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.
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.
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.)
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).
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.
To renew your Nebraska driver's license at your local DMV office, you'll need to complete the following steps:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
You can also ask your health care provider to submit your request for a new or renewal permit through the online application portal.
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.
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