Driver’s License Examination
Vision Test: The DMV vision test measures visual acuity and field of vision. If corrective lenses are needed to meet the standards, they must be worn at all times while driving, and the license issued will be restricted accordingly. If the standards are not met, either an ophthalmologist or optometrist will be required to check the findings. Applicants who cannot meet the minimum vision standards will be denied a license.
Written Test: There is a separate written test for each class of license. Applicants renewing a valid Nebraska operator’s license will have the written test waived if they renew the license prior to expiration or within 1 year after expiration. The examiner has access to Nebraska driver records and will determine eligibility upon application for renewal.
Driving Test: The driving test measures the ability to operate a specific class of vehicle under typical driving conditions. Examiners may, at their discretion, give a driving test to any license applicant. The vehicle must be furnished by the applicant for the driving test and it must be representative of the type of license for which he or she is applying.
Graduated Driver’s Licensing
Nebraska has a system of graduated licensing for novice drivers.
At age 14, individuals may apply for a school learner’s permit. This permit allows the individual to legally practice driving for a school permit and is valid for three months. Drivers must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. Applicants must have held the school learner’s permit for at least two months prior to making application for the school permit.
Individuals at least 14 years and 2 months of age, but younger than 16, may apply for a school permit for the purpose of allowing a student to legally practice driving if he/she either resides or attends a school located outside a city with a population of 5,000 or more. Applicants for a school permit must complete an approved driver safety course and pass a driving test given by the driver safety course instructor, or complete 50 hours (10 hours at night) of certified driving time and pass a drive test administered by a driver license examiner.
School permit holders can transport such person or any family member who resides with such person to school or extracurricular activities at the school the school permit holder attends.
At age 15, individuals may apply for a learner’s permit, which is valid for 1 year. Applicants must have held a school permit or learner’s permit for at least six months prior to making application for the provisional operator’s permit.
At age 16, drivers may apply for a provisional operator’s permit.
- Applicants must complete an approved driver safety course and pass a written and driving test given by the driver safety course instructor, or complete 50 hours (10 hours at night) of certified driving time and pass a drive test administered by a driver license examiner.
- Provisional license holders may not drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless they are driving to or from home, work or a school activity, or unless accompanied by licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. During the first 6 months of POP, the holder can only operate a motor vehicle with no more than 1 passenger who is not an immediate family member and who is under 19 years of age (secondarily enforced).
- All persons being transported are required to ride secured in an occupant protection system.
At age 17, drivers are eligible for an unrestricted license if they have held a provisional permit for at least 12 months and have not accumulated 3 or more points on their driving records during the previous 12 month period.
If the driver is holding an LPE, SCP, LPD, or POP, seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers front and rear seats (secondary enforcement).
Driver's License Issuance/Application
An application for a Driver’s license or permit must be made to Driver Licensing Staff at any Driver Licensing Office. The application must include the applicant’s name, residential address, mailing address, physical description, birth information, and social security number.
An application for a driver’s license or permit must be accompanied by proof of age, identity and citizenship, and two forms of proof of address. If the applicant is under the age of 18, this must be his or her certified birth certificate. Only original documents will be accepted by the DMV as proof of age, identity and citizenship.
A driver’s license shall at all times be carried by the licensee when operating a motor vehicle.
Any valid driver’s license issued to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty, or the person’s dependents, is effective without the requirement for renewal up to 60 days after the date of the person’s discharge from the service.
License does not include social security number.
License includes color photograph.
A 30 day temporary license is issued to the applicant upon successful completion of tests and payment of fees. The permanent license is sent to the applicant via U.S. mail within 20 days.
Driver’s License Renewal
An operator’s license issued to a person 21 years of age or older expires on the licensee’s birthday in the 5th year after issuance.
An operator’s license issued to a person under the age of 21 expires on that person’s 21st birthday.
Upon renewal, a vision test is required. The written and driving tests may be waived by the DMV. Licensees under age 72 may be eligible to renew or obtain replacements of their license online.
Operator’s licenses issued to persons required to use bioptic or telescoptic lenses shall expire annually on the licensee’s birthday. License duration may be extended for up to two years based upon required review by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
A 30 day temporary license is issued to the applicant upon successful completion of tests and payment of fees. The permanent license is sent to the applicant via U.S. mail within 20 days.
Types of Driver’s Licenses
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): The CLP authorizes a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle for learning purposes when accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years of age and has the same class CDL that the CLP holder is operating (applicants must be at least age 18). First time CDL applicants and those applying for any upgrade to current CDL that requires skills testing must hold a CLP for 14 days prior to any skills testing.
Class A Commercial: Any combination of motor vehicles and towed vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs. if the GVWR of the vehicles being towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs.
Class B Commercial: Any single commercial vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more or any such commercial motor vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Class C Commercial: Any single commercial motor vehicle with a GVWR of less than 26,001 lbs. or any such motor vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs. This class includes motor vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, and motor vehicles used in the transportation of hazardous materials.
Class M: Motorcycle license or motorcycle endorsement on a permit, Class O non-commercial license, or CDL.
Class O: The operator’s license which authorizes the person to operate on highways any motor vehicle except a commercial motor vehicle or motorcycle.