How to Get Your Alaska Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Alaska license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Alaska learner permit you must be at least 14 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Alaska residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Alaska residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Alaska permit knowledge test
The Alaska knowledge test has 20 questions; you must answer 16 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Alaska-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next day to retake it. Alaska allows unlimited retakes. The test is also available online through the 'Know to Drive' program.
The best prep path is to read the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free AK practice test and the full 20-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Alaska learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office and pay the permit application fee (currently $15).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Alaska's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Alaska license
Schedule your Alaska road test through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $20 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Alaska steps in order
As listed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles:
- Be at least 14 years old for an instruction permit.
- Read the Alaska Driver Manual.
- Bring proof of identity, residency, and a parent or guardian if under 18.
- Pay the $15 instruction permit fee.
- Pass the vision test and the 20-question knowledge test (online or in person).
- Receive your instruction permit.
- Hold the permit for 6 months and complete required practice hours.
- Pass the drive test to receive your Alaska driver license.
FAQ: Getting Your Alaska License
How old do I need to be to get a Alaska learner permit?
You must be at least 14 to apply for a Alaska learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Alaska permit test?
The Alaska permit knowledge test has 20 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 16 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Alaska permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Alaska residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Alaska?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles driver manual lists Alaska's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Alaska driver license?
Yes — Alaska issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free AK practice tests mirror the real Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Alaska-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.