Alaska learner’s permit requirements

Everything here comes from State of Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Alaska doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess. Last checked September 22, 2026.

The knowledge test and your permit

Test format: 20 questionsSource: online.dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Passing score: 16 of 20 correct (80%)Source: online.dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Time limit: 25 minutesSource: online.dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Permit and test fees: $15 totalThe knowledge test is free at a DMV office and the instruction permit costs $15 for any age (no REAL ID version); the online KnowTo Drive test adds a vendor fee, and the later driver license is $20 ($40 REAL ID).Source: online.dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Minimum age for a permit: 14 yearsInstruction permit at 14 with parental consent; permit valid 2 years, renewable once.Source: dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Supervised driving: 40 hoursSource: dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Hold your permit: 6 months minimumSource: dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Take it online: YesSource: online.dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
If you fail: If failed, the written test may be retaken the following dayIf failed, the written test may be retaken the following day.Source: online.dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov
Vision standard: At least 20/40 vision in each eye or with both eyes togetherAt least 20/40 vision in each eye or with both eyes together; corrective lenses restriction if needed to qualify.Source: dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov, dmv.alaska.gov

From permit to full license

Instruction permit at 14 (supervised by licensed driver 21+ with at least one year of experience in the passenger seat). Provisional license at 16 after holding the permit 6 months with no traffic convictions in the prior 6 months and parent/guardian/employer certification of 40 hours of driving experience including 10 hours in progressively challenging conditions (e.g., inclement weather, night). Provisional restrictions: passengers only if they are a parent, guardian, sibling or person 21+, or if a parent, guardian or person 21+ is also on board; no driving 1-5 a.m. unless with a parent, guardian or licensed driver 21+, or driving to/from or for work. After 6 months on the provisional license with no convictions, the restrictions can be removed at DMV with new parental consent and a new license ($15 per the manual); otherwise they end at 18.

Before you go

Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official State of Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles website: dmv.alaska.gov.

Sources

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