Nebraska Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

In Nebraska, more than 326,000 licensed drivers are 65 or older, and more than 30,000 are 85 or older. Although older drivers have fewer accidents than younger drivers, they're more likely to be killed in serious crashes, with seniors (65 and older) accounting for more than 19% of traffic fatalities in Nebraska in 2020.

To help keep roads safe, the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces licensing rules for drivers of all ages, with some specific rules for older drivers. For example, Nebraska driver's license renewal for seniors comes with a few additional requirements. And the DMV will evaluate a senior's driving ability based on concerns raised by family members, law enforcement, or others.

That's why it's important to understand how the senior driver laws in Nebraska might affect your license renewal and driving privileges as you get older.

Nebraska Driver's License Renewal Rules for Seniors

For all drivers 21 and older, including seniors, a Nebraska license expires on their birthday in the fifth year after it's issued. You can renew up to 90 days before your license expires and up to one year after expiration. (Neb. Rev. Stats. § 60-4,122(3).)

But other special license renewal rules apply to drivers 72 and older.

Can Older Nebraska Drivers Renew Their Licenses Online?

Most adult drivers (21 and older) can renew their Class O (operator's) licenses online twice in a row, but must renew in person every third time. You can renew a Nebraska CDL online every other time.

But these options apply to most drivers under 72. After age 72, you must renew in person at a DMV licensing office. (Younger drivers must also renew in person if they have certain restrictions like wearing bioptic or telescopic lenses or being restricted to daylight driving.)

Do Nebraska Seniors Need a Vision Test at License Renewal?

The Nebraska DMV requires drivers who renew in person to prove their vision meets minimum standards. That means seniors 72 and older must pass an eye test each time they renew their driver's licenses.

DMV personnel will conduct a free vision screening, or drivers can have an exam performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist within 90 days of the renewal request (which is required if you fail the DMV's vision test). Your eye doctor must then complete a Vision Statement (which you can download from the DMV's standard licensing forms).

Do Older Drivers Need a Written or Driving Test to Renew Licenses?

Nebraska doesn't require drivers to retest at license renewal based on age. But the DMV can require you to pass a knowledge or road test if there's reason to believe you have a medical condition or vision impairment that might affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

You'll also need to retake the written and driving tests if your license has expired for 12 months or more or has been suspended, revoked, or canceled.

How to Renew Your Driver's License as a Nebraska Senior

To renew your Nebraska driver's license at your local DMV office, you'll need to complete the following steps:

• Download and complete a New, Renewal, or Replacement Data Form (available in English or Spanish) or complete one at the licensing office.
• Present the following documents:
• proof of identification (must include your name and date of birth), and
• two forms of proof of address (if not already verified, or if you've moved).
• Pass the DMV's vision screening (or provide a Vision Statement from your eye care provider).
• Have a new license photo taken.
• Pay the appropriate license fees. (Note that some local license offices don't accept checks, and some others don't take credit or debit cards. Check before you go.)

Possible Driver's License Restrictions for Nebraska Seniors

The DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a driver's license if needed to ensure safety based on a self-reported condition, a doctor's statement, or DMV observation.

The most common restriction for older Nebraska drivers is requiring corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. Other common restrictions the DMV can add to your license include:

• requiring specific equipment on the vehicle, such as:
• mechanical aids
• automatic transmission
• outside mirrors, or
• automatic turn signals, and
• adding driving restrictions, like:
• no nighttime driving
• no interstate driving
• only driving within a specified geographic area, or
• only driving below a specified maximum speed.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Nebraska

Nebraska law allows the DMV to require a driver to submit to retesting or require medical certification if there's reason to question the driver's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. (Neb. Rev. Stats. § 60-4,118.)

The Nebraska DMV can require drivers to prove they're physically and/or mentally fit to drive when:

• a driver self-reports a medical condition that could impair driving ability
• a driver fails a vision exam
• a law enforcement officer requests a driver re-examination, or
• someone (like family or friends) reports they have personal knowledge that a driver might be unsafe behind the wheel.

To report a driver with a physical or mental condition that might affect the ability to drive safely, complete a Citizen Reexamination Report. You can download the form from the DMV's website, under the standard licensing forms tab.

Complete the form, giving as much detail as you can about the driver's condition and your observations. Although you must sign the form, you don't have to allow the DMV to release your name. Mail the report to the address on the form.

How to Get a Driver's License Reinstated in Nebraska

For information on how to get your license back after suspension or revocation in Nebraska, contact your local DMV licensing office. You can also check your eligibility and requirements for reinstatement online.

How Do Seniors Get and Renew Disabled Parking Placards or License Plates?

Nebraska issues "handicapped" parking permits and license plates to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition. The special parking placards and plates are available for those who have:

• a visual impairment limiting the ability to travel more than 200 feet unassisted
• a physical impairment limiting the ability to travel more than 200 feet unassisted
• respiratory problems limiting personal mobility
• a severe cardiac condition, or
• permanent loss of the use of one or more limbs.

The state issues permanent parking placards (blue), temporary placards (red), and disabled parking license plates.

You'll need to renew a permanent placard every six years. Temporary placards are valid for three to six months and can be renewed once. You must renew disability plates every year, just like other Nebraska license plates.

The application process for getting and renewing permanent and temporary parking permits is the same:

• Download and complete your portion of the Application for Handicapped Parking.
• Have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner complete the medical certification portion of the form.
• Mail the original application to the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles address on the form.

You can also ask your health care provider to submit your request for a new or renewal permit through the online application portal.

Learn More About Nebraska Driving Rules for Seniors

The DMV website has a wealth of information for Nebraska drivers. Of special interest is the "Driver's Manual," which includes information on driving regulations and explanations of rules of the road. It's available for download in English or Spanish, and there's an audio version too. You'll also find driver training and testing resources and a list of state-approved driver training schools.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) also maintains an "Older Drivers" resource page. It offers information about how aging can affect driving skills, along with safety tips and other resources for senior drivers.