Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping both older drivers and Nebraska’s highways safe.
More than 166,500 licensed drivers in Nebraska are 70 and older, with approximately 10,000 being 90 and older.
While the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces a plethora of laws and regulations that apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes certain unique requirements and limits on senior drivers.
The Nebraska state standards are discussed in further detail below, but many of them concentrate on recognizing and dealing with elderly drivers who may have become risky.
Nebraska, in particular:
Drivers 72 and older must renew their licenses in person, and the DMV accepts requests from family members and others for dangerous driving investigations.
Drivers 72 and older who want to renew their licenses must follow special criteria.
All drivers must renew their licenses every five years; those 72 and older must renew in person.
A vision exam is required at the time of in-person renewal. Drivers may have a free test conducted by DMV workers, or they can have an exam performed by an independent ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must file a Statement of Vision and conduct the exam within 90 days of the renewal request.
Written test: At the discretion of DMV staff, the written exam may be waived.
Road test: At the discretion of DMV employees, the road test may be waived.
After conducting a driving test and discussing potential limits with the driver, the DMV may impose restrictions or conditions on his or her driver’s license.
The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.
Other frequent regulations that the DMV may put on elderly drivers in Nebraska include:
mechanical aids on the vehicle vehicle equipped with automatic transmission outside mirrors on the vehicle no nighttime driving no interstate driving vehicle equipped with automatic turn signals driving within a specified geographic area driving not to exceed a specified speed and other DMV restrictions.
The Nebraska DMV will collect reports from anybody who has firsthand knowledge that a motorist is driving dangerously.
Those who are worried that a driver’s physical or mental condition may impair his or her ability to drive safely should fill out a Citizen Examination Report and submit it to the Driver Licensing Division listed on the form. A person making a report might request that it be kept private.
Contact one of the DMV Driver Licensing Offices located around Nebraska for information on how to reinstate a suspended or revoked license.
Drivers with restricted mobility may be awarded disabled parking permits and license plates provided a qualified medical practitioner confirms the condition.
Placards and license plates are offered to people who have:
To receive a disability parking permit or plate, follow these steps:
Nebraska drivers may find a plethora of information on the DMV website.
The “Driver’s Manual,” which contains information on driving requirements as well as explanations of road rules and is accessible in both written and audio formats, is particularly interesting.
The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) also has a “Older Drivers” website with information on how aging may influence driving abilities, as well as safety suggestions and local services for senior drivers. In Nebraska, a variety of organizations provide “competency exams” for senior drivers. A list of state-approved Driver Training Schools is also provided.
