What you need to get an Alaska learner's permit

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in Alaska. You'll need to visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Alaska accepts a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

The DMV will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit. You cannot use a digital photo you bring yourself — the DMV captures it on-site. Bring your original documents; copies are not accepted. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old and present proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN at an Alaska DMV office.
  • The written knowledge test covers Alaska traffic laws and road signs, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • A parent or legal guardian must be present to sign your process if you are under 18.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
  • You can take the knowledge test online through the Alaska DMV website or in person at a DMV office.

The knowledge test: what it covers and how to pass

Alaska's learner's permit knowledge test has 40 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly — a score of 80 percent — to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test online through the Alaska DMV website or at a DMV office in person.

If you take the test online, you'll need a computer with a webcam and a quiet space where you won't be interrupted. The DMV will monitor you during the test to prevent cheating. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at a DMV office or wait 24 hours if you took it online. There is no fee to take the test, but you will pay a fee for your permit itself.

Permit fees and how long your permit lasts

An Alaska learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it during that time. When your permit expires, you can take the knowledge test again and pay another $20 for a new one, or you can move forward with taking the road test to get your driver's license if you meet the age requirement.

The $20 fee is non-refundable even if you fail the knowledge test. You pay it when you explore, not when you pass. If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement for $5 at any DMV office.

Restrictions on what you can do with a learner's permit

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only teenage passengers. You must obey all traffic laws and speed limits — there are no special exceptions for permit holders. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.

You must display your permit whenever you drive. Keep it with you in the vehicle at all times. If you are stopped by police and cannot show your permit, you may be cited. Your supervising driver is responsible for making sure you follow all rules, and they can be held liable if you cause an accident.

How long you must hold your permit before taking the road test

Alaska requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your driver's license. You must also be at least 16 years old to take the road test. This means if you get your permit at 14, you can take the road test at 14 and a half, but only if you've held the permit for six months.

During those six months, you should practice driving in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, city streets and highways, good weather and rain. The more hours you log with your supervising driver, the more prepared you'll be for the road test. Alaska does not require a minimum number of practice hours, but the DMV recommends at least 50 hours, with at least 10 of those at night.

What happens if your permit expires before you take the road test

If your two-year permit expires before you take the road test, you will need to get a new permit. You'll take the knowledge test again and pay another $20. You don't lose any of the practice time you've already done — you just need to renew the document itself. Many people get a new permit in their second year and then take the road test shortly after.

If you want to avoid taking the test twice, plan to take your road test before your permit expires. You can schedule the road test at any DMV office. The road test itself costs $15, and you'll need to bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving for the test.

DMV offices and how to schedule your test

Alaska has DMV offices in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, as well as smaller satellite offices in other communities. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Alaska DMV website. Some offices are open by appointment only, so call ahead or check online before you go.

You can schedule your knowledge test online through the Alaska DMV website or by calling the office directly. If you take the test online, you can do it from home on your own schedule. If you take it in person, you may be able to do it the same day you explore for your permit, or you may need to schedule it for another time depending on how busy the office is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I'm homeschooled?

Yes. Alaska does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to get a learner's permit. You only need to meet the age requirement and pass the knowledge test. Bring the same proof of identity and residency as any other applicant.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it the same day at a DMV office or after 24 hours if you took it online. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You keep your permit process active while you study and try again.

Do I need to take a driver's education course to get a learner's permit?

No. Alaska does not require a driver's education course for a learner's permit. You only need to pass the knowledge test. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a course, so it may be worth asking your family's insurance agent.

Can I drive to school with my learner's permit?

Only if a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone to school, even if it's just a short distance. Your parent or guardian, or another adult they approve, must be with you.

What do I do if I lose my learner's permit?

Go to any Alaska DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring proof of identity. The replacement costs $5. You'll get a new permit with the same expiration date as your original one.