What to do, what to bring, and what to expect at the DMV office — start to finish.
An Alaska motorcycle credential is a Class M licence — M1 for motorcycles of any size, M2 for 14- and 15-year-olds on a motor-driven cycle or scooter under 50cc, and M3 for three-wheeled motorcycles. You first obtain an instruction permit, then pass the written and on-cycle tests.
The steps below follow the process described in the State of Alaska Motorcycle Manual. Always confirm current fees and accepted documents with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles before you go.
Operating a motorcycle with an engine of 50cc or more requires a Class M1 or M3 licence in addition to your regular licence. The M1 covers all sizes and is available at 16 or older; a 14- or 15-year-old may apply for an M2 to ride a motor-driven cycle or scooter under 50cc. Motorcycles under 50cc can be ridden on a basic driver licence.
Apply at an Alaska DMV office for an instruction permit, which allows supervised practice. If you are under 18 and obtaining your first licence, you must hold the permit for six months before you can obtain your provisional licence.
The motorcycle written test is drawn from this manual. Use the free practice test and study guide on this site to prepare. Major rider-education sources describe a test of about 25 questions with an 80% passing score — confirm the current standard with the DMV.
Applicants take a basic rules-of-the-road test and a separate motorcycle test based on the manual. The rules-of-the-road test is waived if you already hold a valid licence or instruction permit.
After the written tests you take a road skills test. You must provide the motorcycle, a helmet and eye protection. You must wear the helmet for the test, and wear eye protection if the motorcycle has no windshield. The motorcycle must match the licence class you are seeking.
Completing a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and presenting the completion certificate to the DMV waives the on-cycle road skills test — not the written test. The certificate is valid for one year; the MSF scooter test does not qualify.
Check the official DMV page for current fees and accepted forms of payment.
Source: Test details reflect the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the state agency before your visit. The Alaska motorcycle written test is based on the State of Alaska Motorcycle Manual; the manual does not state a question count. About 25 questions with an 80% passing score (20 correct) is the consensus of major rider-education sources — confirm with the Alaska DMV.