Nebraska Graduated Driver Licensing [GDL] Rules
The Graduated Driver License (GDL) system is the single most effective tool in gradually moving a teen from the learning period into a restricted license and finally into a full unrestricted license. The Nebraska GDL law is a three-step licensing system designed to help reduce the causes that pose the greatest risk to new drivers.
The leading causes of teen deaths in Nebraska are inexperience, nighttime driving, and driving with passengers. The highest risk is at age 16, during the first year of independent driving.
GDL works because it gets to the heart of why teens crash and die on our roadways. It limits the number of passengers teens may have in their vehicles, prohibits late-night driving, cell phone use, and requires everyone to buckle up.
The Learner's Permit (LPD) is issued to allow a person to legally practice driving for a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP).
Minimum Age: 15
Learner's Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
Vision and written tests are required.
Valid for 12 months
The Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) allows an individual to operate a motor vehicle unsupervised in Nebraska.
Minimum Age: 16
Must have Learner's Permit (LPD) for 6 months
Can only drive from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. The individual may only drive unsupervised between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. if they are driving to or from home to work or a school activity. Individuals may drive anytime if they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or licensed driver who is at least 21.
No talking on a cell phone.
No more than one passenger who is not an immediate family member and who is under nineteen years of age during the first six months.
Zero tolerance for alcohol or drug use
Seat belt use required for all occupants.
Violation of ANY driving restriction can result in a suspended or revoked license.
The School Learner's Permit (LPE) is issued for the purpose of allowing a student to legally practice driving for a School Permit.
Individuals applying for a LPE must be eligible for a School Permit and meet all School Permit criteria.
Minimum Age: 14
School Learner's Permit holders must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
Vision and written tests are required.
Valid for 3 months
The School Permit (SCP) can be issued if such person resides outside a city of 5,000 or more or attends a school outside a city of 5,000 or more.
Minimum Age: 14 and 2 months
Must have School Learner's Permit (LPE) for 2 months
Unsupervised to and from where he or she attends school and between schools of enrollment over the most direct and accessible route by the nearest highway from his or her place of residence to transport such person or any family member who resides with such person to attend duly scheduled courses of instruction and extracurricular or school-related activities at the school he or she attends; or
Anytime when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. Motorcyclists must be accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator who is within visual contact and at least 21 years old.