When you receive a Nebraska learners permit, you can start driving, provided you observe all restrictions and limitations that are applicable to this permit type. The graduated license system in Nebraska is somewhat complicated due to the fact that there are many different permits available and you have to make sure to observe the Nebraska permit restrictions that apply to your particular drivers permit. Failure to observe these learners permit restrictions may result in you losing your driving privileges for an undetermined period of time.
Nebraska permit restrictions were designed with one thing in mind and that is traffic safety. Although you may view the restrictions as a nuisance right now, they are really there to protect you and other drivers who surround you. As a person who just got licensed, you don't have much driving experience and thus you are unable to deal with many complex traffic situations yet. These Nebraska learners permit restrictions were designed to help you avoid situations that can potentially become troublesome.
The restrictions that you will need to observe largely depend on the age when you choose to apply for a Nebraska drivers license. Older people were found to be better and more cautious drivers and due to this fact, less permit restrictions are placed onto drivers who are at least 18 years of age. In fact, if you are at least 18 years of age, you don't have to apply for a Nebraska learners permit at all and can go straight for a drivers license, provided you are able to pass the required tests.
Permit Restrictions - 18 and Older
If you are at least 18 years of age, you do not have to apply for a learners permit, although it is a good idea to do so. Applying for a learners permit first will allow you to gain some driving experience before you start driving alone. While driving with your learners permit, you must have another licensed driver at least 21 years of age seated next to you at all time. The supervising driver must be prepared to take control of the vehicle should you make a mistake.
Although applying for a permit is optional, taking a Nebraska permit test is not. You have to take a knowledge and vision exams before you can be issued with a permit or a license. If you want to prepare for your permit test, you can do so with free Nebraska practice permit tests. Practice tests cover the same topics and feature the wording similar to that on your real test.
Permit Restrictions - Under 18 Years of Age
If you are under 18 years of age, the restrictions that apply to your learners permit are dictated by the Nebraska graduated license program. The exact restrictions will depend on which type of a permit you choose to apply for. The following learners permits are currently available:
- Learners permit - Type LPE
- School permit - Type SCP
- Learners permit - Type LPD
- Provisional operator's permit - Type POP
The official Nebraska drivers manual contains the requirements for each type of a drivers permit, make sure to check them out before you visit the DMV.
Learners Permit Restrictions - Type LPE
If you chose to apply for an LPE permit, you have to observe the following permit restrictions:
- No driving alone. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years of age seated next to you at all times while you are driving.
- No cell phones. You cannot use any communication or entertainment device while driving.
- Seat belts. Everyone present in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
Keep in mind that this permit is only valid for three months and you are expected to upgrade to a school permit before the expiration date. During these months, you have to fulfill additional permit requirements, such as completing a Nebraska drivers safety course or at least 50 hours of supervised driving. If you choose to complete the supervised driving hours, you will have to present the 50 hour certification form when you will taking your drivers test.
School Permit Restrictions - Type SCP
This type of learners permit is issued to young applicants who live in rural areas and is intended only for going to and from school, hence the restrictions that are placed onto it:
- No driving alone, unless traveling to or from school via the most direct and accessible route. At all other times, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years of age seated next to you at all times while you are driving.
- No cell phones. You cannot use any communication or entertainment device while driving.
- Seat belts. Everyone present in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
Please note that in order to upgrade from an LPE permit to a school learners permit, you must pass the Nebraska drivers test and fulfill all LPE permit requirements first.
Once you have held your school permit for six months and are at least 16 years of age, you can upgrade it to a provisional operator's permit.
Learners Permit Restrictions - Type LPD
This is the permit that is issued to those applicants who are at least 15 years of age. The following drivers permit restrictions apply:
- No driving alone. You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years of age seated next to you at all times while you are driving.
- No cell phones. You cannot use any communication or entertainment device while driving.
- Seat belts. Everyone present in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
This permit must be held for the minimum of six months. You must also be at least 16 years of age and pass the drivers test before you can proceed to the next step of the program and obtain an operator's provisional permit.
Provisional Operator's Permit Restrictions - Type POP
The provisional operators permit allows you to start driving alone, but it is still not a full drivers license and the following restrictions must be observed at all times:
- Curfew. The nighttime driving restriction does not allow you to drive between midnight and 6 a.m. unless you are traveling to or from an employment or school-related activity. The restrictions may also be ignored if you have a licensed driver at least 21 years of age seated next to you.
- Passenger restrictions. No more than one passenger under the age of 19 who is not a member of the drivers immediate family.
- Seat belts. Safety belts must be worn by everyone in the vehicle.
- Cell phones. You cannot use a cell phone or any other communication device while driving.
If you keep a clean driving record, the provisional permit restrictions are lifted in 12 months and you can upgrade to a full unrestricted operator drivers license.
