A Nebraska CDL is required to operate certain commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles are determined by weight and function. Before applying for a CDL license, drivers must meet all of the state’s age and health requirements. In addition, written tests and driving examinations must be completed in full.

A commercial drivers license must be applied for in person, at a local DMV office. There are three types of NE CDL licenses available. Depending on the type of commerce being transported and the class of vehicle being operated, you may be required to obtain specific CDL endorsements.

CDL Requirements in Nebraska

All of the state’s CDL license requirements must be met before an application can be processed. In order to qualify for a license in Nebraska, drivers must:

• Be United States citizens or lawful residents.
• Be at least 18 years old to apply for an intrastate license.
• Be at least 21 years old to apply for an interstate license.
• Complete medical examinations, if applicable.
• Pass all written and driving tests.

How to Apply for a CDL Permit in Nebraska

An NE CDL permit must be held for at least 14 days before a full commercial license can be issued. CDL permits are valid for 180 days and must be used alongside a standard drivers license. To apply for a CDL learners permit, follow the required steps, which include:

1. Completing a CDL permit certification form. Applicants must self-certify as:
   1. Interstate non-excepted.
   2. Interstate excepted.
   3. Intrastate non-excepted.
   4. Intrastate excepted.
2. Providing a copy of your medical examiner’s certificate, if applicable.
3. Providing proof of citizenship or lawful presence, such as a United States passport.
4. Providing proof of identity.
5. Providing proof of residency in Nebraska. Applicants must provide two forms of proof, such as a recent bank statement and a valid Nebraska vehicle registration.
6. Providing proof of your Social Security Number.
7. Taking the vision test.
8. Passing all applicable written tests.
9. Paying the CDL permit

After getting CDL permit credentials, applicants may practice driving with a properly licensed CDL driver.

CDL Written Test in Nebraska

A CDL written test is required for all permits. Depending on the class of license for which you are applying, and the number of endorsements needed, you may be required to take multiple written exams. A CDL general knowledge test must be passed by all applicants, regardless of the application type.

Online CDL test options are not available in Nebraska, and must be taken in person at the DMV. CDL permit test questions are based on the following topics and endorsements:

• General knowledge
• Passenger transport
• Air brakes
• Combination vehicles
• Hazardous materials
• Tank vehicles
• Double and triple trailers
• School buses

Nebraska CDL Training Schools & Practice Tests

A CDL practice test may be taken online, through the state’s DMV website. The online practice test generates a random collection of questions. Applicants can select the number of questions they wish to answer at one time.

While drivers are not required to attend CDL school, drivers should not rely solely on the information provided in the manual. CDL training courses are typically available through third-party centers, and can be used to enhance your driving skills.

How to Get a CDL License in Nebraska

Before you apply for CDL licensure in NE, you must make an appointment for a skills test. Call 402-471-7983 and provide your drivers license number, phone number and email address. A CDL application must be submitted in person, at the DMV. Once you have passed the skills tests, bring the following items to a local office for processing:

• A completed self-certification form
• A valid medical examiner’s certificate
• Proof of citizenship or lawful presence
• Proof of identity, Social Security Number and NE address
• Payment for the CDL license

CDL Driving Test in Nebraska

All drivers must complete a practical CDL test before receiving their full licenses. Exceptions may apply. Driving skills tests are provided at the NE DMV, or at one of the state’s third-party centers. The practical CDL driving test is comprised of three stages. Drivers must complete each stage to qualify for a license. The stages include the:

1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection
2. Basic vehicle control test
3. On-road test

CDL test sample videos are available online. The NE CDL handbook may be used to study for the basic control and on-road sections of the exam.

How to Get a CDL as a Military Member in Nebraska

A military CDL may be applied for without completing the skills test. However, not all service members are eligible. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be currently serving in the armed forces, or have served within the past 12 months.
• Be operating – or have operated – vehicles equivalent to a commercial vehicle.

If you are eligible, complete the military CDL skills waiver form and apply for a permit. All applicable written knowledge tests must be passed, and cannot be waived using this form.

CDL Medical Exams in Nebraska

New NE DOT physical requirements must be met by all applicants. In addition to the state’s mandatory vision tests, drivers may be required to submit a medical examiner’s certificate. However, only those who certify as “interstate non-excepted” are required to present the DMV with a copy of the certificate.

A CDL medical exam must be completed by a DOT medical examiner registered with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. Certificate copies may be emailed, faxed or mailed to the DMV, and must be kept up-to-date at all times.

Types of CDL Classes in Nebraska

There are three types of commercial licenses in Nebraska. A Class A license must be held for certain vehicles weighing at least 26,001, while a Class C CDL must be held when operating vehicles weighing less than 26,001 pounds and carrying hazardous materials, or at least 16 passengers. A Class B CDL must be held when operating a single vehicle weighing at least 26,001. Additional requirements may apply.

Types of CDL Endorsements in Nebraska

A CDL endorsement refers to a specific type of vehicle, attribute or cargo. Depending on the situation, you may be required to add an endorsement to your CDL license. Available CDL endorsement types in Nebraska include the below:

• H: Hazmat Endorsement
• P: Passenger Endorsement
• N: Tanker Endorsement
• S: School Bus Endorsement
• T: Doubles/Triple Trailers Endorsement
• X: Combination Tanker and Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Interstate vs. Intrastate Commercial Drivers Licenses in Nebraska

An intrastate CDL allows drivers to operate commercial vehicles within Nebraska, but not cross state lines. In contrast, an interstate CDL allows drivers to operate commercial vehicles outside of the state of Nebraska and internationally. Note that drivers must be at least 21 years old to qualify for the interstate license.

Commercial Driving License Fees in Nebraska

The NE CDL license cost is based on various factors. Permit fees, test fees and the length of the license may affect the overall cost of the card. The NE CDL permit cost includes a $2.50 security surcharge fee. See below for a breakdown of all NE CDL fees:

• Original CDL permit: $12.50
• Five-year CDL license: 57.50
• Four-year CDL license: $46.50
• Three-year CDL license: 35.50
• Two-year CDL license: $24.50
• One-year CDL license: $13.50
• Endorsement, class or restriction change: $12.50

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