A step-by-step guide to getting your Alaska Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.
Alaska's Graduated Driver Licensing program lets new drivers gain experience with reduced distractions before earning unrestricted privileges. Phase 1 is the Instruction Permit (available at age 14, valid 2 years). Phase 2 is the Provisional License (available at 16 after holding the permit at least 6 months and logging 40 hours of supervised practice). After 6 months of conviction-free driving — or at age 18 — provisional restrictions can be removed.
Minimum age: 14. Hold for at least 6 months (if 16 or 17) before applying for a license. Fee: $15. Valid 2 years.
Age 16. Restricted driving (no 1–5 AM driving, only sibling passengers without a parent) until restrictions are lifted. Fee: $15.
At age 18, or after 6 months conviction-free on a provisional. Standard fee: $20. Under-21 license expires 90 days after the 21st birthday (alcohol awareness test required to renew).
Alaska's minimum age for an instruction permit (Class IP) is 14 years old. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the parental consent on the back of Form D1 (Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or ID Card) before issuance, or submit a notarized Parent/Guardian Consent for a Minor (Form 433).
Schedule a knowledge test or office visit through the Alaska DMV at dmv.alaska.gov/home/. To take the written knowledge test online, visit ak.knowtodrive.com (fees may apply).
Bring the following originals (no photocopies; expired documents are not accepted):
A tele-binocular vision test is given (must qualify at 20/40 in each eye or both together — bring corrective lenses if you wear them). Pass the knowledge test with at least 80% (16 correct out of 20 questions). If you fail, you can retake the next day.
The original instruction permit fee is $15. The permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed once. If you previously held a license for that class, you may obtain another permit only after 5 years of expiration.
You must be at least 16 years old, have held a valid Class IP instruction permit for at least 6 months, completed at least 40 hours of supervised practice (with 10 of those in challenging conditions), and have no traffic-law convictions in the prior 6 months.
Of your 40 supervised hours, at least 10 must be in progressively challenging circumstances — driving in inclement weather and at night. Your parent, guardian, or employer must certify the experience on the application.
The Alaska driving (road) test is $15. You must furnish a currently registered vehicle with proof of insurance for the test; the vehicle will be inspected for required equipment in good working order. The test grades 12 driving tasks: starting/stopping, parallel parking / 3-point turn, quick stop, backing, turn signals, left/right turns, lane change, speed control, following, signs/signals, intersection observance, and general control. You will automatically fail for any traffic violation, dangerous action, refusal to perform, contributing to a crash, or being unable to perform a required task. Failed road tests must wait 2 business days to retake.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual