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  • 14Youngest age for an instruction permitp. 8
  • 2 yearsHow long the permit is validp. 8
  • 6 monthsOn the permit before a provisional licensep. 9
  • 40 hoursCertified practice driving if under 18p. 9

Step by step

  1. Gather your documents

    Bring original documents to a DMV office; expired passports and immigration papers are not accepted.

    • Your Social Security number (the card itself isn't needed, but the number must match Social Security's records)
    • Proof of where you live: a utility bill, pay stub or bank statement
    • Proof of your date of birth and U.S. citizenship or lawful stay, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate with a raised seal or a valid U.S. passport

    (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 6–7)

  2. Get parental consent

    If you are under 18, a parent or court-appointed guardian signs the consent on the back of the application (Form D1), or a notarized Form 433 if they can't come with you. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 7)

  3. Pass the vision and written tests

    You need at least 20/40 vision in each eye or both together (with glasses if you wear them). Take the written test at a DMV office or online at ak.knowtodrive.com; if you fail, you can try again the next day. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 10–12)

  4. Pay and get your permit

    Pay the permit fee and have your photo taken; hats, sunglasses and theatrical makeup come off for it. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 8–9)

Fees and the full list of accepted documents change from time to time, so check them on the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website before you go.

Rules while you have an instruction permit

  • Drive only with a licensed driver who is 21 or older, has a year of experience with your class of vehicle and sits in the seat beside you. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 8)
  • The permit lasts two years and can be renewed only once. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 8)
  • If you are under 18, log at least 40 hours of practice, including 10 in more difficult conditions such as bad weather and night driving. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 9)
  • Stay clear of traffic convictions: one in the six months before you apply delays your provisional license. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 9)

If you don't pass

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the following day. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 11)

What comes next

At 16, after six months on the permit, pass the road test for a provisional license. Its passenger and 1 a.m.–5 a.m. limits last until 18, or until you have them removed after six months without convictions. (Alaska Driver Manual, p. 9–11)

Ready for the knowledge test?Free Alaska practice exam: 20 questions, 16 to pass.

This guide is a free learning aid based on the Alaska Driver Manual (REV. 10/2025), not official advice. Rules, documents and fees can change: always confirm with the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you go. This handbook's printed page numbers repeat in places, so page numbers here are the PDF's own (as a PDF viewer shows them); tap one to open the official PDF at that page.