After you pass in Nebraska: restrictions and your licence

By the end of this topic you can

• You can follow the POP night and passenger rules.
• You can explain the phone and seat belt rules that still apply.
• You can plan your route to a Class O license.
• You can describe what happens to an under-21 license at age 21.

What you need to know and understand

• On a POP you may drive alone from 6 a.m. to midnight.
• From midnight to 6 a.m., you may drive alone only between home and work or a school activity, unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver aged 21 or older is with you.
• For the first six months, no more than one passenger under 19 who is not an immediate family member.
• Everyone in your car must be buckled, and you may not use an interactive wireless device while moving.
• Breaking the passenger, night or phone rules adds a point to your record.
• You qualify for a Class O at 17 after 12 months on a POP with fewer than three points in the last 12 months; no tests are needed.
• Licenses issued before age 21 expire on your 21st birthday.

Your POP rules at a glance

• Hours: alone from 6 a.m. to midnight. Midnight to 6 a.m. only for work or school activities, or with a qualified adult.
• Passengers: in the first six months, at most one passenger under 19 who is not immediate family.
• Seat belts: every occupant must be secured.
• Phones: no interactive wireless device use while the vehicle is moving.
• Alcohol: zero tolerance under 21.
• Expiry: the POP ends on your 18th birthday.

Moving up to a Class O license

The Class O fee depends on how long the license will last. Because licenses issued to under 21s expire on the 21st birthday, teens usually pay a lower, shorter-term fee. You may renew from 60 days before turning 21, and the new license becomes valid 30 days before your birthday.

1. Hold your POP for at least 12 months.
2. Keep your record below three points in the previous 12 months.
3. Once you are 17 and meet both rules, apply online or at any driver licensing office. The written and drive tests are waived.
4. If you reach 18 to 21 while still on a POP, you can also apply without testing.

Protecting your new freedom

Until 21, six or more points in 12 months means a required driver improvement course within three months or a suspension. Three points can already delay your Class O license. A single speeding ticket of more than 10 mph over in town is 3 points, so steady, legal driving really matters.

Your first year alone is when crashes are most likely. Keep practicing harder conditions, such as night, rain, snow and gravel roads, with an experienced adult before tackling them on your own. Our POP rules guide covers more examples.

Common mistakes

• Driving friends home after a late game at 12:30 a.m. Only trips to or from work or a school activity are allowed alone after midnight.
• Carrying two friends under 19 during the first six months.
• Assuming the Class O arrives automatically. You must apply online or in person.
• Picking up small tickets. Three points can delay your full license.

Test yourself: After you pass in Nebraska: restrictions and your licence

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

Go deeper

• Nebraska Driving Test
• Nebraska Permit Test
• Learning to Drive in Nebraska