CDL Truck Driver in Nebraska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.
Jobs (NE)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cdl truck driver in Nebraska
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Nebraska, applicants must obtain a Commercial Driver's License from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with a fee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Nebraska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Nebraska requirements
| Licensing body | Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State license | Required |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate from a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry is required. A background check and fingerprinting are required for a Hazardous Materials endorsement. The Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) costs approximately $15 and must be held for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary (typically $150-$300) or are free if taken with the NE DMV. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. Licenses issued to individuals under 21 expire on their 21st birthday. Licenses issued to individuals 21 or older expire on their birthday in the fifth year after issuance. |
workspace_premium Nebraska license tiers
Nebraska offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleNebraska license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk