About the Alaska DMV written test
The Alaska knowledge test (often searched as the Alaska permit test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Alaska driver handbook published by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.
Alaska applicants study the official Alaska Driver Manual published by the Division of Motor Vehicles and pass a knowledge test and vision screening before receiving an instruction permit, which is available as early as age 14. Teens move through a provisional license with passenger and nighttime limits.
Alaska permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can apply for an instruction permit at age 14; it is valid for 2 years and renewable once.
- Vision screening
- You need vision of at least 20/40 in each eye or both together, with corrective lenses if needed.
- Permit fee
- Instruction permit $15 (standard) or $35 (federally compliant); non-commercial license $20 or $40; DMV driving test $15.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08% presumes DUI for adults; 0.04% for commercial vehicles; drivers under 21 are held to any detectable alcohol.
- Seat belt law
- Everyone must buckle up; the driver is responsible for passengers under 16, and children use rear-facing seats, child restraints or boosters by age and size.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles before you test.
What Alaska drivers should know
- Speed limits: 20 mph in business districts and school zones, 25 mph residential, 55 mph on other unposted roads.
- Provisional drivers may not drive from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless a qualifying adult is aboard or traveling to or from work.
- Recommended following distance is four seconds; the legal minimum is two.
- Signal continuously for the last 100 feet before a turn.
- Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, railroad crossing, narrow bridge or tunnel.
Topics covered in our Alaska practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Alaska permit test
- Read the official Alaska driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the DMV.