Alaska has a Graduated Driver License Program, or GDL, that will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, taking you from no license to full Alaska DMV approved license.
Completing the Alaska GDL takes about a year. You can apply for your learner’s permit at 14. Next, complete 40 supervised driving hours within 6 months, or wait until you’re 16, and pass a road test for your provisional license. 6 more months, or turn 18, you’ll be eligible for a full license.
The steps below have the details you’ll need to know to get your full, unrestricted Alaska driver’s license.
You can start the process to get your license at 14. To get ready for driving, you can download the Alaska Driver Manual and start reading through it. You will need to complete and pass a written test and an eye exam at your local Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
To apply, you need to fill out some paperwork, including the parental consent form. Bring two forms of ID, such as a birth certificate or a U.S. passport, proof of Alaska residence, and your Social Security Card, and pay a fee of $15.00 by debit card or check.
It’s never a bad idea to take a few practice tests before heading to the Alaska DMV.
The AK DMV instruction permit written exam consists of 20 questions. You’ll have to get at least 16 correct to pass. Don’t worry if you fail you may retake the test the next day.
Once you’ve passed, you will be given an official paper which is your instruction permit. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel.
You must have your permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for a regular license. During that time, you’ll need to have 40 hours of driving practice with 10 of those being at night or in inclement weather. The instruction permit allows you to practice driving when accompanied by an adult over age 21. They must have a full driver’s license that’s over one year old.
Note that if you have more than six points of traffic tickets on your record or any traffic violations at all within the past six months, you won’t be permitted to apply for your provisional license.
To hone your skills and hopefully avoid points on your license altogether, you’ll probably want to get professional driving instruction, although that’s not necessary for obtaining your license.
If you’re ready to enroll in AK DMV approved driver education, find a driving school to get started.
Once you’ve put in your practice hours, you can apply for your Alaska DMV approved provisional license.
Receiving your Alaska DMV approved provisional license requires that you’ve completed certain requirements. Those are reaching the age of 16 or completing your supervised driving time while holding your instruction permit for at least 6 months. Note that you must not have been convicted of a traffic violation or the illegal use of drugs or alcohol during these 6 months to be eligible for your AK provisional license.
Once you’re ready for your provisional license, you’ll have to complete a few extra steps.
Driving Skills Test: You will be required to pass a driving test with a DMV evaluator who will make sure you can perform basic driving tasks safely.
Before you take it, you should check out The Top 10 Automatic Fails on Driver Tests, so you’ll know what not to do on test day.
This road test will cover standard driving procedures such as lane changes, parking, braking, and the like.
Should you fail, you will have to wait 7 days to retake the test.
Vision Test: You will need to take another vision test so if you need glasses, be sure you’re wearing them.
The application fee for your license is $20 and $15 for the road test.
Your license will be mailed to you and will have your photograph on it. They take your picture the day you pass your driving skills test. This license will come with the following restrictions:
With this license, you will not be able to have any passengers under 21 years old.
As you continue to learn how to operate a motor vehicle in different conditions, there are certain hours when you won’t be able to drive. Those are 1:00 am to 5:00 am.
At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you reach 18 or have had your provisional license for six months you can get your full license.
This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted license in the mail.
Whether you’ve just finished your Alaska graduated licensing process, or are just starting out, you might also want to consider a telematic companion application to better understand your driving habits, and how to improve them.
The best option is the DriverZ Virtual Coach. Download it today to sharpen your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ to build the driving skills that will keep you safe for a lifetime, track your supervised driving hours, and access bespoke driver training based on your specific needs.
Here are answers to some common questions you might have as you begin your AK graduated licensing journey.
Can I drive with an out-of-state learner’s permit in Alaska?
Visitors, or new Alaska residents, will not be able to use their out-of-state learner’s or instruction permits. You will need to complete the requirements for an Alaska DMV approved instruction permit before you’ll be allowed to drive.
Can I replace a lost or stolen AK instruction or provisional license?
You can replace a lost or stolen instructional or provisional license the same way you’d replace an driver’s license or any other Alaska DMV approved identification card, by completing the AK DMV form D1.
For comprehensive information on everything related to the Alaska graduated licensing program, visit the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles website. You can also call 1-855-269-5551 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, or 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Are you ready to enroll in a driver’s education program? Visit the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles for a list of AK DMV approved courses.
