NE Motorcycle Permit Test cheat sheet

Nebraska uses a graduated motorcycle endorsement: a Learner's Permit (LPE) followed by a full Motorcycle (Class M) endorsement on a valid operator's license.

Learner's Permit (LPE) applicant must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid Nebraska operator's license, and pass a vision screening plus the motorcycle knowledge test.

LPE holders may ride only during daylight hours, must wear a helmet, may not carry passengers, and may not ride on controlled-access highways (interstates/freeways).

An LPE is valid for one year; it may be renewed, but riders under 21 must also complete a DMV-approved Basic RiderCourse to advance.

Full Class M endorsement requires passing a motorcycle skills (riding) test, or presenting a completion card from a DMV-approved motorcycle safety course.

Applicants under 21 must complete the approved Basic RiderCourse before taking the skills test; those 21+ may test directly at a DMV examiner station.

Knowledge test fee and endorsement fee are separate; the motorcycle endorsement is added to the existing operator's license and expires with it.

A motorcycle-only license (Class M without a car license) is available to applicants who pass both the motorcycle and standard operator knowledge/skills tests.

Riders must carry the permit or license and present it to a peace officer on request; riding without a valid endorsement is a citable offense.

Red octagon = STOP; white triangle with red border and YIELD = slow or stop to give right-of-way; both require a full stop or yield before proceeding.

Yellow diamond = warning (curve, hill, intersection ahead); orange diamond = construction/work zone; fluorescent yellow-green = pedestrian/school warning.

White rectangular signs = regulatory (speed limits, lane use, no-turn); green = guide/distance; blue = services; brown = recreation/cultural.

A flashing red signal is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow means proceed with caution; a steady yellow means the light is about to turn red and you must stop if safe.

Solid yellow center line = no passing in either direction; broken yellow = passing allowed when clear; double solid yellow = no passing in both directions.

Solid white line marks the right edge or lane divider where lane changes are discouraged; broken white lines separate same-direction lanes and may be crossed when safe.

A white diamond symbol painted in a lane marks a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) or special-use lane; motorcycles are generally permitted in HOV lanes.

Pavement markings on Nebraska roads: stop lines are solid white bars; crosswalks are parallel white bars; railroad advance warnings use a yellow X and white RR pavement marking.

A round yellow sign with a black X and RR indicates a railroad crossing ahead; a white crossbuck marks the actual crossing and requires yielding to trains.

Follow the SIPDE process: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute - continuously, not once per hazard.

Use the two-second following rule in ideal conditions; add one second for each adverse factor (rain, darkness, gravel, heavy traffic).

Brake with both brakes simultaneously; front brake supplies most stopping power - squeeze progressively, do not grab.

In a curve, slow before entry, look through the turn to the exit, and roll on the throttle smoothly; brake before the lean, not during it.

Countersteering: push the handlebar in the direction you want to go - push left grip to turn left, push right grip to turn right (above walking speed).

Ride in the left, center, or right third of your lane to avoid the oily center strip and to maximize visibility and escape space.

Target fixation: look where you want to go, not at the hazard; your motorcycle follows your eyes.

In a skid, keep the handlebars straight, do not brake harder, and ease off the throttle; if the rear wheel locks, keep it locked until stopped.

Wear a DOT-compliant helmet, eye protection, and high-visibility gear; Nebraska requires eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

Nebraska requires a helmet for riders and passengers under 21 and for all riders with a learner's permit; eye protection is required unless the bike has a windshield.

Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane; no other vehicle may share the lane with a motorcycle, and two motorcycles may not ride side-by-side in one lane (they may stagger).

Lane splitting (riding between lanes of moving traffic) is not permitted in Nebraska; riders must stay within a single lane.

Motorcyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs, including full stops at stop signs and red lights; no special exemption for two-wheelers.

Headlight must be on at all times while riding; Nebraska requires motorcycles to have a functioning headlight and taillight.

Passengers must have a secure seat and footrests; carrying a passenger on a permit (LPE) is prohibited.

Riders must signal turns and lane changes at least 100 feet before the maneuver, using hand signals if turn signals are not equipped.

When sharing the road, motorcyclists should avoid blind spots, position for visibility, and never assume a driver has seen them; ride as if invisible.

Following too closely, reckless riding, and riding without a valid endorsement are citable offenses under Nebraska law.