The knowledge test trips up many first-time applicants. Here's exactly what to study and how to walk in prepared.
The Alaska Class D non-commercial knowledge test has approximately 20 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80% to pass — meaning you need at least 16 correct and can miss up to 4.
If you fail, you can retake the written test the following day at no additional charge. If you fail the road test, you must wait two business days (Monday–Friday excluding state and federal holidays).
You can take the knowledge test in person at any Alaska DMV office, or online through the state's KnowTo Drive system at ak.knowtodrive.com — fees may apply for the online version. You can schedule a road test online at dmv.alaska.gov/credential-services/road-test/.
Drivers who let their Alaska license expire for over one year, who have never been licensed, or whose privileges have been revoked must take the written test. An alcohol awareness written test is also required after your 21st birthday before renewing your license.
Adult per-se BAC: 0.08%. Commercial: 0.04%. Under 21 (Zero Tolerance): any amount. By driving on Alaska roads you've already given Implied Consent — refusing the chemical test is a separate criminal charge with the same consequences as the DUI itself.
1st DUI: 90 days revocation, $1,500 fine, 72 hrs jail, 6-month IID. 2nd DUI: $3,000, 20 days, 1 yr revocation. 3rd: $4,000, 60 days, 3 yr revocation. DUI = 10 points and stays on your record FOREVER.
Instruction permit at 14 (parental consent if under 18). Provisional license at 16 after holding the permit 6 months and logging 40 hrs supervised practice (10 in challenging conditions). Supervisor must be 21+ with 1 yr experience. Provisional curfew: 1:00 AM – 5:00 AM; passengers — only siblings without a parent.
Alaska law (13 AAC 02.090) requires a minimum 2-second following distance. The Alaska Driver Manual recommends the 4-second rule; increase to 6+ seconds when towing or in wet/icy/foggy conditions.
Default: business 20, alley 15, school zone 20, residential 25, all other roadways 55 mph. Some highways are posted to 65 mph. Inside a Traffic Safety Corridor, all traffic fines are DOUBLED.
Signal continuously for the last 100 feet before turning. Right on red is permitted in Alaska after a complete stop and yield, unless a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted. A red arrow means no turn at all until it changes to green or flashing yellow.
On a two-lane undivided road, both directions must stop for a stopped school bus with red lights. On the same divided travelway as the bus, you must stop. Exception: on a separated highway with two or more lanes in each direction, oncoming traffic does NOT need to stop. Yellow flashing lights = bus is about to stop; reduce speed.
Required from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, and any time visibility is 1,000 feet or less. Dim high beams at 500 feet from oncoming, 300 feet when following another vehicle. Use LOW beams in rain, fog, snow, or dust.
Fire hydrant: 15 ft. Crosswalk/intersection: 20 ft. Stop sign: 30 ft. Railroad: 50 ft. Fire apparatus with flashing lights: 500 ft. Parallel parking — wheels within 12 inches of the curb. Outside city limits: all four wheels off pavement if possible.
Under 1 yr OR under 20 lbs: rear-facing. Age 1+ and 20+ lbs: forward-facing. Ages 4–7 under 57 in & 20–65 lbs: booster. Ages 8–15: seat belt or restraint required. All occupants 18+ must wear a safety belt (AS 28.05.095). Driver is responsible for all passengers under 16.
You need 80% — at least 16 of 20 questions correct. Aim for 90%+ in practice so a small slip on test day still keeps you above the line.
Memorize BAC limits, distances, signal distance, following distances, and suspension periods. These specific numbers appear on virtually every Alaska test.
The Weak Spots mode saves every question you got wrong. Replay it until you're hitting 90%+ before going to the DMV office.
Download the Alaska Driver Manual (REV. 10/2025) at dmv.alaska.gov/home/. Every question comes directly from this manual.
The unposted Alaska defaults — business 20, alley 15, school zone 20, residential 25, all other roadways 55 — show up almost every test. Most surprising: doubled fines inside a designated Traffic Safety Corridor.
Sign questions are visual — shape, color, and meaning all matter. Use the Road Signs Quiz mode to practice all signs before test day.
Free, no signup · Questions verified against the official state driver manual