How to Pass the Nebraska Road Test

All new drivers are required to successfully pass a driving test before they can get a driver’s license. While it’s an exciting moment in a teenager’s life, it can also be extremely nerve-wracking.

With the proper preparation, however, you can ensure that your test goes smoothly. In this guide, we will go through everything you need to know to confidently pass your Nebraska road test on the first try.

Requirements for the Nebraska Road Test

In Nebraska, young drivers must complete a graduated driver’s license program before they can get their full unrestricted license. You’ll have to take a road test when you’re getting a school permit or when you’re getting a provisional operator’s permit.

For drivers between the ages of 14 and 16 who are getting the school permit, you must have:

• Gotten school permit after turning 14.
  • Passed the vision and knowledge tests at a driver licensing office.
  • Provided the proper documentation.
• Had your school permit for at least two months.
• Either passed a driver’s education course or completed 50 hours of supervised driving.

For drivers age 16 or over who are getting a provisional operator’s permit, you must have:

• Had a school learner’s permit, a school permit, and/or a regular learner’s permit for at least six months.
• Completed driver’s education or you’ve completed 50 hours of supervised driving.

Note that you will not have to take the written test or road test with the DMV if you’ve successfully completed driver’s education. Instead, these tests will be administered by your driver’s ed instructor. If, however, you’ve opted to simply complete the 50 supervised driving hours, you will have to take the tests at a driver licensing office.

If you’re taking the road test with the DMV, schedule an appointment here when you’re ready.

On the Day of the Nebraska Road Test

What Should You Bring to the DMV?

You’ll need to present a number of documents before you’ll be allowed to take the driving test. Remember to bring:

• Proof of lawful status or U. S. citizenship that includes your name, date of birth, and identity.
• Two proofs of residency.
• Your social security number.
• Your permit.
• Proof of registration and insurance for your vehicle.

If you’re unsure about which documents will be accepted, more information is available about identification documents.

Vehicle Requirements

If you’re taking the driving test with the Nebraska DMV, you’ll need to provide a vehicle. If you’re taking the test with a driving school, you may or may not have to provide a vehicle. Check with the school to make sure.

If you do need to provide a vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that it is in safe working condition.

Your vehicle must:

• Be properly registered and insured. Bring proof of both with you to your test.
• Have a working speedometer.
• Have working seat belts for you and your examiner.
• Be clean.
• Be functioning well. Check that lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, windows, doors, horn, etc. are working properly and safely.

What’s Tested on the Road Test in Nebraska?

You’ll be tested on your overall driving ability as well as a few driving maneuvers. To pass your road skills test, you’ll need to demonstrate to your examiner that you are able to safely and properly control a vehicle.

While you may be asked to complete a specific driving maneuver, such as backing or parking, it’s important that you simply know how to drive well. Make sure that, anytime you’re behind the wheel, you’re forming good driving habits.

Here’s a checklist of things you should know how to do when preparing for your road test:

• Know how to cross intersections correctly. Make a complete stop at stop signs. Always stop before the stop line if there is one. Stay aware of other traffic even if you have the right-of-way. Don’t try to beat a yellow light.
• Be able to accelerate and brake smoothly, and know when to accelerate and brake. If a vehicle passes you, maintain your speed. Don’t brake suddenly unless you need to. Make smooth and deliberate starts and stops at intersections.
• Change lanes properly. Use your turn signals, check your mirrors, and move over when it is safe. Don’t change lanes unnecessarily and don’t drift out of your lane.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals. This includes speed limit signs, stop signs, traffic lights, etc.
• Be able to back up correctly. Check behind you and signal if necessary. Drive slowly and stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t bump into any other vehicles, sidewalks, curbs, or pedestrians.

Unlike many other states, parallel parking is not tested on the road test in Nebraska. However, it is a good idea to learn how to parallel park as it can be a useful skill.

What Errors Can Make You Fail Your Road Test?

You may fail your test for making multiple small mistakes. Additionally, an automatic failure may be caused by a single major mistake such as:

• You force your examiner to intervene to prevent a crash.
• You drive dangerously or recklessly in some way.
• You ignore your examiner’s instructions.
• You disobey a traffic sign or signal.
• You don’t wear your seat belt.
• You are involved in an avoidable crash.
• You hit a sidewalk, curb, vehicle, or pedestrian.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the road test in Nebraska. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.