An Operator’s License (Class O) Driver’s License authorizes a license holder to operate any motor vehicle, including a moped, All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and autocycle, except a motorcycle and commercial motor vehicle.

Who­ Must­ Have­ a­ Nebraska­ License?

• Any Nebraska resident who operates a motor vehicle on the streets and highways of Nebraska must have a license.
• Any new resident with a valid license from another state must obtain a Nebraska license within 30 days.

When applying for your initial Class O Driver’s License you must bring the following documentation to the DMV: 

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status, containing Name and Date of Birth, and Identity.

2. Principal Address in Nebraska (at least two documents are required).

3. Applicants must disclose their valid social security number which can be verified through the Social Security Administration or show proof of exemption from the requirement by presenting a valid, unexpired Record of Arrival and Departure in a valid foreign passport (I-94 or I-94A).

• See a full list of  Document Verification Requirements  acceptable items.

See Renewals if you are renewing your Class O License.

Minimum Age

17

Testing

All applicants for a Class O license that fail three successive drive tests will not be eligible to reapply until they:

• Show proof of successful completion of a DMV approved driver training course that includes at least six hours of classroom and six hours behind the wheel training, or
• Have held a LPD for at least 90 days.

Individuals under 18:

• Who have held a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) for at least 12 months and who have not accumulated three or more points on their driving records during the previous 12 month period are eligible for an operator’s license. Since the written and drive tests are waived – they are eligible to obtain the license online or by applying at any driver licensing office.
• New residents surrendering a valid out-of-state license must meet POP requirements.

Individuals over 18:

• Who holds a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) and waits until they are between 18-21 years of age to apply for an operator’s license, the written and drive tests will be waived. These individuals are eligible to obtain the license online or by applying at any driver licensing office.
• Applying for a first time license, who have never held a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) are required to take vision, written and drive tests. Written test will be waived for individuals who have been issued a learner’s permit (LPD) that is valid or expired for no more than one year.
• If a person is unable to surrender the out-of-state License or the license is more than a year expired both written and driving tests are required. Only the written test is required when the license is less than a year expired.

How to Get a Driver’s License

Nebraska has a Graduated Driver License program, or GDL, that will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, from no license to full license.

You can start the Nebraska GDL process at 15. Complete a driver education course and get your learner’s permit, hold it for 6 months, and at 16 you can get your provisional operator’s license. Drive with that until your 17, and you’ll be eligible for your unrestricted NE driver’s license.

The steps below have the details you’ll need to know to get your full, unrestricted Nebraska driver’s license.

Get your Nebraska learner’s permit

You can start the process to get your license at 14 by getting your School Leaner’s Permit, or LPE. To get ready for driving, you can begin to study the Nebraska Driver’s Manual. At your local Nebraska DMV location, you’ll need to fill out an application, bring in proof of identity, and pay a fee of $12.50 by debit card or check.

You will be given an official paper which is your Nebraska driver’s permit. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel. While driving under your NE LPE you will also need a person 21 or older in the passenger seat.

At 15 you’ll be able to apply for a Learner’s permit (LPD). If you live in or go to school in an area of less than 5000 people, you can apply for a full School Permit (SCP) at 14 and 2 months.

To apply for a Nebraska school learner’s permit, you must also have completed a Nebraska DMV approved driver safety course or have a signed certification form that you’ve driven 50 hours with a licensed driver that is at least 21. You will also need to take a written and driving test unless you have completed a NEDMV approved driver’s safety course.

Nebraska DMV approved driver’s education courses consist of 20 hours of classroom instruction along with 6 hours behind the wheel.

When you’re ready to enroll in driver education, find a driving school to get started.

Like a standard Nebraska learner’s permit, you will only be allowed to drive with a licensed driver that’s 21 or older in the passenger seat.

The next step will be to apply for your Provisional Operator’s Permit.

Get your Nebraska provisional operator’s permit

Receiving your POP requires that you’ve completed certain requirements. Those are:

• Reaching the age of 16
• Holding a LPD or SCP for 6 months, while accumulating no more than 3 points on your license.
• Successfully complete a Nebraska DMV approved driver safety course or complete the 50-hour of supervised driving certification form.

You will not need to take a road or written test to attain your POP if you have completed a Nebraska DMV approved driver’s safety course or had an SCP or LPD within the last year.

The fee for a NE POP is $19.50

With your Nebraska provisional operator’s permit, you will only be allowed to drive by yourself between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and Midnight, unless driving for work or school. You may drive with a licensed driver over 21 at any time.

For the first 6 months you will only be allowed on passenger under 19 who is not a family member in the vehicle while driving.

Get your full unrestricted NE driver’s license

At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you’re 18 years old, or 17 years old and have had your Nebraska provisional operator’s license for a year, you can get your full license.

If you have held your POP for a year and have not accumulated more than 2 points on your license you will not need to take any written or road tests. Simply apply at any driving licensing office or online at: Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Costs vary by the number of years you would like the license to remain valid. From $10 for a single year to $24 for 5.

This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted Nebraska driver’s license in the mail.

Whether you’ve just finished your Nebraska graduated licensing process, or are just starting out, you might also want to consider a telematic companion application to better understand your driving habits, and how to improve them.

The best option is the DriverZ Virtual Coach. Download it today to sharpen your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ to build the driving skills that will keep you safe for a lifetime, track your supervised driving hours, and access bespoke driver training based on your specific needs.