Nebraska Learner's Permit Guide

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

The Nebraska Learner's Permit (LPD) is the first step in the Nebraska graduated driver licensing program for new drivers age 15 and up. It allows supervised practice driving for a minimum of six months before the holder can step up to the Provisional Operator's Permit. Even drivers who already hold the unique School Permit at age 14 still need to obtain an LPD to progress on the standard licensing track.

Eligibility

To apply for a Nebraska LPD, the applicant must be at least 15 years old and have a parent or legal guardian sign the consent section of Form DLI-95. Applicants who are 18 or older may also apply for an LPD if they prefer to practice before testing for a Class O license, though there is no minimum holding period for adult drivers.

Documents required

Bring originals of these documents to the Nebraska DMV office:

Proof of identity — certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card.
Proof of Social Security number — Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub displaying the full number.
Two proofs of Nebraska residency — for minors, the parent's documents may be used along with a school enrollment letter for the applicant.
Parental consent on Form DLI-95 (signed in front of the DMV examiner if possible).
Glasses or contact lenses if needed for the vision screen.

Fees

The LPD fee is $13.50. The fee covers the knowledge test, vision screen, and the printed permit. A retest after a failed knowledge exam costs an additional $11.25.

Knowledge test

The LPD knowledge test is the same 25-question multiple-choice exam given for the standard Class O license. A passing score is 20 out of 25. Topics drawn from the Nebraska Driver's Manual include speed limits on rural highways, school-zone rules, the state's distracted driving statute, and the steps to take after a minor crash. Most applicants pass on the first attempt after working through the manual once.

Driving restrictions while holding an LPD

The LPD restricts the holder to driving with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat at all times. The supervisor must hold a valid Class O license and have at least two years of driving experience. The permit also prohibits cell phone use of any kind by the driver, even hands-free, and requires every occupant to wear a seat belt.

50-hour supervised driving log

Before the LPD holder can move up to the Provisional Operator's Permit (POP) at age 16, they must complete and document at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. The Nebraska DMV provides a Certification for Driving Experience form that the parent or guardian signs and returns to the DMV when the teen tests for the POP. Unlike some states, Nebraska accepts driving time logged with any licensed adult of the required age — not only a parent.

6-month holding period

The LPD must be held for a minimum of six months before the holder is eligible to take the road test for a POP. If the holder receives any traffic conviction during the six months, the holding period restarts from the date of conviction.

Permit duration and renewal

An LPD is valid for up to one year. If the holder turns 17 without completing the supervised driving requirement and the holding period, the LPD can be renewed at half the original fee. Permits expire automatically once the holder upgrades to the POP or to a Class O license.

Driver education

Driver education is not strictly required for a Nebraska LPD, but completion of an approved course shortens the path to a Class O license — teens who finish a state-certified driver's ed program may obtain the full Class O license at 16 rather than 17, provided all other GDL requirements are met. Many Nebraska public high schools and a growing number of private schools offer state-approved courses.