Get a Learner Permit in Nebraska

Nebraska enlists a graduated licensing program for teens looking to land their first drivers license. Your first step is applying for an NE permit.

A) Determine Which Instruction Permit To Apply For

To legally begin practicing driving, you must pass vision and written tests and obtain a Nebraska permit. Depending on your age and where you live, you have two options:

• School Learner’s Permit (LPE)―Allows a student to legally practice driving for a School Permit*; you must be at least 14 but younger than 16 to apply

• Learner’s Permit (LPD)―Allows you to drive under supervision; you can apply as early as 60 days prior to your 15th birthday, but the state won’t issue you the permit until you turn 15

*A School Permit (SCP) is one of two types of first-time licenses you can obtain as a new driver. The other is a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP). With an SCP you may drive unsupervised to and from school (and anytime under supervision) if you live 1.5 miles or more from school and either reside outside a city of 5,000-plus people or attend a school outside a city of 5,000 or more. Otherwise, you will be applying for a POP, and should first obtain a Learner’s Permit (LPD).

Waiving the Written Test

The state will waive the written test requirement if you have been issued an LPE, SCP or a previous LPD that is valid or has been expired for no more than a year. Otherwise, continue on to the next step on practice tests.

A) Ace a Few DMV Practice Permit Tests

Most applicants have to take a written test when applying for a Nebraska permit. Before heading to the NE DMV, prepare for the exam by taking multiple online practice permit tests. Sample test questions cover topics you’ll find on the actual NE DMV test.

In addition to passing some practice tests, thoroughly study the Nebraska Driver’s Manual until you feel prepared enough to breeze through the actual Department of Motor Vehicles permit test. Info to help you pass either the LPE, LPD, SCP or POP test is covered in this manual.

C) Gather Required Documents and Permit Fees

Make sure you have the following before heading to a nearby Nebraska DMV driver licensing office to apply for a permit.

• Documentation of your identity (with name and date of birth) and principal address in Nebraska (see the state’s identification, address and Social Security verification requirements)

• Proper fees; check with the County Treasurer for acceptable methods of payment)

C) Take the Nebraska Written Test

With the above requirements in hand, go to the NE DMV to take your required test. You must also pass a vision test and pay your fees before obtaining your renewable:

• School Learner’s Permit (LPE) valid for three months

• Learner’s Permit (LPD) valid for one year

You’ll first receive a 30-day receipt. In approximately 20 days, your official permit will show up in the mail.

Written Test Retakes

If you fail the written test, you’ll receive an Examiner Refusal Certificate. This will indicate how long you must wait before becoming eligible to retake the test. When you return to the driver licensing office to retest, bring the certificate with you.

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