Alaska · Handbook chapter 1 · 8 min read

How to get an Alaska instruction permit and license: license classes, documents, parental consent, the vision and knowledge tests, supervised practice, provisional license limits, the road test and fees.

Why this chapter matters

The knowledge test can ask about the licensing rules themselves, and new drivers are often tested on the permit and provisional license limits. Learn these numbers: 14, 16, 21, two years, six months, 40 hours, 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 20/40.

Who needs an Alaska license

Anyone who drives a motor vehicle on Alaska streets, highways or other public property needs a valid Alaska license or permit. There are a few exceptions:

• A visitor aged 16 or older with a valid license from another state or country, but a new resident must get an Alaska license within 90 days of arriving.
• A member of the U.S. armed forces, and a spouse over 18, who holds a valid license from the state where they keep their permanent home. Other dependents must get an Alaska license.
• A person moving farm equipment for a short distance on a highway.
• A federal employee driving a U.S. government vehicle on official business.
• A commercial driver whose home is in another state.

License classes and permits

Alaska has seven license classes and two kinds of permit.

Instruction permits let you practice. The IP permit is for ordinary non-commercial vehicles, the IM permit is for motorcycles of 50cc or more, and the IE permit is valid only while a licensed driving school instructor supervises you.

Getting an instruction permit

You can get an instruction permit when you turn 14. It is valid for two years and can be renewed one time. To get it you must:

1. Prove your identity, date of birth and lawful presence, your residence address, and your Social Security number.
2. Pass the vision test and the written knowledge test.
3. Under 18, have a parent or guardian give consent.
4. Pay $15.

Who may supervise you

While you hold a permit, you must drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and has at least one year of driving experience in the same type or class of vehicle. In a car, that person must sit in the seat beside you. For a motorcycle or scooter, the supervisor must keep you in sight and under immediate supervision.

Parental consent

Anyone under 18 applying for a permit or license needs a parent or guardian to sign the consent on the back of the application, Form D1. If the parent cannot come, bring a notarized Form 433. The person who signs may be held responsible for damages if the minor causes a crash through negligence or willful misconduct. A separate consent is needed for each type of permit or license, and only the person who signed can withdraw it, in writing. The DMV then cancels the minor's license or permit.

The vision test

Every driver takes a vision test before any license or permit is issued, including renewals and duplicates. You need at least 20/40 in each eye or with both eyes together. If you need glasses or contacts to meet the standard, you must wear them while driving. You may instead hand in a certified statement from a licensed physician or optometrist.

The knowledge test

The General Knowledge Test has 20 questions, you need 16 correct to pass, and you have 25 minutes. It covers only what is in the Alaska Driver Manual: traffic laws, safe driving practices and highway sign recognition. You can take it at a DMV office or online through the state's online testing system, which offers multiple languages and audio playback; fees may apply online. The DMV also lists approved knowledge test proctors in many communities, including rural villages.

• If you fail, you may take the test again the following day.
• If you understand spoken English but have trouble reading, you may bring someone to read the questions to you, but you must answer on your own.
• You may not use the manual during the test.

You need the written test if you are not licensed in Alaska, if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if your privilege was revoked.

The provisional license

Drivers aged 16 and 17 get a provisional license first. To get one you must:

• Have held a valid permit for at least six months.
• Have a parent, legal guardian or employer certify that you have practiced for at least 40 hours, with at least 10 hours of that time in harder conditions that build up gradually, such as bad weather and darkness.
• Have no traffic conviction in the six months before you apply.
• Pass the road test and bring parental consent.

Provisional license limits

The DMV's provisional license page says you may not carry passengers under 21 other than siblings. The manual words the rule a little differently: no passengers unless one of them is a parent, legal guardian or person aged 21 or older, with siblings allowed. Follow the DMV's current page.

The passenger and night limits do not apply to an "off system" license for areas not connected to the road system, or connected only to a highway with average daily traffic below 499 vehicles.

Leaving the provisional stage

The provisional stage lasts at least six months and can last until you turn 18. After six months with no traffic convictions and no alcohol or drug convictions, you can have the restrictions removed with a new parental consent and a new license for $15. At 18 the restrictions end anyway.

The road test

You need a road test if you have never been licensed, have not held a valid license for the past five years, or had your privilege revoked. A driver with a valid license from another state usually does not. The DMV fee is $15; approved third-party testers set their own fees.

• Bring a currently registered vehicle with proof of insurance. It is checked for required equipment first.
• No one else may ride along during the test.
• You are graded on tasks such as starting and stopping, parallel parking or a three-point turn, a quick stop, backing, signals, turns, lane changes, speed control, following, signs and signals, intersections and general control.
• You fail automatically for breaking a traffic law, a dangerous action, refusing to cooperate, contributing to a crash, or being unable to do a required task.
• After a failure you normally wait two business days before trying again.

Other licensing rules

• Carry your license whenever you drive, and sign it; an unsigned license is not valid.
• If you are under 21, your license expires 90 days after your 21st birthday, and you must pass an alcohol awareness test before renewing.
• Report a change of name or address to the DMV in writing within 30 days.
• Driving while your license is cancelled, suspended or revoked brings a jail sentence of at least 10 days.

Fees

The manual's own fee table shows a $35 federally compliant permit, but the DMV's current fees page lists the permit at $15 with no REAL ID version.