Step-by-step guide to Nebraska's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) — from first permit at age 14–15 to a full Class O license at 17.
At age 14 you may apply for a School Learner's Permit (LPE) to practice toward a School Permit. At age 15 (may apply 60 days before your 15th birthday) you may apply for a Learner's Permit (LPD) to practice toward a Provisional Operator's Permit (POP).
Pass the vision test and knowledge test at any Nebraska DMV driver licensing office. A parent or legal guardian must accompany all applicants under 18. The LPD is valid for 1 year.
While on the LPD: A licensed driver at least 21 years old must occupy the seat beside you at all times. No interactive wireless communication devices while driving (p.1).
Before applying for a POP, you must have held a School Learner's Permit (LPE), School Permit (SCP), or Learner's Permit (LPD) for at least 6 months and accumulated fewer than 3 points on your record during that period. Then do one of the following:
• Successfully complete a DMV-approved Nebraska driver safety course — written and drive tests for POP are waived, OR
• Complete a 50-hour certification form signed by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver age 21+. Must include at least 10 hours of night driving (between sunset and sunrise). Drive test required; written test waived if LPD is valid or expired ≤1 year.
At age 16 (may apply 60 days before your 16th birthday), apply for a Provisional Operator's Permit (POP). The POP allows you to drive unsupervised from 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.
The POP expires on your 18th birthday. First 6 months: limited to no more than 1 passenger under age 19 who is not an immediate family member (p.4–5).
At age 17, if you have held your POP for at least 12 months and accumulated fewer than 3 points in the previous 12 months, you qualify for a Class O Operator's License — written and drive tests are waived. Apply online at dmv.nebraska.gov or at any driver licensing office.
Licenses issued to those under 21 expire on the holder's 21st birthday. Those 21 and older may renew up to 90 days before their birthday (p.15).
Drive alone 6 AM – Midnight · Drive with parent, guardian, or licensed adult 21+ beside you at any hour · Drive between Midnight and 6 AM to or from work · Drive between Midnight and 6 AM to or from a school activity
No solo driving Midnight – 6 AM (except work/school activity trips) · First 6 months: max 1 non-family passenger under age 19 · No interactive wireless communication devices while driving at any time · Violation = 1-point on driving record (p.1)
Every application requires: A completed application form (available at the exam station or online) and 2 documents proving your Nebraska physical address (must be less than 1 year old).
Acceptable address documents include: utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, mortgage document, rent receipt, tax document, phone bill, homeowner's insurance, or school transcript/report card.
Identity documents must be originals — no photocopies. A hospital-issued birth certificate is not acceptable; it must be a certified copy with the state seal.
• A parent or legal guardian can withdraw consent for a minor's driving privileges at any time. The minor must restart the licensing process, or wait until age 18.
• A traffic violation conviction while under 16 triggers a 30-day suspension. A second violation or Class 1 Misdemeanor/Felony results in a 180-day suspension or until the driver's 16th birthday, whichever is longer.
• GDL permit holders (LPE, LPD, SCP, and POP) may not use any interactive wireless communication device — including mobile phones, text messaging devices, and personal digital assistants — while operating a motor vehicle (p.1).
• All applicants under 18 must have parent or guardian present at the exam station for every application.
530+ questions based on the official Nebraska DMV Driver License Manual. Free, no signup.
Start Practice Test →