There are 25 questions on the Nebraska school permit test, and you need 80% to pass, so you can miss 5. It is the same Class O written test used for every Nebraska car permit, given by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many students never take it for the school permit (SCP), though: the written test is waived if you finish a DMV-approved driver safety course, or if you already hold a valid LPE or LPD and use the 50-hour certification route.
Nebraska school permit test at a glance
| Detail | What the DMV says |
|---|---|
| Questions | 25 on the Class O written test |
| Pass mark | 80%, so you can miss 5 |
| Non-verbal version | 24 questions, miss up to 4 |
| Languages | Written and audio in English, Spanish and American Sign Language, plus a non-verbal test |
| Score valid | 6 months after you pass |
| Same-day retest | Not allowed |
| Driving test for the SCP | Required, unless you complete a DMV-approved driver safety course |
| SCP fee | $13.00 ($8.00 fee plus $5.00 security fee) |
The question counts, retest rules and SCP testing rules come from the Nebraska DMV Driver License Examiner manual (June 2025). The age, eligibility and fee details come from the SCP page at dmv.nebraska.gov.
How many questions are on the Nebraska school permit test?
If you have to take it, 25. Nebraska does not have a separate, shorter test for the school permit. It uses the Class O written test, the same one for the School Learner's Permit (LPE) and the Learner's Permit (LPD). The DMV also offers a 24-question non-verbal version for applicants who have trouble reading English or Spanish.
When the written test is waived
- You completed a DMV-approved driver safety course and the DMV received your results. The written and driving tests are both waived.
- You use the 50-hour certification and hold a valid LPE or LPD, or one that expired less than a year ago. The written test is waived, but you still take the vision and driving tests.
- Motorcycle applicants who finished a Nebraska-approved motorcycle safety course in the last 24 months can have the motorcycle written test waived.
In practice, most students take the 25-question test once, at 14, for the LPE. That LPE is what later lets them skip the written test for the SCP.
Who can get a Nebraska school permit
- Age: at least 14 years 2 months, and younger than 16 years 3 months when it is issued.
- Where you live or study: you must live outside a city of 5,000 or more, or attend a school outside a city of 5,000 or more.
- Prior permit: you must have held an LPE or LPD for at least 2 months.
- Training: either a DMV-approved driver safety course, or a 50-hour certification signed by a parent, guardian or licensed driver 21 or older, with at least 10 of the hours between sunset and sunrise.
The DMV's summary of the SCP also mentions living 1.5 miles or more from school, but the page does not spell that rule out. Ask your local driver licensing office if distance matters in your case.
The steps, in order
- Age 14: get the LPEPass the vision test and the 25-question written test. The LPE is valid six months and costs $13.00.
- Practice for at least 2 monthsDrive with a licensed driver 21 or older in the seat beside you.
- Finish trainingComplete a DMV-approved driver safety course, or log 50 hours with 10 at night on the DMV's certification form.
- Apply for the SCPWith a completed course, you may be able to apply online. Otherwise, visit a driver licensing office for the vision and driving tests.
- Drive to schoolThe SCP expires at 16 years 3 months, when most students move to a provisional permit.
What you can do with a school permit
- Drive alone directly to and from school, and between schools you are enrolled in.
- Drive yourself or family members who live with you to school courses and school activities.
- Drive any time when a licensed driver 21 or older is with you.
- Every passenger must wear a seat belt or ride in a child restraint.
If you fail the written test
You cannot retake it the same day. The June 2025 examiner manual says to wait one day between tests 1 through 5. After a 6th failure, you must finish an approved driver training course or wait 90 days from your last test. A passed test stays good for 6 months.
Nebraska permit test practice: how to prepare
- Read the Nebraska Driver's Manual from dmv.nebraska.gov. It comes in English and Spanish, with an audio version.
- Try the DMV's own practice exam. Each answer points to the manual page that covers it.
- Take DMVZone's free Nebraska practice tests and write down every miss.
- Learn road signs by shape and color, then by meaning.
- Book your visit when you score 23 or more of 25 several times in a row.
FAQ
How many questions are on the Nebraska school permit test?
25 on the Class O written test, with 80% needed to pass. It is often waived for the SCP if you hold a valid LPE or LPD or completed a driver safety course.
Is the Nebraska permit test the same as the school permit test?
Yes. Nebraska uses the same 25-question Class O written test for the LPE, LPD and SCP.
How many questions can you miss on the Nebraska permit test?
Five. You need 80%, which is 20 of 25.
Is there Nebraska permit test practice from the DMV?
Yes. The DMV has an online practice exam that points to manual pages. DMVZone also has free Nebraska practice tests.
Do I need a driving test for the school permit?
Yes, unless you completed a DMV-approved driver safety course. With the 50-hour certification you take the vision and driving tests.
