Ukrainian refugees can now get a Nebraska driver's license
A small group of refugees set out to get their licenses today, but faced some common struggles. Here's everything you need to know about the documents needed.
A small group of refugees set out to get their licenses today, but faced some common struggles. Here's everything you need to know about the documents needed.
A small group of refugees set out to get their licenses today, but faced some common struggles. Here's everything you need to know about the documents needed.
A small group of Ukrainian refugees from a church in Lincoln woke up bright and early for the DMV on a mission to get their driver's licenses. However, some confusion slowed down the process.
Oleksii Earkaloe was one person among the group. In Ukrainian he said he was happy he finally has the opportunity to do so.
"It was definitely a happy day and we are finally rejoicing that they come to conclusion that we can get the license," he said.
Until this week, Ukrainian refugees weren't able to get a driver's license in the state of Nebraska. Earkaloe said that's impacted how he's adjusted to life in a new country.
"It's very challenging to find a ride to do simple things through the day," he said.
Today, he and a few others like Sergii and Svitlana Iytvak took the first steps to get their licenses. They waited in line, filled out paperwork and made appointments to complete the process.
"We can move on and start to adjust to our communities and be a productive part of society, it's definitely a happy day," Sergii Iytvak said.
The group went to get walk-in appointments but faced some struggles like not having the right documents.
Rhonda Lahm the director of the DMV said the application process requires showing proof of legal status and residence and identification documents.
"The application process for them would be the same as for all other applicants or new applicants to Nebraska," Lahm said.
New applicants must also get a permit first, then make an appointment for a driving test.
While Earkaloe didn't get his license today, he's grateful he's able to go through the process and to those who made it possible.
"We can finally start using that privilege to start having a license, definitely grateful, not just me a lot of people from Ukrainian community," he said.
Lahm says summer is the DMV's busiest time of year so refugees attempting to get their license may face trouble landing appointments. She said other options are waking up early for walk-ins or visiting a DMV in another county that may have more appointments.