Driving Tests

Alaska Instruction Permit at 14: Steps, Fee and Rules (2026)

informational·how to guide·Published June 24, 2026

How do I get an instruction permit in Alaska at 14?

At 14, go to your local Alaska DMV office. Pass the written knowledge test and a vision test, bring application Form D1, parental consent Form 433 and proof of your relationship to the parent, and pay $15. The permit is valid for two years and can be renewed one time. A licensed driver at least 21 must ride with you.

Where the Alaska permit rules come from

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lists the steps on its instruction permit page and the price on its license fees page. The law is Alaska Statutes AS 28.15.051. The Alaska Driver Manual (the official handbook, REV. 10/2025) adds the vision test, the online test and the consent rules. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.alaska.gov) before you drive.

How to get an Alaska instruction permit

1
Check your age
You can get an instruction permit when you turn 14. The permit lets you start to practice how to drive.
2
Pass the written knowledge test
You can take the written test online: the Alaska Driver Manual points to ak.knowtodrive.com, and fees may apply. The test covers only the manual: traffic laws, safe driving practices and highway signs. Our free practice questions are in English only.
3
Fill in the application and get consent
Bring a completed application (Form D1). If you are under 18, bring parental consent Form 433 for a car, or Form 433M for a motorcycle, and proof of your relationship to the minor, such as a birth certificate, adoption documents or guardianship documents. For a unique situation, call the DMV at 907-269-5551.
4
Bring your documents
A first permit may need more documents. Bring one of each type: a primary document that proves your legal name, date of birth and lawful presence, and proof of residence that shows your home address, not a post office box. If you have a Social Security number, put it on the application.
5
Go to your local DMV office, pass the vision test and pay
Pass a vision test and pay $15. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them.

What if I live far from a DMV office?

If your community has no local DMV office, the permit page points you to the DMV Guide to Rural Driving Information.

How much does an Alaska permit cost?

An Alaska instruction permit costs $15 (U.S. dollars) as of 2026, and there is no REAL ID compliant version of the permit. A renewal costs $5. You pay the $15 at the DMV office as the last step of the application.

Alaska instruction permit at a glance

Alaska instruction permit at a glance
Item	Rule
Minimum age	14
Where you apply	In person at a local DMV office
Fee	$15 (no REAL ID version of the permit)
Renewal	$5, one time
How long it lasts	Two years
Who rides with you	A licensed driver at least 21 with at least one year of experience in that type of vehicle
Where they sit	The seat beside you (in a car)

Who must ride with you, and for how long?

You must have a licensed driver in the seat beside you at all times. That driver must be at least 21 and must have at least one year of driving experience in the type of vehicle you are driving. By law, the supervisor must also be able to control the vehicle. On a motorcycle or scooter, you must stay within visual sight and under the immediate supervision of the licensed driver. Keep the permit with you when you drive. The permit is valid for two years, and you can renew it one time. The practice question on who must accompany a permit holder covers the supervisor rule.

Who can sign parental consent?

Alaska law requires a parental signature for every applicant under 18. The DMV accepts a natural parent, the minor's spouse who is at least 18 (with a certified marriage certificate), a legal guardian appointed by the courts (with court documents) and a person with temporary custody while the parents are out of state (with a notarized power of attorney from a parent). An employee of the Office of Children's Services may also sign. If there is no living parent or legal guardian, a responsible adult who accepts financial responsibility for the minor may sign. The practice question on consent for an applicant under 18 covers this rule.

Consent rules to know before you go

Step-parents and foster parents cannot sign consent for a license or permit.
For a motorcycle permit under 18, both parents or guardians must consent.
A separate consent is required for each type of permit or license.
The person who signs may become liable for damages in a motor vehicle crash when the minor drives.
The person who gave consent can withdraw it in writing (Form 424) before the minor turns 18. The form must be notarized or witnessed by a DMV employee. The DMV then cancels the permit until the minor turns 18 or a new consent is given.

Restricted permit for driver education students

Under AS 28.15.051(b), a student who is at least 14 and enrolled in a DMV-approved driver education program that includes practice driving can get a restricted instruction permit. It lasts for a school year or a shorter period. An approved instructor sits beside the student. This special instruction permit may go to persons in an approved high school, community college, commercial driver training course or approved medical program. Ask your school which permit fits your course.

Two cases that change when you can get the permit

You held a license for that class before

You can get a new permit for that type of vehicle only after five years have passed since the license expired.

You are 16 or 17 and want a provisional Class D license

You must hold a valid instruction permit for 6 months first. If you are found guilty of a traffic violation, you must wait six months before you apply. The guide to Alaska provisional license rules has the rest.

What are the vision and knowledge tests like?

The vision test uses a tele binocular device. As an option, you may give a certified statement from a licensed physician or optometrist. You need at least 20/40 vision in each eye or in both eyes together. The General Knowledge Test has 20 questions and a 25-minute limit, and you need 16 correct answers to pass. If you fail, you may retake the test the next day. If you understand English but have trouble reading, you may bring someone to read the questions to you, but you must answer them alone. The guide to the Alaska knowledge test has more detail.

Key takeaways

You can apply for an Alaska instruction permit at 14, in person at your local DMV office.
Bring Form D1, parental consent (Form 433 for a car), proof of relationship, a primary document and proof of residence. You pass a vision test and pay $15.
The permit lasts two years and you can renew it one time for $5.
A licensed driver at least 21, with one year of experience in that type of vehicle, must sit beside you at all times in a car.
Next step: practice on the free Alaska Class D permit practice test.

Alaska instruction permit: common questions

Can I take the Alaska knowledge test online?

Yes. The online written test for the instruction permit is at ak.knowtodrive.com, and fees may apply. The DMV permit page also links a practice test. You still go to a local DMV office for the rest of the steps: your forms, the vision test and the $15 fee.

Can a step-parent sign my parental consent form?

No. Step-parents and foster parents are not authorized to sign consent for a license or permit. A natural parent, a court-appointed legal guardian or another signer on the DMV list must sign. An employee of the Office of Children's Services can also sign, with their own legal name.

Can I drive alone on an Alaska instruction permit?

No. A licensed driver at least 21 years old, with at least one year of experience in the same type of vehicle, must sit beside you at all times. On a motorcycle or scooter, that driver must keep you in visual sight and give immediate supervision.

Can I practice on a motorcycle with an Alaska instruction permit?

Yes, with a motorcycle permit (class IM, for 2- or 3-wheel motorcycles and motor-driven cycles of 50cc or more). A car permit consent does not cover it: each permit type needs its own consent, and under 18 both parents or guardians sign Form 433M. On the road, you stay within visual sight and under the immediate supervision of the licensed driver.

Does my parent have to come to the DMV with me?

Not always. If your parent is not present, you must bring Form 433 (Parent/Guardian Consent for a Minor), filled in and notarized. You also bring proof of your relationship to the parent, such as your birth certificate, adoption documents or guardianship documents.