New Driver Checklist

NE Drivers License Restrictions for New and Teen Drivers

The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (NE DMV) authorizes drivers newly relocated to the state (they must be at least 18 years old) to operate motor vehicles using their out-of-state drivers license. Within 30 days of relocating to Nebraska, drivers who have a valid out-of-state license must surrender their out-of-state license at the nearest DMV office and apply to receive a NE drivers license.

Drivers who already have a valid driver license from another state will not have restrictions placed upon their drivers license.

Other teens who have a learners permit of some sort, or the provisional operators permit, must follow certain driving restrictions.

Teen Drivers and Nebraska Learners Permits

Nebraska teens that have a school permit are only allowed to operate a motor vehicle if they are traveling to and from school.  The drivers permit or learners permit is good for one year. Students must be at least 14 years old and live one and a half or more miles from school to get the driving permit. They must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old whenever they operate a motor vehicle.

Provisional Operators Driving Permit

You must be at least 15 years old to get this permit.

As a teen with a provisional operators permit (POP), you can drive a motor vehicle (i.e. car, truck) without a licensed driver in the vehicle with you anytime between 6 a.m. and midnight. In order to drive between midnight and 6 a.m., there must be a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the motor vehicle with you.

Exceptions to this rule apply if you are driving to and from school or to and from your place of employment. You do not have to be accompanied by a licensed driver to operate a motor vehicle if you are going to and from school or work.

The use of wireless electronic devices (i.e. cell phones, laptops) is prohibited while you operate a motor vehicle in NE. This rule applies to all NE drivers, whether they have a permit or a valid state drivers license.

Other restrictions placed upon teen and new drivers in NE apply to all licensed drivers in the state. Some of those restrictions or prohibitions include:

• Driving under the influence (NE drivers are prohibited from drinking and driving).
• Driving without wearing a seat belt.
• Operating a motor vehicle without adequate automobile insurance (at least $25,000 bodily injury caused to one person and at least $25,000 property damage liability insurance).