Nebraska DMV Permit Test 2026

Who Can Get a Learner's Permit

To apply for a Learner's Permit (LPD) in Nebraska, you must be at least 15 years old. You can submit your application up to 60 days before your 15th birthday, but the permit cannot be issued until the day of your 15th birthday or after.

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your application to give consent. This consent remains in effect until you turn 18.

Residency: You must be a Nebraska resident and provide proof of your principal address in the state. You'll need at least two documents showing your Nebraska address, such as utility bills, bank statements, or school records.

Younger drivers: Nebraska also offers a School Permit (LPE) for drivers as young as 14 years old, which allows limited driving to and from school-related activities. This is separate from the standard Learner's Permit covered in this guide.

Nebraska Permit Types

Nebraska's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system includes several permit and license stages:

This guide focuses on the Learner's Permit (LPD), which is the first step for most teen drivers in Nebraska.

Fees and What You Pay For

The total cost for a Nebraska Learner's Permit is $13, which includes:

If you need a replacement permit (lost, stolen, or damaged), the cost is $16($11 replacement fee + $5 security fee).

There is a fee to retake the written test if you fail. The exact amount varies, so check with your local DMV office. Payment can be made by cash, check, or card at most locations.

Documents You Need at the DMV

Nebraska requires specific documents to verify your identity, legal presence, and address:

Teens: If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application giving consent. Your parent does not need to accompany you to the DMV, but their signature is required on the application.

For a complete list of acceptable documents, visit the Nebraska DMV Document Verification page.

What Happens at the DMV

Here's what a typical Nebraska DMV visit looks like, in order:

The whole process typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how busy the office is. The test itself takes most people 15 to 30 minutes.

The Vision Test

The DMV vision screening happens at the service window. You'll look into a viewing device and read letters or identify symbols. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, keep them on during the test. If you pass the screening with corrective lenses, your permit will have a restriction noting that you must wear them while driving.

If you cannot meet the vision standard, you may be asked to get an eye exam from a licensed eye care professional and return with the completed form.

Your Photo

Your photo is taken during the application process. This photo will appear on your learner's permit and eventually on your driver's license. You'll be asked to remove glasses, hats, and head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons) for the photo. Come prepared to have your picture taken when you arrive at the DMV.

The Written Knowledge Test

The Nebraska written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. All questions are based on the Nebraska Driver's Manual. It is a multiple-choice test with questions drawn from topics including:

The test is available in English and Spanish. There is no separate road signs test — sign identification questions are included in the main exam.

Can you take the test online from home? No. The Nebraska written test must be taken in person at a Driver Licensing Office.

What the Test Looks Like

At the DMV, you'll take the test on a computer terminal. The interface shows one question at a time with multiple answer choices. You select your answer and move to the next question.

The test consists of 25 questions. There is no time limit, so you can take as long as you need to read and answer each question carefully.

Take your time on each question. Read all answer choices before selecting your response. If you're unsure about a question, eliminate obviously wrong answers first.

Passing Score and Results

To pass the Nebraska written test, you must answer at least 20 out of 25 questions correctly. That's an 80% passing threshold — you can miss up to 5 questions and still pass.

When the test ends, you'll see whether you passed or failed. If you passed, return to the service counter to receive your learner's permit.

After You Pass

When you pass the written test, you'll receive your learner's permit. This permit allows you to start driving immediately — with supervision.

Can you start driving right away? Yes, but only with a supervising driver. You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit. You must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years oldsitting in the front passenger seat beside you.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. You must hold the permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for a Provisional Operator's Permit (POP) at age 16.

If You Don't Pass

If you fail the written test, here's what happens:

The test questions are drawn from a large pool, so you'll see different questions on each attempt. Study the Nebraska Driver's Manual thoroughly before retaking the test.

Learner's Permit Rules

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It can be renewed online or in person if needed.

While driving with a learner's permit:

To advance to a Provisional Operator's Permit (POP), you must hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months, complete 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night), and not accumulate more than 3 points on your driving record.

Nebraska's Graduated Driver Licensing

Nebraska uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system to help new drivers gain experience gradually. The system was implemented in 1998 and updated in 2008. Since its implementation, teen crashes resulting in injury or death have dropped by 59%.

The GDL system has three main stages:

Provisional Operator's Permit (POP)

Once you turn 16 and have held your learner's permit for at least 6 months, you can apply for a Provisional Operator's Permit (POP). This allows you to drive without a supervisor, but with certain restrictions.

Requirements to get a POP:

POP restrictions:

Violation of any GDL restriction can result in a suspended or revoked license.

The Driver's Manual

The Nebraska Driver's Manual is the official study guide for the written test. Every question on the exam is based on information in this manual. It covers Nebraska traffic laws, right-of-way rules, road signs and signals, safe driving practices, and special driving situations.

The manual is available for free online in English and Spanish, with audio versions also available. You can access it on the Nebraska DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any Driver Licensing Office.

Most people can read through the manual in a few hours. Focus especially on the sections about traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits — these are common topics on the test.

Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare. They help you identify gaps in your knowledge and get comfortable with the question format.

DMV Question Bank practice tests: For thorough preparation, you can take Nebraska DMV practice tests on DMV Question Bank. The question bank covers all topics from the Nebraska Driver's Manual and simulates the real test experience. Keep practicing until you're consistently scoring above 90%.

A good study strategy: read through the manual once, then take practice tests to identify weak areas. Review those sections in the manual, then test again until you can consistently pass.

Driver's Education

In Nebraska, driver's education is optional but highly recommended. Studies have shown that teens who complete driver's education are less likely to be involved in crashes or commit traffic violations during their first two years of driving.

Benefits of driver's education:

Nebraska DMV-approved driver's education courses consist of:

Driver's education must be completed in person — online courses are not accepted in Nebraska.

Quick Reference

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