The Alaska road test
The road test checks that you can drive safely and legally in normal traffic. It is required if you have never been licensed, have not held a valid license in the last 5 years, or your privileges were revoked.
You can test at most DMV offices or with a state-approved third-party tester, such as a driving school or DMV Business Partner.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can book a road test and know the fee and refund rules.
- You can gather the documents and vehicle paperwork you must bring.
- You can prepare a vehicle that will pass the pre-test inspection.
- You can list the tasks you will be graded on.
- You can name the mistakes that end a test as an automatic fail.
What you need to know and understand
- The DMV road test fee is $15 and is non-refundable. Third-party testers set their own fees.
- You can book online or by phone, and reschedule without charge up to 24 hours before the test.
- You supply a currently registered and insured vehicle, which the examiner checks before you start.
- No one else may ride with you and the examiner.
- The DMV's parallel parking space is 10 feet wide by 30 feet long, marked with cones.
- If you fail, you normally wait two business days (Monday to Friday, excluding state and federal holidays) before retesting.
- The examiner will never ask you to do anything illegal.
What to bring on the day
- Under 18: a valid Alaska instruction permit held for at least 6 months with no violations in the last 6 months, plus a parent with proof of relationship or a notarized form 433.
- 18 or older: your instruction permit, or general knowledge test results from within the last year.
- Glasses or contacts if your permit requires them.
- Current proof of insurance showing the vehicle and its VIN, and the printed registration.
- If using a rental car, a rental agreement listing you as an authorized driver.
The graded tasks
The manual lists the skills the examiner scores. The DMV's road test page also mentions using vehicle equipment, entering and leaving a freeway, and stop signs.
- Starting and stopping, and a quick stop
- Parallel parking or a three-point turn
- Backing
- Turn signals, left and right turns and lane changes
- Speed control and following distance
- Traffic signs and signals and intersection observation
- General control of the vehicle
Automatic fails and vehicle problems
The test ends in a fail for a traffic law violation, a dangerous action, refusing or failing to cooperate, contributing to a crash, being unable to perform a required task, or driving that does not meet the standard. Typical examples are rolling a stop sign, speeding or failing to yield to a pedestrian.
The examiner can refuse or delay the test if your vehicle has defects. Lights, wipers, defroster, horn, brakes including the parking brake, mirrors, tires, seat belts and doors must all work, the windshield must not be cracked in your view, and the car needs enough fuel for a 30-minute drive. Mirrored or aftermarket window tint is not allowed. You lose the fee if the car fails inspection or your paperwork is wrong.
Common mistakes
- Relying on a backup camera. Turn your head and look out the rear window when backing.
- Rolling stops. Come to a full stop at the line every time.
- Arriving with a burned-out brake light or expired insurance card.
- Chatting during the test. Ask questions before or after, not during.
Test yourself: The Alaska road test
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Go deeper
Sources: Alaska Driver Manual (Rev. 10/2025), Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles: Examinations and Driving Test sections; Road Test page, Alaska DMV (dmv.alaska.gov); License Fees page, Alaska DMV (dmv.alaska.gov). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Alaska licensing agency.