In Nebraska, you must obtain a motorcycle license before you can legally operate any two or three wheeled vehicle within the state. This includes motorcycles, mopeds and motorized scooters. Therefore, it is important to review how to apply for a license, including the requirements that you must meet, the documentation that you must present, fees, testing requirements and application methods. If you have an out-of-state motorbike license that you would like to transfer to a Nebraska license after establishing residency, you must do so within 30 days.

A DMV motorcycle endorsement can be obtained whether you already have a standard driver’s license or not, however, additional testing will be required if you have not yet obtained your license. License requirements and restrictions will also vary by age. You can learn more about the application process and all of the requirements in Nebraska by reviewing the sections that have been provided below.

What is a Nebraska motorcycle endorsement?

A Nebraska motorcycle endorsement can be added to any class of license that has been issued within the state, so long as an applicant meets the various requirements for doing so and submits an application. However, in addition to an endorsement, applicants can apply for a motorcycle-only license if they have not been previously licensed to drive within the state and do not hold an out-of-state license.

Motorcycle Permit Requirements in Nebraska

The minimum motorcycle permit age in Nebraska is 15. However, Nebraska learner’s permits are for both motorcycles and standard vehicles. There is no motorcycle-only permit within the state. Therefore, it is important to know that minors can obtain a permit at 15, a license cannot be obtained until 17.

General requirements for a motorcycle permit in Nebraska include:

• You must be a resident of Nebraska.
• You must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident of the United States.
• You must have a valid Social Security Number that can be verified through the Social Security Administration, unless you can provide proof of SSN exemption.
• You must be able to provide the appropriate documentation and fees.
• You must be able to pass a vision exam.
• You must be able to pass a general road and Nebraska traffic law knowledge exam.

Required Documents

Documentation requirements for a motorcycle permit in Nebraska are:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status, containing name, date of birth and identity.
• Two forms of proof of Nebraska address.

Nebraska Motorcycle Permit Rules and Restrictions

It is important to ask, “What does a motorcycle permit allow you to do in Nebraska?” in order to ensure that you remain in accordance of state and local laws. In Nebraska, permit holders are permitted to operate a motorcycle if under the direct supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is within visual contact. Permit holders may not carry passengers.

How to Get a Motorcycle Permit in Nebraska

You can apply for a motorcycle permit by visiting a Nebraska DMV in person and submitting an application along with the appropriate documentation and fees. During your visit, you must also be able to successfully pass a vision exam and a general written exam. This exam is not motorcycle specific. The written test will be waived for:

• Holders of a school learner’s permit (LPE)
• Holders of a school permit (SCP)
• Individuals who have a learner’s permit that has not been expired for one year or longer.

A temporary permit will be issued at the DMV for applicants who qualify. This permit does not override your Nebraska driver’s license, if you have one.

Nebraska Motorcycle License Requirements

The minimum motorcycle license age in Nebraska is 17. However, individuals who are under the age of 18 are not permitted to obtain a M endorsement until they have held a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) for at least 12 months and have not received three or more points on their driving record during the previous 12 months.

General requirements for a motorcycle license include:

• You must be a resident of Nebraska.
• You must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident of the United States.
• You must have a valid Social Security Number that can be verified through the Social Security Administration, unless you can provide proof of SSN exemption.
• You must be able to provide the appropriate documentation and fees.
• You must be able to pass a vision exam.
• The ability to pass a motorcycle endorsement written exam.

Adults who are at least 18 years of age who are applying for a first time license and have never held a Provisional Operator’s Permit will be required to successfully pass both a motorcycle written exam and a general written exam.

To obtain a motorcycle license, both adults and teens are required to take a road skill exam, unless a basic motorcycle education course has been completed.

Required Documents

Documentation requirements for a motorcycle license in Nebraska are:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status, containing name, date of birth and identity.
• Two forms of proof of Nebraska address.
• Certificate of completion from an approved basic motorcycle education course, if the skills exam and/or written exam will be waived.

How to Get a Motorcycle License in Nebraska

When asking, “How long does it take to get a motorcycle license in Nebraska?” it is important to understand that there are several factors that could influence the amount of time that it could take you to receive a license, including the tests that you will be required to complete and whether or not you take an approved motorcycle education course.

If you are wondering where to get a motorcycle license, it is worth knowing that you cannot submit an application online or by mail and therefore must visit a DMV location in person. When submitting your application, you will need to provide the DMV with numerous documents as well as the fee for your license. However, you will also be required to successfully pass a road skill exam or complete a motorcycle education course for a road skill exam waiver.

Getting a Nebraska Motorcycle License as a New Resident

Getting a motorcycle license as a new resident to Nebraska is often simpler if you already have a valid out of state license. After establishing residency within the state, you are required to visit a DMV in person to have your license transferred over to a Nebraska license within 30 days. During your visit, you will be required to surrender your license and provide the appropriate documentation and fees for your application. If you have a valid license that includes a motorcycle endorsement, you can transfer your license without having to commit to additional testing. However, if your license is expired, testing may still be required.

Required Motorcycle Classes in Nebraska

Nebraska motorcycle classes are never required to obtain a learner’s permit or license for a motorcycle. However, these courses are strongly encouraged and provide new riders with numerous benefits such as:

• A certificate of completion that can be provided to the DMV to waive a road skill exam.
• The ability to learn how to operate a motorcycle in a safe and lawful manner.
• Defensive riding skills and knowledge.
• Discounts on car insurance through participating auto insurers.

A Nebraska motorcycle safety course is a minimum of 14 hours with at least four hours of classroom instruction and at last 10 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. The basic rider training course will include the following topics:

• The effects of alcohol and drugs while operating a motorcycle.
• Safety equipment and recommended apparel.
• Riding skills and evasive maneuvers.
• The location of controls and pre-ride procedures.
• Balance and control of a motorcycle.

Motorcycle training cannot be completed online in the state and enrollment is limited so it is important to register in a course quickly as classes do fill. Fees can range from one provider to the next as they are not regulated by the state, so it can be important to review several approved course providers in your area before completing an enrollment.

Nebraska DMV Motorcycle Test Details

There are various motorcycle tests in Nebraska that you may need to complete, depending on whether or not you have previously been licensed in the state and whether or not you choose to complete a motorcycle education course. Potential tests include two written (knowledge) exams as well as a road skill exam.

Motorcycle Written Test

The motorcycle permit test is an exam that is required to obtain a learner permit to practice driving a motorcycle or a standard vehicle. This exam is only required if you have not previously been licensed within the state or if you do not currently hold a learner’s permit. This exam is not motorcycle specific, but rather covers general road signs, safe driving practices and Nebraska traffic laws and regulations.

The other written motorcycle test is motorcycle specific and will include basic information regarding motorcycles, controls and the operation of a motorcycle. If you intend to apply for a license without the completion of an approved basic motorcycle education course. If you do complete the course, your certificate of completion will waive this exam.

Motorcycle Road Test

The driving motorcycle license test will evaluate your ability to safely and lawfully operate a motorcycle. For this test, you will be asked to perform a number of maneuvers, including braking, turning, swerving and communicating with other drivers. This exam will only be required if you are applying for a license and you did not complete the Nebraska basic motorcycle education course. If you did complete an approved course, your certificate of completion will waive this exam. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, should you fail the drive test three times, you will not be eligible to reapply until you:

• Can show proof of the successful completion of a DMV approved driver training course.

OR

• You hold a learner’s permit for a minimum of 90 days.

Do you need a motorcycle license to drive a scooter in Nebraska?

A motorcycle license is required to operate a scooter in Nebraska, regardless of the specs or maximum speeds of the scooter. Therefore, you will need to follow the steps for obtaining a license if you would like to drive a scooter within the state.

Nebraska Motorcycle License Costs

The motorcycle license cost in Nebraska is:

• Original Learners Permit — $10.50 ($13.50 for a replacement).

Motorcycle license — $26.50 (or less if the license will not be valid for five years).

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