Nebraska · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in Nebraska

In Nebraska you pass a vision test and your CDL written tests at a DMV office, then pay $15 for a CLP. The permit is good for 1 year.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free Nebraska permit classroom Official Nebraska CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $15
Permit valid for: 1 year
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Gather one proof of citizenship or lawful status, one proof of identity, your SSN and two Nebraska address proofs.
2Fill out the CDL Self Certification Chart.
3Get a DOT medical card from a National Registry examiner if you drive non-excepted.
4Pass the vision test and General Knowledge test at a DMV driver licensing office.
5Pass any class or endorsement tests you need and pay $15 for your CLP.
6Hold your CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT with a registered provider.
7Call 402-471-7983 yourself to book your skills test.

What to bring

One U.S.-based document proving citizenship or lawful status, like a birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate or Permanent Resident Card
One document proving identity (a REAL ID-compliant license or ID works for this)
Your Social Security number — required for every CLP applicant
Two documents from different sources showing your Nebraska address, dated within 90 days (no P.O. boxes)
Your completed CDL Self Certification Chart

Medical card

You pick one of four driving categories on the CDL Self Certification Chart. If you drive non-excepted, interstate or intrastate, your medical certificate must be on the National Registry. The DMV may also ask for a copy of your medical card.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit$10 permit + $5 security fee. Same price for a replacement or a class or endorsement change.	$15
CDL (5 years)$55 + $5 security surcharge.	$60

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

Vision test (everyone)
General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Passenger, School Bus and Tank endorsements (if you want them on your CLP)

Testing in Nebraska

Audio versions of written tests, except HazMat, are offered at every driver licensing office.
If you fail a written or skills test, wait at least one day to retest.
Skills tests are by appointment only, and you must call to book it yourself.
The DMV offers a free online CDL practice test.

Study for these tests in the Nebraska classroom

Good to know in Nebraska

CLPs are issued for Class A and B, with P, S and N endorsements allowed.
If your CLP expires before you pass all three skills test parts, you must retake all of them.
Non-citizens are checked through the federal SAVE system at every visit.

Non-domiciled applicants

Nebraska issues non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs only to people from a foreign country (not Canada or Mexico) with H-2A, H-2B or E-2 status, or from a state FMCSA has decertified. Your status is verified at every visit.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether the CLP can be renewed — ask the DMV.
Knowledge, skills and retest fees, including what third-party testers charge — confirm before you go.
Which languages written tests are offered in — ask the DMV.
The vision standard for the CDL — ask the DMV.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Nebraska gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.