What you need to know about getting a driver license in Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska issues driver licenses through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get a license, you will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. You must also bring documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete everything in one appointment.

The cost varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to last. A standard operator's license costs less than a commercial license. If you are under 21, you may face different rules and restrictions than adult drivers.

Lincoln's DMV office is located at 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68508. You can also renew or replace a license at any of Nebraska's DMV locations, but you must take your initial written and driving tests at a location that offers testing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test before you receive a license, and these cannot all happen on the same day.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address when you go to the DMV.
  • The cost depends on the type of license and its validity period, and commercial licenses cost more than standard operator licenses.
  • Drivers under 21 in Nebraska have restrictions on when they can drive and who can ride with them during their first months of licensure.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. You cannot get a license without all three.

For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a military ID. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document and your green card or visa.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself. A tax return, W-2, or bank statement showing your number is not accepted. If you do not have a card, you will need to request one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a driver license.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. A cell phone bill or credit card statement also works. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

The written test and what it covers

Nebraska's written test has 50 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean.

You can study using the Nebraska Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DMV website or in print at the Lincoln DMV office. Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test. You are allowed to take the test again if you fail, but you must wait one day before retesting.

The written test is given on a computer at the DMV. You do not need to schedule an appointment for the written test — you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Vision and driving tests

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test at the DMV. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a report back to the DMV.

The driving test happens at a separate appointment, usually scheduled for a later date. During the test, a DMV examiner sits in the car with you while you drive on public roads in Lincoln. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting a few days. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you which skills need improvement.

Costs and license validity periods

A standard operator's license in Nebraska costs between $30 and $35 for a five-year license, or between $45 and $50 for an eight-year license. The exact cost depends on your age and whether you choose the longer validity period. A commercial driver license costs more — typically between $60 and $75.

Drivers under 21 pay the same fee as adults but receive a license with different restrictions. These licenses are valid for four years rather than five or eight.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic air travel), there is no additional fee — you straightforward bring the required documents and request it. A standard license without Real ID compliance is still valid for driving in Nebraska.

Restrictions for drivers under 21

Nebraska has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 21. When you first get your license, you are in the Operator permit stage, which lasts six months. During this time, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can only have one passenger under 21 in the car (besides family members).

After six months, you move to the Intermediate license stage if you have not had any traffic violations. The midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction stays in place, but you can now have up to three passengers under 21. This stage lasts until you turn 21 or until one year has passed since you got your permit, whichever comes first.

Once you turn 21 or complete the intermediate stage without violations, you receive a full operator's license with no restrictions. If you get a traffic violation during the permit or intermediate stage, the restrictions may extend.

Renewing or replacing your license

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license is still valid, you can renew by mail or online without taking any tests. If your license has expired, you must go to the DMV in person and may need to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been expired.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the DMV. A replacement costs less than a new license and takes about one to two weeks to arrive by mail. You can also request a replacement online through the Nebraska DMV website.

If you change your name or address, you must update your license. You can do this at the DMV in person or by mail. An address change is free, but a name change may require a new photo and a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a Social Security card?

No. Nebraska requires your actual Social Security card to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DMV. This process takes several weeks.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a few days. There is a fee each time you take the test, usually $10 to $15. Most people pass within two or three attempts. The examiner will explain which skills need work.

Do I need to schedule an appointment for the written test?

No. You can walk in to the Lincoln DMV during business hours to take the written test. However, wait times vary, and you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Calling ahead can tell you how busy the office is.

Can I get a license if I was born outside the United States?

Yes. You will need your passport or travel document, your green card or visa, and the same proof of address and Social Security number as any other applicant. If your documents are in another language, bring an official English translation.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass all the tests?

Your license is usually printed and ready to pick up within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.