The Nebraska knowledge (permit) test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say when you need to take the written test and when it is waived.
• You can list the main manual topics the test covers.
• You can use the DMV's practice tools to check your readiness.
• You can explain what happens if you fail.

What you need to know and understand

• Each class of license has its own written test; the Class O manual covers the LPE, LPD, SCP, POP and Class O tests.
• The Class O written test has 25 questions and the pass mark is 80 percent, which means no more than five wrong answers.
• The DMV offers an interactive practice test online and a practice exam at the back of the manual.
• Practice exam questions are different from the real test questions.
• A failed test cannot be retaken on the same day.
• The written test is waived if you hold an LPE, SCP or LPD that is valid or expired for no more than one year.
• Completing a DMV approved driver safety course waives the written and drive tests for a School Permit or POP.

When you will sit it, and when you will not

Almost every new driver takes the written test once, when applying for an LPE or LPD. After that, Nebraska usually waives it. If you already hold a permit that is still valid, or expired less than a year ago, you skip the written test when moving to the next stage.

Adults aged 18 or older applying for a first license who never had a permit take the vision, written and drive tests. Motorcycle and commercial licenses have their own written tests and manuals.

Topics to master

• Graduated licensing rules, phone limits and seat belt laws for permit holders.
• Alcohol and drug limits, implied consent and how alcohol affects driving skills.
• Signal colors, sign shapes and colors, pavement markings and work zone devices.
• Right of way, four-way stops, roundabouts, turning on red and the Move Over law.
• Nebraska's speed limits when no sign is posted, passing rules, parking distances and railroad crossings.
• Night and winter driving, deer, sharing the road and what to do after a crash.

A four-week study plan

DMV examiner guidance sets the Class O written test at 25 questions with an 80 percent pass mark, the same standard used for all written tests. A passed written test stays valid for six months. Our permit test guide explains the format in more detail, and our free practice test gives extra questions.

1. Week 1: read the licensing, alcohol and safety chapters of the manual.
2. Week 2: study signs, signals and markings until you can name each shape and color.
3. Week 3: learn the rules of the road, including the numbers for speeds, parking and passing.
4. Week 4: take the DMV practice test and the manual's practice exam, then reread every section linked to a wrong answer.

Common mistakes

• Relying only on practice questions. The DMV says practice questions differ from the real test, so learn the manual itself.
• Ignoring Nebraska-specific numbers such as the 20 mph business district limit or the 15 foot hydrant rule.
• Booking the test the day you finish reading. Leave time for practice tests and review.
• Planning to retake straight away after a fail. You must come back on another day.

Test yourself: The Nebraska knowledge (permit) test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Nebraska Permit Test
• Nebraska Permit Practice Test
• Nebraska POP Rules