What you need to get a Nebraska learner's permit
A learner's permit in Nebraska lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must be at least 14 years old. You'll need to bring your Social Security number, proof of your Nebraska residency (a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter works), and a form of ID like a school ID or passport. You do not need a birth certificate, but you do need to prove who you are.
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will ask you to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. You study from the Nebraska Driver's Manual, which is free online at dmv.nebraska.gov. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take it on a computer at any DMV office.
There is a fee to get your permit. The cost varies depending on how long you want the permit to last, but expect to pay between $20 and $40. Some DMV offices accept cash, card, or check; call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 14 years old and bring proof of identity and Nebraska residency to the DMV.
- You will take a written test on the Nebraska Driver's Manual covering traffic laws and road signs, with 50 questions and a passing score of 40 correct answers.
- Your learner's permit costs between $20 and $40 depending on the validity period you choose.
- With a learner's permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat next to you.
Restrictions that explore while you have a learner's permit
Once you have your permit, you cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, unless it is a true emergency.
If you are under 18, you cannot drive with passengers under 19 in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle. This rule exists because young passengers can distract new drivers. The rule applies even if you are driving your own sibling.
You must follow all regular traffic laws. Speeding, running red lights, or other violations while you have a permit can delay when you are allowed to take your driving test for a full license.
How long your permit lasts and when you can test for a license
A Nebraska learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. This means the earliest you can test is six months after you get your permit, even if you feel ready sooner.
During those six months, you should practice driving in different conditions — rain, night, highway, and residential streets. The more hours you log, the more confident you will be on the test. Nebraska does not require a minimum number of practice hours, but the DMV recommends at least 50 hours, with 10 of those at night.
When you are ready to test, you schedule an appointment at your local DMV office. The driving test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. You must pass both the written test and the driving test to get your full license.
What happens if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it. Most DMV offices let you test again the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay the fee again. Some offices charge a retest fee that is lower than the original permit fee.
Before you retake the test, review the sections of the Nebraska Driver's Manual where you struggled. The manual is organized by topic — parking, right-of-way, speed limits, and so on. Focusing on your weak areas is more effective than reading the whole manual again.
Getting your permit without a Social Security number
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a learner's permit in Nebraska. You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from your immigration attorney showing your case number. You also need the same proof of identity and residency as anyone else.
Bring all your documents to the DMV in person. The staff can tell you on the spot whether your documents are acceptable. If you are unsure what counts as proof of residency, call your local DMV office before you go — different offices sometimes accept slightly different documents, and a quick call saves a trip.
Renewing or replacing your permit
If your permit expires before you pass your driving test, you can renew it at the DMV. Renewal is usually cheaper than getting a new permit — expect to pay around $10 to $15. You do not have to retake the written test to renew; you just pay the fee and get a new permit valid for another year.
If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement at the DMV. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee, which is typically $5 to $10. The replacement permit has the same expiration date as your original, so you do not lose time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my learner's permit online or by mail?
No. You must go to a Nebraska DMV office in person to get your learner's permit. You need to take the written test on a computer at the office, and the staff need to verify your identity and residency documents in person. You cannot complete this process remotely.
What if I am 18 or older and want a learner's permit?
You can get a learner's permit at any age, but the restrictions are different for adults. If you are 18 or older, you do not have the midnight-to-5-a.m. curfew or the passenger restrictions. You still need a licensed driver in the front seat, but the rules are less strict than for teenagers.
Do I need to take a driver's education class before I get my permit?
No. Nebraska does not require a driver's education class to get a learner's permit. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some high schools offer free or low-cost classes. Taking a class can help you pass the written test and feel more confident behind the wheel.
What if I move to Nebraska from another state with a permit?
Your out-of-state permit is not valid in Nebraska. You must get a Nebraska learner's permit. Bring your out-of-state permit, your ID, and proof of Nebraska residency to the DMV. You will need to take the Nebraska written test, but some offices may waive the fee if you already hold a valid permit from another state — call ahead to ask.