Alaska graduated driver licence stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the three stages and the minimum age for each one.
• You can explain how long you must hold a permit before a provisional license.
• You can list what is needed to move from permit to provisional license.
• You can describe when provisional limits end.
• You can explain how the rules differ for first-time drivers aged 18 or older.

What you need to know and understand

• The instruction permit is available from age 14 and is valid for two years. It can be renewed only once.
• Drivers aged 16 or 17 must hold a permit for at least 6 months before getting a provisional license.
• A parent, legal guardian or employer must certify at least 40 hours of driving, including at least 10 hours in more challenging conditions such as bad weather or darkness.
• You must have no traffic convictions in the 6 months before applying for a provisional license.
• The provisional stage lasts at least 6 months and can last until your 18th birthday.
• A license issued before age 21 expires 90 days after your 21st birthday, and you must pass an alcohol awareness test to renew it.

From 14 to 18: how the stages fit together

Each stage gives you more freedom once you have shown you can drive safely. Traffic convictions can hold you back at every step, so a clean record matters from day one.

1. Instruction permit (from 14): pass the vision and written tests, bring parental consent and pay the fee. Drive only with a licensed driver aged 21 or older who has at least one year of experience in that type of vehicle, seated beside you.
2. Provisional license (from 16): hold the permit for 6 months, complete 40 certified hours (10 in challenging conditions), have no convictions in the last 6 months and pass the road test.
3. Driver license without restrictions: after at least 6 months of conviction-free provisional driving with no alcohol or drug convictions, bring a new parental consent and pay for a new license. Otherwise the limits simply stop applying at 18.

What the provisional limits are

Provisional drivers may not drive from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. without a parent, guardian or licensed adult aged 21 or older, except for work. Siblings may ride with you, but other passengers need a parent, guardian or someone 21 or older in the car too. Details are on the after-you-pass page.

Starting at 18 or living off the road system

Provisional licenses are only for drivers under 18. If you are 18 or older, you still need a permit to practice and must pass the vision, written and road tests, but you can get a license without provisional limits and without parental consent.

Some communities are not connected to Alaska's highway system. Residents there may qualify for an off-highway license without a road test. It is valid only in designated off-highway communities, works like an instruction permit elsewhere in Alaska and cannot be used outside the state. Check eligibility with the DMV.

Common mistakes

• Counting permit time from your birthday rather than from the date the permit was issued. The 6 months starts when you get the permit.
• Getting a ticket shortly before applying. Any traffic conviction in the previous 6 months delays your next stage.
• Logging only easy daytime hours. At least 10 of your 40 hours must be in harder conditions such as darkness or bad weather.
• Thinking any older friend can supervise. Supervisors must be at least 21.

Test yourself: Alaska graduated driver licence stages

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Alaska
• Alaska Permit Practice Test
• Alaska Permit Test