Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving
Defensive driving basics
The Nebraska exam expects you to spot hazards early and leave yourself an out. Use the three-second following rule in dry, daytime conditions; add more space in rain, snow, darkness, or when following a large truck or motorcycle. Scan far ahead, check mirrors regularly, and keep your hands free. Nebraska's hands-free law prohibits manual use of a handheld wireless device while driving, and a learner's permit holder should not use a phone except in an emergency.
Impairment and fatigue
Nebraska has zero tolerance for drivers under 21: a BAC of .02 or higher can lead to a DUI. For adults, .08 is the legal limit. Fatigue is impairment too: yawning, drifting, and missing signs mean you need to stop and rest, not turn up the radio. Safety belts must be worn by the driver and front-seat passengers, and all passengers under 18 are covered by Nebraska's belt law.
Worked example
You are driving in heavy rain and feel the steering go light as the tires ride on water. Ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking or sharp steering. Do not use cruise control in rain; it can maintain speed when you need to slow gradually.
Traps
Do not overdrive your headlights at night. Do not think a hands-free call is risk-free-it still takes attention. Do not use "I only had one drink" as a defense; impairment starts before .08. Do not rely on summer tires in Nebraska snow.