How to Get Your Driver's License in Alaska

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Alaska. Alaska uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 16.5.

GDL Stages in Alaska

1

Learner's Permit

Age 14+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
2

Intermediate License

Age 16+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
  • Pass road skills test
  • Complete required supervised driving hours

Restrictions

  • No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
  • No passengers under 21 who are not immediate family
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 16.5+

Requirements

  • Hold intermediate license for at least 6 months
  • Clean driving record during intermediate period

Restricted License Rules

  • Intermediate drivers may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older.
  • No passengers under 21 who are not members of the driver's immediate family are permitted.

How restrictions lift: Restrictions are removed after the driver has held the intermediate license for 6 months with no moving violations.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from GDL restrictions and can obtain a full license after passing knowledge and road tests.

Alaska-Specific Information

Alaska has one of the latest nighttime curfew start times in the country at 1 a.m., reflecting the state's unique daylight patterns in summer months. The passenger restriction bans all non-family passengers under 21.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 16.5 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Alaska.

Alaska uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • Intermediate drivers may not drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed adult 21 or older.
  • No passengers under 21 who are not members of the driver's immediate family are permitted.

Adults age 18 and older in Alaska can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from GDL restrictions and can obtain a full license after passing knowledge and road tests.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Alaska learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Alaska.

Alaska drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.