Alaska Drivers License Instructions

DMV got you confused? Check out our easy instructions for getting your Alaska drivers license.

1. Study for the Alaska learners permit / instruction permit test

2. Apply for your Alaska learners permit / instruction permit

3. Practice driving under supervision

4. Taking the driving test for the Alaska provisional license / drivers license

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4

1. Study for the Alaska learners permit / instruction permit test

In order to get the Alaska instruction permit and eventually the Alaska drivers license, everyone regardless of age must pass a written test on traffic laws and signs. Most people fail this test on their first try.

Pass the first time when you learn the rules of the road with DriversEd.com and prepare for the instruction permit test with our Alaska DMV practice permit tests. Our online practice permit tests are free when you purchase our online Alaska drivers education course. Read on for details!

Drivers education is not mandatory in Alaska. However, it’s always a good idea for new drivers to take an Alaska drivers education course. With quality drivers education, you can:

Learn the rules of the road and essential safe driving skills
Have a better chance of passing your learners permit test
Qualify for an auto insurance discount (where applicable)

Take the DriversEd.com Alaska drivers education course online at your own pace and on your own schedule.

2. Apply for your Alaska learners permit / instruction permit

Apply for the instruction permit at your local DMV.
In order to be eligible for the Alaska instruction permit, you must:

Be at least 14 years old. (If the applicant is under 18 years of age, they must have parental consent to obtain an original permit.)

Bring identification documents

• The applicant is required to furnish two pieces of identification, one to prove date of birth and one to prove identity.

• The following documents are acceptable for proving date of birth:

a. An original or certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate A Passport issued by the United States or Canada An identification card issued by a State DMV office or Canadian DMV.
b. Military Identification for active duty, retiree or reservist.

• The following documents are acceptable for proving identity:

a. Photographic employee identification card A social security card (If a number has been assigned to you, it is required on the application). Metal card is not acceptable. Military Identification for dependent Passport Pilot's License Marriage license or certificate.
b. Other evidence of comparable validity approved by a DMV supervisor.

Pay the applicable fee.

Pass a vision exam.

Pass a written examination. This test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition. If failed, the test may be retaken the following day. If failed the second time, you must wait at least one week to retake. Individuals who can understand the English language, but are unable to read or have difficulty reading it may obtain assistance from a Motor Vehicle employee in taking the written test.

Once you pass the test, you will be issued an instruction permit.
• This instruction permit is valid for two years from the date of issuance.
• When driving, the person with the instruction permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, with at least one year of driving experience. The licensed driver must occupy the seat beside the driver.

3. Practice driving under supervision

Once you have your Alaska instruction permit:

If you are under 18, you must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months and you must complete least 40 hours of driving practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, with at least one year of driving experience. This must include at least 10 hours of driving in challenging circumstances such as inclement weather and nighttime driving.

DriversEd.com can help make this supervised driving period less stressful. Our Behind-the-Wheel Training Guide teaches important concepts and guides parents step-by-step through the process of teaching their teen to drive. It also comes with a FREE Passenger Side Rear-View Mirror which allows you to see exactly what your teen sees when behind the wheel.

4. Taking the driving test for the AK provisional / drivers license

Schedule a driving test in advance by contacting your local DMV.
In order to be eligible for the Alaska drivers license, you must:

Be 16 years old.
Have held your instruction permit for at least 6 months if under 18.
Have NOT been convicted of a violation of a traffic law within the six months before you apply for your provisional driver license
Bring an appropriate currently registered vehicle for the test and proof of insurance. The vehicle will be checked for required equipment.
Have your parent/guardian certify that you have completed least forty (40) hours of driving practice with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age, with at least one year of driving experience. This must include at least ten (10) hours of driving in challenging circumstances such as inclement weather and nighttime driving.
Pay the test fee: $15
Submit a notarized Parent Consent form is required prior to issuance of a license for applicants under 18. If your parent or guardian will not be accompanying you to the DMV for your appointment, you must obtain the form ahead of time and bring it with you in order to obtain your license. The form must be completed in ink.

Once you pass the road test, you will be issued a provisional license if under 18 or a regular license.

Provisional License Restrictions--- During the provisional license stage which is a minimum of six months and can remain in effect up to the age of 18, you:

MAY NOT carry passengers unless one of the passengers is a parent, legal guardian or a person at least 21 years of age.
MAY carry, without a parent in the vehicle, passengers if they are siblings.
MAY NOT operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 1:00 am and 5:00 am unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or a person at least 21 years of age who is licensed to drive the type or class of vehicle being used.
MAY operate a motor vehicle between 1:00am and 5:00am to or from your place of employment or within the scope of your employment and driving is along the most direct route.

After six months of violation free driving and no illegal use of alcohol or drugs, you may have the provisional restriction removed. If you are convicted of violating a traffic law or of violating AS 04.16.050 (c) (repeat minor consuming alcohol) while holding a provisional driver license, you must wait an additional six months before you would be eligible for a regular driver license.

To remove a provisional restriction a new parental consent must be provided and a new driver license issued for a fee of $15.00. A driver 18 years of age or older may obtain a license without provisional restrictions without parental consent for a fee of $15.00.

Note: The passenger and hour restrictions do not apply if you have an “off system” license restricted to areas not connected to the land highway system or is not connected to a highway where average daily traffic volume is 499 or greater.

DriversEd.com is a privately held company and is in no way associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles or any other government agency. DriversEd.com does not claim any responsibility for the accuracy of the drivers license information posted within or for the business practices associated with any other schools listed on the DriversEd.com site. For up-to-date information, please consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles or vehicle registration agency. Also, DriversEd.com is not liable for any information or claims posted within third party links.