Although you may be eager to get behind the wheel for the first time, it's important to realize that being a teen driver puts you at a significant risk. Did you know that during the first year of driving, about 20% of male and 10% of female drivers will be involved in an auto accident?

To help keep young drivers safe, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles has established a graduated licensing system that encourages teens to get the knowledge and experience they need to master the rules of the road.

If you have questions about requirements for teen drivers, please call the Nebraska DMV at (402) 471-3861 for additional information. Or, see Teen Drivers and Driver Education on this site.

Methods of Acquiring Driving Experience

In most cases, you'll get the driving experience you need by completing a driver education course. Passing the course's final written and driving exams is considered proof of the skills necessary for a school permit (SCP) or provisional operator's permit (POP).

Find a list of approved programs in your area.

If you cannot complete a driver education program, you will need to have a licensed driver over the age of 21 sign a 50-hour certification form. (Generally, a parent or guardian acts as the supervising driver.)

The completed form provides documentation that you have spent at least 50 hours learning to drive under various weather and road conditions. Ideally, you'll get even more supervised driving experience before taking your first solo trip.

Essential Skills for Teen Drivers

As a new driver, there are several critical skills that you must develop to stay safe behind the wheel. Whether you choose to complete a driver education program or receive one-on-one instruction from a licensed driver, you'll need to master the following:

• Conducting a pre-trip vehicle safety inspection

• Turning, backing up, and changing lanes

• Driving through intersections

• Yielding the right-of-way to other drivers

• Perpendicular, parallel, and angle parking

• Driving at night or under adverse weather conditions

For further information about beginning drivers, see First-time Drivers and Practice Tests.

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