Obtaining a learner's/instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Alaska. You are eligible to apply for a learner's/instruction permit if you are at least 14 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Alaska who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S OR INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Alaska Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local Driver License Center. This will need to be accompanied by 2 forms of proof of identification.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain an parents' consent, and have it completed and signed by your parent or guardian.
3. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. The completed parental consent form (if under 18).
5. Proof of identity giving your legal name and date of birth, proof of Alaska residency and current address, as specified ÿ110ÿÿ111ÿ ÿ152ÿ_blankby the state. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
   1. Your Social Security card.
   2. Check with your name printed on it or a money order for the correct fee. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles does not accept non-personalized checks.
   3. You will be given a written knowledge test and a vision test at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for two years. A learner's permit may be renewed only once for a cost of $5.

   When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older with at least 1 year driving experience in a similar vehicle. This person must be seated beside you. If driving with a learner's permit on a motorcycle or motor scooter, you must be in this person's vision range for supervision.

   THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE

   If you are under 18, you must wait at least six months after being issued your learner's/instruction permit, and complete a minimum of 40 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver, and including 10 hours of difficult driving experience like driving in unpleasant weather or in the night) before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued an Alaska Provisional License. The provisional driver's license in Alaska includes the following restrictions:

   1. Provisional drivers are not permitted to drive between 1 am and 5 am (unless going to or from work or accompanied by an adult over 21 with a valid driver's license for the same category of vehicle). They may not carry passengers below 21 years of age.
   2. Violation of these restrictions will result in a $200 fine and two points on your driving record.
   3. A provisional driver's license will be suspended if the driver does not complete a nationally approved defensive driving course for accumulating six or more points on his or her license within a year; or for accumulating 9 or more points within two years.

   THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

   A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. A provisional driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

   1. You have held a provisional driver's license for at least six months.
   2. You have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.
   3. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.
   4. You have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.

   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   • For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
   • See also Applying for a Drivers License.
   • See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests
   • Learn more about Alaska's Licensing Requirements for Young Drivers.
   • Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Alaska, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.