ID card icon Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP)

The Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) allows an individual to operate a motor vehicle unsupervised in Nebraska from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight. 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. Individual may drive anytime if they are accompanied by a parent, guardian or licensed driver who is at least 21.

During the first six months of the POP, the holder can only operate a motor vehicle with no more than one passenger who is not an immediate family member and who is under nineteen years of age. All persons being transported in a motor vehicle operated by a holder of a POP are required to ride secured in an occupant protection system.

Scared to let your teen start driving?

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Safe teen driving begins with you.

Minimum Age

16. You may apply 60 days before your 16th birthday, however the permit will not be issued until on or after your 16th birthday.

Requirements

Prior to making application for a POP, individual must

  1. Have held a School Learner’s Permit (LPE), School Permit (SCP) or Learner’s Permit (LPD) for at least six months and not accumulated three or more points on their driving record during the six month period immediately preceding the POP application date; and
  2. Successfully complete a Department of Motor Vehicles approved Nebraska driver safety course, or
  3. Complete a  50 hour certification form signed by a parent, guardian or licensed driver who is at least 21. The certification form must indicate that at least 10 hours of motor vehicle operation was between sunset and sunrise.

When applying for your School Permit you must bring the following documentation to the DMV: 

  1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status, containing Name and Date of Birth, and Identity.

  2. Principal Address in Nebraska (at least two documents are required).

  3. Applicants must disclose their valid social security number which can be verified through the Social Security Administration or show proof of exemption from the requirement by presenting a valid, unexpired Record of Arrival and Departure in a valid foreign passport (I-94 or I-94A).

 

Testing

  1. The written and drive test will be waived if the applicant has completed a DMV approved driver safety course. Schools transmit all course completion results electronically to the DMV. Individuals, who had a learner’s permit when taking the course, OR who were previously issued a school permit and meet all eligibility requirements may go online to obtain their POP. They can also visit any driver licensing office to do so.
  2. Individuals presenting a 50 hour certification form: vision and drive tests required, written test will be waived if individual has been issued a learner’s permit (LPD) that is valid or expired for no more than one year.
  3. Individuals applying for a motorcycle endorsement or Class M POP with approved motorcycle safety course completion card: vision test.
  4. Individuals applying for a motorcycle endorsement without approved motorcycle safety course completion card: vision, motorcycle written and motorcycle drive tests. Written test will be waived if individual has been issued a school permit (SCP) or learner’s permit (LPD) that is valid or expired for no more than one year. SCP or LPD must be class M or Class O with motorcycle endorsement on it. No 50 hour certification form will be required.
  5. Individuals applying for a Class M POP without approved motorcycle safety course completion card: vision, motorcycle written and motor - cycle drive tests. Written test will be waived if individual has been issued a school permit (SCP) or learner’s permit (LPD) that is valid or expired for no more than one year.

Expiration

18th birthday.

When will I be eligible for a Standard Operator's License (Class O)?

  • Individuals under the age of 18 years old who have held a POP for at least 12 months and who have not accumulated three or more points on their driving records during the previous 12 month period are eligible for an operator’s license. Go online to obtain your standard Class O license or visit a driver licensing office.
  • Individuals between 18-21 years of age who have a POP are eligible for an operator's license. Go online to obtain your standard Class O license or visit a driver licensing office.
  • Any individual under the age of 21 years old who holds a POP or operator's license and who accumulates within any 12 month period a total of six or more points on their driving record will be required to attend and successfully complete a driver improvement course. This course will consist of at least eight hours of instruction. If an individual fails to complete the course within three months after notification by the Department, their POP or operator's license will be suspended. The Nebraska Safety Center shall offer a DMV approved driver safety course at least once each year in any county where no approved course is offered.

Provisional Operator's Permit (POP) Fees

Type of Document Fee Security Surcharge Total
Original $15.00 $5.00 $20.00
 
Bioptic or telescopic lens restriction
Valid for 1 year or less $5.00 $5.00 $10.00
Valid for more than 1 year but not more than 2 years $15.00 $5.00 $20.00
       
Replacement $11.00 $5.00 $16.00
Change of class, endorsement or restriction $5.00 $5.00 $10.00