Alaska Drivers License
Alaska drivers license is the document that legally entitles you to driving the Alaska roads. However, before you apply for the Alaska drivers license, you need to choose between different types of licenses currently offered by the state.
Alaska Drivers License Types
At the moment, the state offers the following drivers license types:
- Class D drivers license. Also called a “regular” drivers license.
- Learners permit. Issued to minors and allows supervised driving only.
- Motorcycle license. Your choice if you plan on driving a motorcycle.
- CDL. Commercial drivers licenses. Can come in different varieties.
First Drivers License
No matter how old you are, you will be required to apply for an Alaska driver's permit before you can get a drivers license. Your earners permit allows you to drive a vehicle while being supervised by a more experienced driver who is at least 21 years old. The instructional permit is designed to allow you to hone your driving skills before you go in for the real driving test and you should really take your time practicing before you get on the public roads by yourself.
Drivers under 18 years of age are required to hold the driving permit for at least six month before they can apply for the drivers license and take the road test.
All drivers permit applicants are required to take the written exam before the permit can be issued.
Alaska Permit Test
Every first time drivers license applicant, no matter the age, is required to take a knowledge exam, which is commonly referred to as the Alaska permit test. The test is based on the state's driving rules and regulations, consists of multiple choice and true or false questions.
Even though the state does not require you to take an Alaska drivers education class before you apply for your drivers license, it may be a good idea to do so. The course will prepare you for the test and the instructors can provide you with valuable safety tips on driving on Alaska roads.
You can also choose to prepare for the test by going through the Alaska drivers manual and taking some AK practice permit tests.
When you pass the DMV knowledge exam, you will be issued with the driver's permit and you can start practicing your driving.
Drivers License Test
Once you are ready for the Alaska drivers license test, you can schedule your appointment with the DMV or a third party testing site.
If you are under 18 years of age, you must have held your permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for your driver's license. You will also be required to present proof that you have fulfilled the minimum supervised driving requirements.
It is your responsibility to provide a vehicle for the driving license test. The vehicle must be properly insured and must pass a basic safety inspection, so it has to be in a satisfactory technical condition.
Once you pass the drivers license test, you will be either be given your Alaska drivers license on the spot or you will be provided with the certificate to take to a larger DMV office, where you will exchange the certificate for a license.
You should note that if you are under 18 years of age, the drivers license that you received still comes with certain restrictions and limitations that you need to observe.
