Menu

Driver Education FAQ

Does Driver Education really help teens avoid crashes?

A new study completed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that followed more than 150,000 teen drivers over eight years has found that driver's education significantly reduces crashes and traffic violations among new drivers.

What should I do before taking Driver Education?

  • Prior to taking class, apply for and receive your Nebraska Learner's Permit (LPD). The DMV interactive online test is a great way to prepare for their written test: http://www.dmv.ne.gov/examining/aaa/inter.html
  • Register for National Safety Council, Nebraska Driver Education
  • Supervised driving practice before, during, and after class will help you gain knowledge and confidence.

What are the requirements for a Learner’s Permit (LPD)?

  •  At least 15 years of age
  • Provide proof of age/identity (certified birth certificate and proof of social security number)
  • Pass a written test at the Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Proof of principal residence (two documents needed, acceptable documents can be found here)

How do I obtain the Provisional Operators Permit (POP)?

  • Complete and pass an approved Driver Education course OR complete a 50 hour driving log with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old to include at least 10 hours of motor vehicle operation between sunset and sunrise
  • Possess a Learner’s Permit, School Learner’s Permit, or a School Permit for at least six months
  • Do not accumulate three or more points on driving record during the six-month period immediately preceding the POP application date

What are the restrictions with the POP?

  • May only drive unsupervised between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight
  • 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 19 years of age
  • The holder of an LPE, SCP, LPD or POP shall not use any type of interactive wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle.  Interactive wireless communication device means any wireless electronic communication between two or more parties, including, but not limited to, a mobile or cellular phone, a text messaging device, a personal digital assistant that sends or receives messages, an audio-video player that sends or receives messages, or a laptop computer.  For more information visit the DMV site.

Who can get a school permit?

  • Applicants must be at least 14 years and two months old, but younger than 16 years and three months to be issued a School Permit (SCP)
  • If you live a distance of one and one-half miles or more from the school he or she attends and either resided outside a city of 5,000 or more or attends a school outside a city of 5,000 or more

Where do I go to get the learner’s permit?

  • At your local Department of Motor Vehicles office (DMV)

How long after obtaining the learner’s permit can I sign up my child for driver education?

  • Any time after they have the actual permit.  However, as much practice driving as is possible is best both prior to, during driver education and to continue practicing after completing driver education is the best solution to preparing your teen for when they start driving on their own.

How can I start to prepare my teenager for the driving experience prior to obtaining their learner’s permit?

  • Start early.  Talk to your teen passenger when you’re driving.  Early learning will enhance driving skills later.
  • When your teen is around age 14, have your teen ride in the front seat while you drive.  Explain the progression of defensive scanning skills, look ahead, around you and behind your vehicle, watch for pavement markings and their meanings and explain how you’re watching other drivers.
  • Have your teen start identifying all road signs and pavement markings.
  • Have your teen help with judging when it is safe to turn left or right from a side street, is there enough time to pull out safely.
  • Have your teen help with judging when it is safe to turn left at an intersection by checking the oncoming traffic.

How can I prepare my teenager for the driving test during the course?

  • Understand that this is something that can't be rushed. Those taking the course need to keep in mind the hours you are given behind the wheel are for you to pass the drive test.

  • Practice at home. Just like anything you do in life, if you want to get better at something you practice. Keep in mind you will be driving for the rest of your life. Please get out and drive as much as you can with your teenager. 

What happens after my child passes and completes driver education?  

  • After the class and driving has been completed, the National Safety Council, Nebraska will input the completion information into their database within 2 business days and then upload in the DMV database.  You will receive a Congratulations e-mail and instructions on how to obtain the POP online, as well as a link to print Certificate of Completion.

What are the advantages of taking driver education over the 50-hour log?

  • A parent or relative may not be aware of all the recent defensive driving strategies that an approved program teaches
  • No classroom instruction, nor do you receive instruction from a State Certified Instructor
  • Completing the 50-hour log (to include 10 hours of nighttime driving) does take several weeks, possibly months to complete
  • The 50-hour log does not qualify for an insurance discount, and you must take the drive test at the DMV

What are the refund and reschedule policies?

  • A valid Nebraska Learner’s Permit, School Permit or (POP) Provisional Operator’s Permit is required prior to registration for this class.
  • A parental permission form is required by a legal parent/guardian for all individuals under age 19. This applies to the Teen Driver Education class and permission must be acknowledged at time of registration by a parent/legal guardian. 
  • NSCN may issue a full refund up to 2 weeks prior to the start date of class. Cancellations within 2 weeks of start date are subject to a 25% cancellation fee.  I must notify NSCN as soon as possible of the need to reschedule or cancel.  A (7) seven day advanced notice to reschedule or cancel is required to avoid a rescheduling fee of 50.00. Due to the high demand for Driver Education – NO REFUNDS will be given once a class has started. I may reschedule as space permits for a onetime fee of $50.00. Payment is due at the time of rescheduling.
  • A reschedule fee of $50 will be accessed to changes made to classroom session or drive session within 24 hours of the originally schedulded date.
  • I understand there may be ADDITIONAL FEES for missed classroom sessions, additional drive sessions, and/or re-test of drive test. 
Register Now