Applying for a New License

1) Choose Your License

Teen drivers have different driver’s licensing requirements than those who are 18 or who have just moved to Alaska from another state. Alaska offers the following driver’s licenses:

• Learner's permit: for those who are at least 14 years old, allows driving practice with a licensed driver at least 21 years of age.

• Class D License: For those at least 16 (with restrictions) or 18 years or older.

• Commercial License

• Motorcycle Licenses

NOTE: If you are younger than 18, you must first hold a Learner’s Permit for six months, then apply for a Provisional Class D License with your parent's consent, have at least 40 hours of driving experience (10 at night or in inclement weather), and not have had any traffic violations within the past six months.

Your driver's license will be valid for about five years and expires on your birthday. Before your driver's license expires, you can renew it for another five years.

2) Take a Driver’s Education Course

Younger Than 18― Alaska doesn’t require a formal Driver’s Ed course, but taking one is recommended. Courses are offered throughout the state and on the Internet. Many schools offer road testing, so ask before you sign up.

18 and Older― Even if you’ve been driving for years in another state, taking a formal driver's ed course for Alaska’s specific laws will help you pass the driver’s exam.

3) Prepare for the Test

Studying the Alaska Driver Manual is the best way to pass the written test. After you know all the laws, use the Practice Tests to make the exam a breeze.

4) Locate a DMV Office

Make an appointment to take the test at your nearest DMV office.

5) Make Test-Day Preparations

• Get Form 478 from a DMV office, or fill it out as soon as you arrive. The form isn’t available online.

• Bring both primary proof of legal name and secondary proof (license from another state, school ID, employee ID, income tax form, military ID), as well as your Social Security card and proof of address.

• Pay the $20 fee for the written test.

• Pass a vision exam.

6) Take the Written Test

After you’ve studied the Driver’s Handbook and perhaps taken a Driver’s Ed course, you’re ready to take the written test. Bring everything you need with you.

Alaska does not have any official accommodations for those with special needs, but if you need help, ask the DMV representative.

If You Fail

You can take the test again the following day.

7) Get a Car

Although you can always borrow a car to take the road test, you’ll still need one to practice with and drive around once you have your license. It makes sense to look into buying a car.

Consider how far you’ll be driving daily and choose a car that fits your needs. There are many good deals to be had for used cars. Don’t forget to get a vehicle history report first. there's also a program that for one fee, you have access to the histories of all the cars you look at.

8) Get Car Insurance

With a car, you’ll need to shop around for car insurance. Get several quotes from different companies. Some offer discounts for good drivers, good students (they’ll ask for a report card), and more, so be sure to ask about what’s available.

9) Take the Driving Test

If you are getting your license for the first time, you must successfully complete a road test given by a DMV examiner.

If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, you are exempt from the road test.

• Make an appointment at a DMV office or a third party test site. Some Driver’s Ed classes also offer road testing.

• Bring the test vehicle, proof that you passed the written test, vehicle registration and insurance, and two forms of ID.

• If you’re under 18, bring a parental consent form.

• There’s a $15 fee.

The test vehicle will be safety inspected. Also remember to not have studded tires on the vehicle unless it’s legal at the time.

Once You Pass

The testing agency will issue you a passing certificate to take to the DMV to get a license.

If You Fail

The test administrator will tell you what you should practice. You can take the road test again in one week.

10) Receive Your License

At larger DMVs, your license will be issued to you on the spot. At a smaller DMV, it will be sent out to you right away. Driver's licenses are mailed on Wednesdays and Fridays.

11) Non-Citizens

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you have a valid driver’s license from another country, the procedure for getting an Alaskan driver’s license is the nearly the same as if you moved from another state. After 90 days, you’ll have to get your Alaskan license.

If you’re from Canada, you’ll have to give your license to the DMV. Then you must:

• Provide Proof of Name, date of birth, and social security number.

• Pass the written and vision tests.

• Pay the $20 fee.

• Pass the road test ($15). Canadians are exempt.