Nebraska Permit Test — Frequently Asked Questions

The Nebraska DMV knowledge test has 25 questions. You need to answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass. There is no official time limit. Any test failed may not be retaken the same day. Study the Nebraska Driver's Manual at dmv.nebraska.gov/manuals to prepare (p.11).

In Nebraska, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered DUI for drivers 21 and older. Drivers under 21 face Zero Tolerance — a BAC of 0.02% to 0.08% results in a 30-day license loss (first offense) or 180-day loss (second offense). Commercial drivers face a 0.04% limit. Even under 0.08%, you can still be convicted if impaired.

In Nebraska, a DUI (0.08%+ BAC) triggers a 180-day Administrative License Revocation (ALR) for a first offense. Subsequent offenders face a 1-year ALR. Criminal conviction penalties are set by statute and include potential fines and up to 1 year imprisonment. SR22 insurance must be maintained for 3 years. Refusing a chemical test triggers a 1-year ALR. (p.20, 24)

Under Nebraska's implied consent law, you give consent to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) whenever you drive on a public highway. Refusing to take a BAC test when asked by a police officer results in a 1-year license loss. The implied consent law applies to the state where you are arrested, not where you got your license.

Accumulating 12 points in any 2-year period causes automatic 6-month license revocation (p.18). Key point values: DUI = 6 pts; willful reckless driving = 6 pts; leaving scene of crash = 6 pts; reckless driving = 5 pts; careless driving = 4 pts; failure to yield (with pedestrian injury) = 4 pts; texting while driving = 3 pts; school bus crossing violation = 3 pts. License revocation: 1st = 6 months; 2nd within 5 years = 3 years. Out-of-state convictions assessed same as Nebraska convictions (p.18-19).

Nebraska GDL starts at age 14 with a School Learner's Permit (LPE), or age 15 with a Learner's Permit (LPD). After holding LPD for 6 months with fewer than 3 points, and completing 50 supervised hours (10 night), apply for a Provisional Operator's Permit (POP) at age 16. After holding POP for 12 months with fewer than 3 points, apply for a Class O Operator's License at age 17. (p.1–7)

With a POP (Provisional Operator's Permit), you may drive unsupervised 6 AM to Midnight. Between Midnight and 6 AM, you may drive only to or from work or a school activity — otherwise a licensed adult 21+ must ride with you. During the first 6 months, max 1 passenger under age 19 who is not immediate family. No interactive wireless devices while driving at any time. (p.4–5)

A regular Driver's License or Instruction Permit costs $28. This fee covers up to 3 test attempts within a 6-month period. Address changes, name changes, or replacement licenses cost $15. Drivers under 21 with 5 or fewer years until their 21st birthday receive a prorated fee.

Children up to age 8 must ride in a federally-approved child safety seat in a rear seat if available (Primary Law). Ages 8–18: seat belt required (Secondary Law). Children 12 and younger should ride in the rear seat due to air bag risk. All operators and front-seat passengers must be buckled. Infants: rear-facing until age 2 or seat's weight/height limit (p.25–26).

New Nebraska residents must obtain a Nebraska driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency (p.1). New residents 18+ surrendering a valid out-of-state license: vision test required; drive test at discretion of staff. If the out-of-state license is expired or cannot be surrendered, a written test is required. You must surrender your out-of-state license. CDL holders also must transfer within 30 days.