What you need to do to get a Nebraska driver's license
To get a Nebraska driver's license, you will visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
Nebraska issues three types of licenses: a regular Class O license for standard passenger vehicles, a Class M license if you also want to ride motorcycles, and a commercial Class A, B, or C license if you drive trucks or buses for work. Most people need a Class O license. The steps are the same for all three, but the written test and driving test cover different material depending on which class you choose.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Nebraska residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to your first visit.
- You will take a written test on Nebraska traffic laws at the DMV office, and you can study using the official Nebraska Driver's Manual available free online.
- After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate driving test appointment where an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle.
- Your temporary permit arrives when ready after you pass both tests, and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
- If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can trade it in without retaking the written and driving tests.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document that proves your identity, one that proves you live in Nebraska, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
For identity, the DMV accepts a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. A driver's license from another state counts as identity proof only if it is still valid.
For Nebraska residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement that shows your current Nebraska address and was issued within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your immigration documents instead. If you have a number but no card, the DMV can verify it through the Social Security Administration.
The written test and how to study
The written test has 50 questions about Nebraska traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at a traffic stop.
The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles publishes the official Nebraska Driver's Manual free on its website at dmv.nebraska.gov. The manual is the only source the test draws from, so studying it thoroughly is the most direct way to prepare. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. Many people read through it once, then go back and focus on the sections they found confusing.
You can take the written test in English or Spanish. You get one hour to complete it. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, the DMV staff will give you information on how to schedule your driving test. In most Nebraska counties, you book the appointment online through the DMV website or by calling your local office. Some smaller offices may require you to schedule in person. The driving test usually happens within one to three weeks of when you request it, depending on how busy your local office is.
For the driving test, you drive a route chosen by the examiner, usually lasting 15 to 20 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and responding to traffic. You can use your own vehicle if it is registered and insured, or you can use a DMV vehicle if you prefer. Either way, the vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.
You must bring your temporary permit and a valid photo ID to the driving test. If you do not show up for your scheduled test, you will have to reschedule and may lose your spot in the queue.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper permit on the spot. This permit is valid for driving in Nebraska when ready and lasts for 30 days. You can use it while you wait for your permanent plastic license to arrive.
Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV office. It usually arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact your local DMV office to check the status.
Your permanent license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it before it expires if you want to keep driving legally in Nebraska.
If you already have a driver's license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Nebraska, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests. Instead, you can do a license transfer. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Nebraska residency, and proof of identity to your local DMV office. The staff will process your transfer, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary permit on the spot.
Your new Nebraska license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. The expiration date will be five years from the date you transfer, not from the date your old license was set to expire.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will have to retake the written and driving tests as if you were getting a license for the first time.
Finding your local DMV office and hours
Nebraska has DMV offices in most counties. To find the office nearest you, visit dmv.nebraska.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 402-471-3861. Each office has different hours, and some are only open certain days of the week, so check before you go.
Many offices get busy in the late morning and early afternoon. If you can visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may have a shorter wait. Some offices take walk-ins, while others require you to check in online before you arrive. The DMV website will tell you which system your local office uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nebraska driver's license cost?
A five-year Class O license costs $35. A Class M license (motorcycle) costs $40. Commercial licenses cost more depending on the class. Fees are paid at your local DMV office when you explore, and they do not change based on where you live in the state.
Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring your immigration documents instead — a passport, visa, employment authorization document, or other federal immigration paperwork. The DMV will process your process and issue a license marked as issued to a non-citizen.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it as soon as your local office has an opening, usually within a few days or a week. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, and each attempt costs the same fee. Many people pass on their second or third try.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The DMV will test your vision at your local office before you take the written test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the written test until you see an eye doctor and bring a corrected vision certificate back to the DMV.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. Visit dmv.nebraska.gov to start an online renewal. If your license is expired or you need to update your address, you must renew in person at a DMV office.