How to Get Your Driver's License in Nebraska
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in Nebraska. Nebraska uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.
GDL Stages in Nebraska
Learner's Permit (LPE)
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
Provisional Operator's Permit (POP)
Requirements
- Hold LPE for at least 6 months
- Complete 50 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
- No more than 1 passenger under 19 who is not immediate family
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Hold POP for at least 12 months
- Clean driving record
Restricted License Rules
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
- Only 1 non-family passenger under 19 is allowed at any time during the provisional period.
How restrictions lift: Restrictions lift after holding the POP for 12 months with no violations, or at age 18.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from the provisional permit restrictions and may apply directly for a full license.
Nebraska-Specific Information
Nebraska uses the term Provisional Operator's Permit (POP) for its intermediate license stage. The passenger restriction targets passengers under 19 rather than the more common under-21 cutoff, making it slightly less restrictive by age definition.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 17 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Nebraska.
Nebraska uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit (LPE), Provisional Operator's Permit (POP), Full Unrestricted License.
- No driving between midnight and 6 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
- Only 1 non-family passenger under 19 is allowed at any time during the provisional period.
Adults age 18 and older in Nebraska can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from the provisional permit restrictions and may apply directly for a full license.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
Nebraska learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in Nebraska.
Nebraska drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.