What You Need to Know About Alaska Driver's Licenses
Alaska issues three types of driver's licenses depending on your age and driving history: a learner's permit (called a learner's license in Alaska), a probationary license, and a full driver's license. Most new drivers start with a learner's license, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. After you pass your written test and road test, you move to a probationary license if you're under 18, or go straight to a full license if you're 18 or older. The whole process typically takes several months because Alaska requires you to hold your learner's license for a minimum waiting period before you can take the road test.
The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all licensing. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person for your written test, your road test, and to pick up your license. There is no online testing option in Alaska, and you cannot mail in your process.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska requires you to hold a learner's license for at least 30 days (or until age 16.5 if you're under 16) before you can take the road test.
- You must pass a written test at a DMV office, then pass a road test with an examiner in your own vehicle before you receive any license.
- Drivers under 18 receive a probationary license first; you can upgrade to a full license at 18 or after holding the probationary license for one year, whichever comes later.
- You need a Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to explore for your learner's license at the DMV.
- Alaska's probationary license has restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving that do not explore to full licenses.
Getting Your Learner's License in Alaska
To get a learner's license, you must be at least 14 years old. Visit any Alaska DMV office with the following documents: your Social Security card (or a document showing your Social Security number), a document proving your identity (such as a passport, school ID, or birth certificate), and proof that you live in Alaska (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). You do not need a parent or guardian to be present, but if you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
At the DMV office, you will take a written test covering Alaska traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study for this test using the Alaska Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DMV website. Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner's license on the spot.
Your learner's license is valid for one year. While you hold it, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you whenever you drive. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
The Waiting Period Before Your Road Test
Alaska law requires you to hold your learner's license for a minimum of 30 days before you can take the road test. If you are under 16 when you get your learner's license, you must also wait until you turn 16.5 years old. This waiting period is designed to give you time to practice driving with a licensed adult and build your skills before the examiner tests you.
During this time, drive as much as you can with your supervising adult. Practice in different weather and light conditions, on highways and in town, and in heavy and light traffic. Alaska's weather and road conditions can be harsh, so getting comfortable driving in rain, snow, and darkness is important. Keep a record of your practice hours if you want to track your progress, though Alaska does not require a minimum number of practice hours.
Scheduling and Passing Your Road Test
Once you have held your learner's license for the required time, you can schedule your road test. Call the DMV office where you want to take the test or visit in person. Road tests are scheduled weeks in advance, so book early. You will need to bring your learner's license, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself (in good working condition with valid registration).
The road test lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, merging, and driving on different types of roads. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, correct use of signals and mirrors, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You must pass the road test to move forward. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test, usually within a few weeks.
After you pass the road test, the examiner will tell you so on the spot. You will then go to the DMV office to pay the license fee and have your photo taken for your license card. If you are under 18, you receive a probationary license. If you are 18 or older, you receive a full driver's license.
Probationary Licenses for Drivers Under 18
If you pass your road test before turning 18, Alaska issues you a probationary license instead of a full license. This license is valid for one year or until you turn 18, whichever comes later. A probationary license has restrictions that a full license does not have.
With a probationary license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot carry passengers under 21 years old unless they are family members or the passenger is an adult supervising you. These rules exist to reduce the risk of crashes among young drivers. Once you turn 18 or have held your probationary license for one year (whichever is later), you can upgrade to a full driver's license by visiting the DMV and paying a fee. You do not need to take another test.
Full Driver's Licenses and Renewals
A full driver's license in Alaska is valid for five years. It has no restrictions on when you can drive or who can ride with you. If you are 18 or older when you pass your road test, you receive a full license when ready. If you received a probationary license and are now may be able to access to upgrade, visit the DMV to exchange it for a full license.
To renew your license before it expires, you can renew online through the Alaska DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewals do not require a new photo or test. If you renew in person, you will have your photo updated. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the written test and road test to get a new license.
Documents You Need at Each Step
| Step | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| explore for learner's license | Social Security card or number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, school ID), proof of Alaska residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement), parent/guardian signature if under 18 |
| Take road test | Learner's license, proof of insurance for the vehicle, the vehicle itself with valid registration |
| Receive license after passing road test | Pay the license fee; photo will be taken at the DMV |
| Upgrade from probationary to full license | Probationary license, proof of identity, pay the upgrade fee |
| Renew license by mail or online | Your current license number and expiration date; no documents mailed in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a vehicle that is not registered to me?
Yes. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must have valid registration and proof of insurance. Many new drivers use a parent's or family member's vehicle for the road test. Make sure the vehicle is in safe working condition and that the examiner can see out all windows clearly.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can schedule another road test after waiting a short period (usually a few days to a week). There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each attempt costs a fee. Use the time between tests to practice more with your supervising adult and focus on the skills the examiner said you need to improve.
Can I drive to school with my probationary license at night?
Yes. The midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction on probationary licenses has exceptions for driving to or from school, work, or a medical appointment. Keep documentation (such as a school schedule or work schedule) in your vehicle in case an officer asks why you are driving during restricted hours.
Do I have to retake the written test if my learner's license expires?
Yes. If your learner's license expires before you pass the road test, you must retake the written test to get a new learner's license. This is why it is important to schedule your road test well before your learner's license expires.
What is the cost of getting a driver's license in Alaska?
Costs vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. The DMV website lists current fees for learner's licenses, road tests, and full licenses. Fees may change, so check the Alaska DMV website or call your local DMV office for the most current pricing.