Road Test Language Options
Nebraska Road Test Language Help: Translators and DMV Instructions
Nebraska DMV allows human or digital translators to assist with road-test instructions and explanation of results. The translator does not ride along during the Class O drive test; DMV staff and the applicant are the only people in the vehicle.
Nebraska Road Test Language Options
Nebraska DMV's current examiner procedure does not use the old DL-26/five-business-day preapproval process described here. A human or digital translator may assist with the application process, including explaining drive-test instructions and the result. If the applicant does not have a translator, DMV staff may use a translation app or the department's phone translation service.
Can a translator explain Nebraska road-test instructions?
Yes. Translation help can be used to explain drive-test instructions before or around the test.
Can a translator ride in the car during my Nebraska road test?
No. Nebraska DMV requires DMV staff and the applicant to be the only people riding in the vehicle during the Class O drive test.
Can Nebraska DMV use phone translation for road-test instructions?
Yes. The examiner manual allows DMV staff to use the department's translation phone service when language assistance is needed.
Written-Test Language Options Are Separate
Knowledge-test language rules are separate from road-test translation. Nebraska's regular Class O written/audio formats are available in English, Spanish and ASL. Qualifying applicants may request the non-verbal picture test.
Are Nebraska written-test and road-test language rules the same?
No. The knowledge test uses Nebraska's approved test formats. The road test uses the standard drive-test process, with translation help allowed for instructions and results when needed.
Using a Translator for Nebraska Road-Test Instructions
You do not need to follow the old DL-26 preapproval process described in earlier copy. Current Nebraska DMV guidance allows human or digital translators during the application process, including drive-test instructions and explanation of results.
Do I need Form DL-26 before a Nebraska road test?
No current Nebraska standard-licensing form or examiner procedure establishes that DL-26 preapproval process. Use the current DMV translation procedure instead.
Preparing for Nebraska Road-Test Instructions in Another Language
Applicants should still understand the maneuvers they will be asked to perform, but Nebraska DMV allows translation help to explain drive-test instructions when needed.
| Command Category | Key Phrases to Know |
|---|---|
| Emergency | "Stop," "Brake now," "Pull over" |
| Turning | "Turn left," "Turn right," "Make a U-turn" |
| Lane Changes | "Change lanes," "Merge left," "Stay in this lane" |
| Parking | "Parallel park," "Back up," "Pull forward" |
A driver at Scottsbluff DMV failed three times by confusing "merge" with "change lanes." After three failures, you must complete a DMV-approved driving course or hold a learner's permit for 90 days.
- Clarification is allowed: Ask the examiner to repeat instructions before performing maneuvers
- Practice locations: Empty parking lots work best for command practice
- Vehicle requirements: All lights, signals, and brakes must work properly
- Retest policy: Cannot retake same day if you fail either test
For current road-test documents, licensing fees and office hours, use the dedicated Road Test Documents, Total Licensing Cost and DMV Hours pages.
LAST MODIFIED:JUN 12, 2026
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