The minimum legal Nebraska driving age
is 15 years old, at which point you can get a learner’s permit. But you could get a school learner’s permit or a School Permit at 14. You don’t need to take driver’s ed to qualify—but you do need to log practice hours. Nebraska has a graduated system to help young drivers gradually learn to drive. Most people prefer to enroll in a DMV-approved driver’s education course, which includes classroom instruction and driving practice in the real world. But before you head to the DMV to fill out an application, make sure you know which license is best for your situation and what criteria you’ll need to conform to.
Here’s what you need to know about getting a Nebraska learner’s permit—and how to stay safe and save money once you get behind the wheel.
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How to get a Nebraska learner’s permit
You must be at least 15 years old to receive your learner’s permit in Nebraska—but you can apply 60 days before your actual birthday. Once you turn 15, you can start driving under the limits of the learner’s permit.
Be aware that there is a difference between a school learner’s permit (LPE), school permit (SCP), learner’s permit (LPD), and provisional operator’s permit (POP) in Nebraska.
The school learner’s permit (LPE) is available to 14-year-olds who pass written and vision tests. The purpose of this permit is to allow the driver to legally practice for a school permit. The LPE expires three months after issuance.
The purpose of a school permit (SCP) is to help young students drive themselves to school if they study and live in different places. To be eligible, you must live outside a city of 5,000 residents or attend school outside a city of 5,000 residents or more. You must also be between the ages of 14 years and two months and 16 years and three months. The school permit will expire once you turn 16 years and three months old.
To apply for a school permit, you must hold an LPD or LPE for at least two months. In most cases, you can apply online
if you have the proper documentation and fit the eligibility criteria. Once you receive the permit, you can drive unsupervised to and from school along the most direct route. You can even transport people who live with you, so long as you’re going to a school-related or extracurricular activity. A learner’s permit (LPD) holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver over the age of 21. This license allows the holder to practice driving for another license, like a POP
, O
, or M (Motorcycle)
class license. This permit expires after one year. The provisional operator’s permit (POP) is available to drivers aged 16 and older, although you can apply 60 days before your 16th birthday. You must have held an LPE, SCP, or LPD for at least six months before you can apply for a POP. The POP expires on your 18th birthday.
A POP holder can drive anytime with a licensed driver over the age of 21. They can drive unsupervised from 6 am to midnight. However, they may only drive unsupervised between midnight and 6 am if they are going to or from home to work or a school-related activity.
Eventually, you’ll apply for the standard O (Operator)
license. You may apply for this license at the age of 17 if you have completed a DMV-approved course and you have held an LPD for at least 90 days. Practice tests
are available to help you prepare. You should carefully study the Nebraska Driver’s Manual
before you head to the DMV. DMV-approved courses
are a great way to learn about driving either in a classroom or online classes. Enrollment in a driver’s ed course is not mandatory in Nebraska to get your school permit. As an alternative, you can complete 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed driver over the age of 21. Driver’s ed is mandatory for the POP.
What to bring to DMV
You will need proof of identification
, including proof of address and proof of citizenship. You may have to pass a vision and written test. However, these are waived if you already possess an LPE, SCP, or LPD that has expired no more than 12 months prior.
If you are simply graduating up to the next level of license, you may apply online
instead of visiting a DMV office. Otherwise, you should visit a Nebraska DMV driver licensing office
. The fee is $13 for any of the learner’s and school-related permits. To apply for your POP, the fee is $20.
MORE: How education level affects car insurance
Nebraska learner’s permit regulations
Learner’s permits temporarily limit the behavior of license holders. These restrictions aim to help young drivers stay safe until they get comfortable behind the wheel.
You may only drive with a licensed adult 21 years old or older in the front passenger seat at all times
Furthermore, everyone must obey the car seat laws of Nebraska
. Finally, if you have a POP, you are limited to driving during certain hours. POP holders can only drive unsupervised between the hours of 6 am and midnight unless they are driving to or from home, work, or a school-related activity.
Distracted driving
is more common among teen drivers. Don’t use your phone while driving, and discourage your friends from using theirs. Driving without distractions saves lives. MORE: How to get cheap car insurance for young drivers
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