What’s on the Alaska permit test?

The Alaska written exam is 20 questions long, all multiple choice. Pass mark is 80% - about 16 right. Material is straight from the Alaska driver handbook: signs, signaling, right of way, sharing the road, plus the Alaska-specific rules examiners like to ask about. Alaska’s 20-question test is one of the shortest in the country; the trade-off is a deeper handbook.

Most items are recall - sign meanings, right of way at common intersections, posted-speed rules. The rest are scenario questions: a situation, three options, you pick the safest one.

If you study generic DMV practice, you’ll be missing the Alaska-specific section the test draws from. The handbook has rules unique to Alaska; practicing on Alaska-specific questions is the fix.

Sample questions (free, no signup)

Here are 6 practice questions in the Alaska format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.

Question 1: Who can withdraw parental consent for a minor’s driver’s license or permit in Alaska?

• Only the person who originally signed the parental consent form
• Any parent or guardian of the minor
• Any legal adult related to the minor

Correct answer: Only the person who originally signed the parental consent form

Why: In Alaska, only the parent or guardian who originally signed the parental consent form for a minor’s driver’s license or permit may withdraw that consent by submitting a written request to the DMV.

💡 Memory tip: Not any parent. Only the original signer can withdraw consent.

Question 2: How many points must an Alaska driver accumulate in 12 months to face mandatory license suspension or revocation?

• 18 points
• 12 points
• 6 points

Correct answer: 12 points

Why: Alaska’s point system requires mandatory suspension or revocation of the driving privilege when accumulating 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months, regardless of the hardships involved.

💡 Memory tip: 12 points in 12 months = suspension; 18 in 24 too.

Question 3: What system does Alaska use to track traffic violations and potentially suspend driving privileges?

• A demerit system
• A strike system
• A point system

Correct answer: A point system

Why: According to the Alaska Driver Manual, the state employs a ‘Point System’ to track traffic violations. Under this system, points are assessed for various violations, and accumulating too many points can result in license suspension or revocation.

💡 Memory tip: Point System: points stack up. Too many = suspension.

Question 4: Which of the following would automatically cause you to fail the Alaska driving test?

• Talking too much during the test
• Forgetting to adjust your mirrors before starting
• Violation of a traffic law

Correct answer: Violation of a traffic law

Why: Committing a traffic law violation during the Alaska driving test will result in automatic failure, as safe and legal driving is required to pass.

💡 Memory tip: Traffic law violation = automatic fail, no exceptions.

Question 5: What type of restricted license does Alaska issue to new drivers under specific conditions?

• Conditional License
• Provisional License
• Temporary License

Correct answer: Provisional License

Why: In Alaska, a Provisional License is a type of restricted license issued to new drivers. Provisional licenses typically come with specific restrictions and requirements that must be met before a full, unrestricted license is granted.

💡 Memory tip: Think ‘Probation’. Provisional License for Alaska’s new drivers.

Question 6: According to Alaska law, what type of restraint must be used for a 6-month-old infant weighing 15 pounds?

• A forward-facing child safety seat
• A rear-facing child safety seat
• A booster seat

Correct answer: A rear-facing child safety seat

Why: Alaska law requires that a child less than one year of age or a child one year of age or older who weighs less than 20 pounds shall be properly secured in a rear-facing child safety seat that meets or exceeds standards of the United States Department of Transportation.

💡 Memory tip: One-or-20 rule: under 1 or under 20 lb? Rear-facing.

Alaska-specific rules to know

Eight Alaska-specific rules worth committing to memory before test day. These are the ones that catch first-time testers.

• Seat belts & restraints - Alaska law requires children less than 1 year of age OR children older than 1 year but less than 20 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
• Driving rule - The Alaska driver’s manual specifies that while learning to drive with an instruction permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and has at least one year…
• Driving rule - To qualify for a license in Alaska, drivers must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye or with both eyes together.
• Railroad crossings - a driver may receive two demerit points on their operator’s license for failure to restrain passengers under age 16, in addition to the potential fine of up to $50.
• Fines & penalties - According to the Alaska Driver’s Manual, driving while intoxicated/under the influence carries the maximum point value of 10 points.
• Driving rule - To qualify for an operator’s license in Alaska, a beginning driver must demonstrate knowledge, develop driving skills, and possess the necessary physical and mental qualifications to ensure safe…
• Child passengers - Alaska law requires that a child over four years of age but less than eight years of age who is less than 57 inches in height and weighs 20 or more pounds but less than 65 pounds shall be properly…
• Alcohol & DUI - Alaska law requires that for a first-time DUI or Refusal conviction, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) must be installed for a minimum of 12 months.

How to schedule your Alaska permit test

You can typically schedule your Alaska permit test online through the official Alaska DMV / motor-vehicle agency website. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation. Fees vary by jurisdiction - check your local DMV office for current pricing. Some states require completion of driver’s education before testing.

This page references rules from the Alaska Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the Alaska DMV.

Studying in a neighboring state?

Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: Washington permit test practice.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Alaska permit test?

The Alaska DMV permit test has 20 questions. You need to answer at least 80% correctly to pass.

What is the passing score for the Alaska permit test?

You need 80% to pass - that’s roughly 16 out of 20 questions correct.

How old do I have to be to take the Alaska permit test?

The minimum age in Alaska is 14. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.

Can I retake the Alaska permit test if I fail?

Yes. Most Alaska DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.

Is the DMV Ready app good for Alaska?

It’s built around state-specific content. For Alaska, that means 20-question practice exams at 80% pass mark, with questions drawn from the Alaska driver handbook.

See all 50 states + DC →

Official source: For the latest Alaska permit test rules, fees, and accepted identity documents, check the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at dmv.alaska.gov. Requirements can change, so confirm current details on the state site before your visit.