Online driver’s license renewal update advances

A bill that would expand online renewals for driver’s licenses was advanced from general file Jan. 21.

LB158, introduced by Valentine Sen. Deb Fischer, would expand the upper age limit for online driver’s license renewals and provide opportunities for younger drivers to obtain new licenses online.

Current law permits individuals aged 21 to 65 who have DMV digital signatures and photos on file to renew their class O driver’s licenses or class M motorcyclist licenses online.

LB158 would extend this age range up to 72 and permit persons under 21 who have completed all required examinations to apply for their operator’s licenses electronically using rules prescribed by the DMV.

Fischer said an online application for licenses accomodates younger drivers who must pass through a graduated license process and, consequently, make annual trips to their county offices.

“Since no additional testing is required, it makes sense that a qualified young person can apply for his or her next permit or license through an online process,” Fischer said.

Ellsworth Sen. LeRoy Louden spoke in opposition to LB158, specifically the age limit for online renewals. He called for senators to remove the age limit and avoid treating a class of people differently, based solely on age.

“We need to have a sense of justice and fair play when we enact legislation,” Louden said.

The bill also would prohibit those who fail a driving test three times for a class O driver’s license or class M motorcyclist license from retaking the test until they complete a driver’s safety course or hold a learner’s permit, for which they would be eligible, at least 90 days.

Fischer said current law prohibits those who fail six successive tests for a license from retaking the test until they complete a driver’s safety course. She said LB158 would give those struggling with driving exams another option.

The bill advanced from general file on a 37-4 vote.