What is the Driving Age in Alaska?
Drivers must be at least 15 years old to start the Graduated Drivers License program in Alaska and can receive an unrestricted license at 18 years old.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
As with most other states, Alaska has a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program in place that allows teen drivers 14 years or older to gradually gain experience for an unrestricted driver’s license by age 16 1/2.
Most teenagers look forward to taking their first steps toward independence by getting behind the wheel for the first time. However, before you can hit the road, you should first become acquainted with your state's legal driving age and restrictions.
To get you started,
Jerry
, the trustworthy super app
for car insurance
savings, has gathered all the information teens need to get their learner’s license and full driver’s license in the Last Frontier.What is the driving age in Alaska?
Teen drivers must be at least 14 years old before they can start the Graduated Drivers License program. To receive a standard unrestricted driver’s license, drivers must be 16 1/2 or older.
What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Alaska?
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the major causes of young driver deaths, according to a study conducted by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). The Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program was implemented in Alaska to help minimize the number of critical collisions involving teenagers.The GDL program helps young drivers gain driving experience and confidence safely before they receive an unrestricted driver’s license. Most GDL programs include three stages:
- Instruction permit stage: The teen must be supervised while driving
- Provisional license stage: The teen can have limited unsupervised driving with some driving restrictions
- Full license stage: The teen gains unrestricted driving privileges
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How to get your instruction permit in Alaska
All drivers under the age of 18 must enroll in the GDL program through the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Rather than giving full driving privileges right away, this program gives young drivers more driving privileges gradually as they complete each stage. You’ll need to provide documents when applying for your Provisional Instruction Permit at an Alaska
DMV office
.Below are the steps to getting the provisional instruction permit:
If you live in a community that does not have a DMV office, you can refer to the
guide to rural driving information
.Use the
Alaska Driver Manual
and take the practice knowledge tests
to prepare for the actual test. You need a score of 80 percent (16 out of 20 questions) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the next day. You will have three attempts, but you will have to re-apply and repay the fees if you fail after the third try.Once you pass the knowledge and vision tests, you’ll obtain your provisional instruction permit.
Provisional instruction permit restrictions
A provisional instruction permit comes with restricted driving privileges. You are now allowed to start practicing how to drive. This permit is valid for two years and can only be renewed once.
When you are practicing, a licensed driver 21+ with at least one year of experience must accompany you, and they must be seated in the passenger seat at all times.
If you are convicted of any traffic violations during the time you hold an instructional permit, you will not be allowed to apply for a provisional driver’s license for six months. Accumulating traffic citations can lead to driving suspension unless you take a nationally certified defensive driving course.
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You are required to hold the instructional permit for a minimum of six months with 40 hours of driving practice to graduate to the next stage in the GDL program.
Here are the requirements to obtain an Alaska driver’s license:
- You must be at least 16 years old
- Hold an Alaska instruction permit for at least 6 months
- Must have parent, legal guardian or employer provide proof that you have a minimum of 40 hours of driving experience—including at least ten hours of driving in challenging circumstances (inclement weather and nighttime driving)
- Provide completed Application for Alaska Driver License, Permit or Identification Card Application (form D1)
- Schedule and pass aroad testwith the DMV (refer to theguide to rural drivingif you do not have access to a local DMV office)
- Pay applicable fees
Key Takeaway Bring your instruction permit, application and parental consent forms, and practice until you gain confidence to pass your driving test and qualify for your Alaska driver’s license.
Provisional driver’s license restrictions
If you’ve obtained your Alaska provisional driver’s license, well done! You have more freedom now but some restrictions still apply:
- You may not drive with non-family passengers under the age of 21.
- Driving between 1:00 am and 5:00 am is prohibited.
- Exceptions: you are accompanied by a driver at least 21 years old, you are driving between your home and work on the most direct route.
Violating these restrictions could result in penalties of $200. A two-point violation will also appear on your driving record.
These restrictions are lifted once you are 18 years old and successfully apply for your first driver’s license with unrestricted driving privileges.
Exceptions
There are no exceptions—all young drivers must adhere to the GLD program timeline to obtain their full license in Alaska.
How to save on car insurance for teen drivers
Young drivers are the most expensive group to insure, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try to find the best rate possible. Make sure to compare quotes from at least three reputable companies when you're looking to add a teen to your policy.
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FAQs
Can you get an Alaska driver’s license at 16?
Yes. Teenagers in Alaska can apply for a provisional driver’s license at the age of 16 if they had a learner’s license for at least 6 months, completed 40 hours of driving practice with a qualified supervisor, and have no traffic violations. You must also pass the road test before receiving your license.
Can you drive by yourself at 17 in Alaska?
You can drive alone at 17 in Alaska within the curfew from 5:00 am to 1:00 am.
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