • Have held a LPE, SCP, or LPD for a minimum of 6 months.
  • Have not accrued more than 3 points on your driving record in the past 6 months.
  • Complete a DMV-approved driver safety course.
    OR
  • Complete 50 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours at night.
    • You must submit a 50 Hour Certification (Form DMV 06-91) signed by your parent, guardian, or licensed driver who is 21 years old or older.

For more information on how to apply for your POP, and how to move on to your full driver's license, visit our Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) in Nebraska page.

Forms

DMV 06-91
School Permit/Provisional Operators Permit 50 Hour Certification Form
Nebraska DMV form certifying a teen driver in your care has completed the required number of supervised driving hours with their learner’s permit.
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