Updated for 2026

Nebraska NE DMV (Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

25

Passing Score

20

Standard Fee

$10.50 (Learner's Permit) / $28.50 (Class O License) - Fees vary by term

Testing System

computerized touchscreen

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Nebraska is the 'Rolling Stop' at intersections and failure to adhere to the correct 'Zipper Merge' protocol (merging too early causes traffic backups and is frowned upon). Additionally, hitting the curb during maneuvers and speeding in school zones are automatic fails.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Nebraska's traffic laws are enforced under the Nebraska Revised Statutes, with recent updates significantly tightening safety regulations. One of the most critical changes involves the state's 'Move Over Law' (LB 530). Previously applying only to emergency vehicles, the law now mandates that drivers must move over a lane or significantly slow down for ANY stationary vehicle on the roadside displaying flashing lights, hazard lights, or warning signals. This includes broken-down civilian cars, tow trucks, and utility vehicles. Failure to do so can result in escalated fines. Regarding school bus safety, Nebraska law is strict: drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. This applies to traffic in both directions on undivided highways. The only exception is on a divided highway separated by a physical median (like a grass strip or concrete barrier); in this case, only traffic following the bus must stop. Violating this law is a serious misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500 and 3 points on your license. Nebraska also utilizes a specific Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for teens, centered on the 'Provisional Operator's Permit' (POP). A POP holder (typically 16-17 years old) faces a strict curfew: driving is prohibited between 12:00 AM (Midnight) and 6:00 AM, unless driving to/from work or a school activity. Additionally, for the first six months of holding a POP, the driver is limited to only one passenger under the age of 19 who is not an immediate family member. This is designed to reduce distraction-related accidents. Electronic device use is also heavily regulated; it is a secondary offense for adults but strictly enforced. Speeding fines in Nebraska were also recently overhauled; driving 36 mph or more over the limit now incurs a massive $400 fine. Furthermore, the state has a 'Zero Tolerance' policy for drivers under 21, where a BAC of just 0.02% results in immediate license impoundment for 30 days.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Nebraska presents a unique blend of rural hazards and specific traffic engineering concepts that the state aggressively promotes. The most famous of these is the 'Zipper Merge'. Nebraska is one of the few states that actively campaigns against 'early merging' in construction zones. The DOT teaches that when a lane ends, drivers should use BOTH lanes all the way to the merge point and then alternate turns (like a zipper). Drivers who merge too early or block lanes to prevent others from merging are considered to be driving incorrectly and causing congestion. Another major environmental hazard involves wildlife; Nebraska consistently ranks high for deer-vehicle collisions, especially during the harvest season and the 'rut' (mating season) in October and November. The manual advises drivers to scan ditches for 'eyeshine' and never to swerve to avoid a deer, as hitting the animal is statistically safer than rolling the vehicle into a ditch or oncoming traffic. Winter driving is also a critical component of the test; Nebraska experiences severe blizzards that can close Interstate 80 for days. Drivers should be aware of 'Snow Emergency' routes in cities like Omaha and Lincoln, where parking is banned during storms to allow plows to work. A unique fact about the Nebraska test is its brevity and format: the written exam consists of only 25 questions, and you must get 20 correct (80%) to pass. While short, the questions are randomized and often include specific scenarios about railroad crossings (drivers must stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail if a train is approaching). Nebraska also has a vast network of gravel roads; drivers are taught that gravel offers less traction than pavement, increasing stopping distances significantly. Finally, be aware of the 'Implied Consent' law: by driving in Nebraska, you automatically consent to a chemical test if an officer suspects impairment. Refusal is a separate crime that results in automatic license revocation, often for a longer period than a DUI conviction itself.