Driving Tests

Alaska DMV Knowledge Test: 20 Questions, 16 to Pass (2026)

informational·how to guide·Published June 20, 2026

How many questions are on the Alaska DMV knowledge test, and how many must you get right?

The Alaska General Knowledge Test has 20 questions. You get 25 minutes and need 16 correct answers to pass. The test covers only what is in the Alaska Driver Manual. You can take it online at home, at a DMV office or with a proctor. If you fail, you can retake it the next day, because you may attempt it only once per day.

Where the Alaska knowledge test rules come from

The test format comes from the Alaska DMV's sample knowledge test page, and the Alaska Driver Manual (revised 10/2025) says what the test covers, who must take it and when you can retake it. State law, AS 28.15.081, sets the subjects of the license exam, and AS 28.15.085 and 28.15.099 set the rules at age 21. The once-per-day rule comes from the DMV's visiting or new to Alaska page. The online test, DMV office, proctor, business partner and ADA details come from the manual and the DMV's instruction permit, testing locations, business partners and ADA accommodations pages. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.alaska.gov) before you drive.

What is on the Alaska knowledge test?

The written test covers only information in the Alaska Driver Manual: traffic laws, safe driving practices and highway sign recognition. For a driver's license, state law also says the exam must test your ability to read and understand official traffic control devices, how alcohol and drugs affect drivers, the laws on driving under the influence, the insurance and financial responsibility laws, and the state traffic laws. So the manual is your study guide. Read it first, then check what you remember with practice questions.

Four ways to take the Alaska knowledge test

Four ways to take the Alaska knowledge test
Option	How it works	Good to know
Online at home	The DMV's online test runs on KnowTo Drive (ak.knowtodrive.com). You test on your own device, at any time.	You can choose from multiple languages and turn on audio playback. You get a pass or fail result right away, with next steps. Fees may apply.
At a DMV office	Make an appointment for the knowledge test through the DMV online services at dmv.alaska.gov.	The same DMV online service also lets you make an appointment to get a permit or license issued.
With a proctor	Business partners, Village Public Safety Officers (VPSOs), troopers, police departments, schools and government offices give the test in person. The DMV's testing locations page lists proctors by community.	Business partners are private businesses and charge a fee for service. The DMV's business partner list marks the ones that offer written testing.
Paper test with an accommodation	The DMV can offer paper general knowledge testing under its ADA accommodations. A sign language interpreter is another option.	Contact the DMV in advance, preferably 7 days before. Call the DMV Call Center at 907-269-5551 and ask for the Manager for ADA accommodations.

How to get ready and pass the test

1
Read the Alaska Driver Manual
The test covers only the manual, so read every chapter, with extra time on traffic laws, safe driving practices and highway signs.
2
Practice with free questions
The DMV tells you to try its online knowledge test to practice. You can also work through our free Alaska questions, starting with the one on the official knowledge test format.
3
Pick where you will test
Choose the online test at home, an appointment at a DMV office, or a proctor near you. If you need paper testing or an interpreter, call the DMV about 7 days ahead.
4
Bring what you need for the vision test
Every permit and license also needs a vision test. If you normally wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them.
5
Take the test and watch the clock
You have 25 minutes for 20 questions, which is a little more than 1 minute per question. Keep an eye on the time so that you answer every question.

How soon can you retake the test after you fail?

You can retake it the following day, because the DMV lets you attempt the written test only once per day. The free practice question on Alaska knowledge test retake timing helps you remember the rule. Use the wait to reread the manual chapters where you missed questions.

Who has to take the Alaska knowledge test?

You are 14 or older and want an instruction permit

You must pass the knowledge test and a vision test, and you need parental consent if you are under 18. The guide to the Alaska instruction permit at 14 has the full steps.

You have no Alaska license, your driving privileges expired more than one year ago, or they were revoked

You must take the written test.

You are moving to Alaska with a license from another state

Transferring a license means passing a written test on Alaska driving standards and a vision test, and showing identity and residence documents. The guide to moving to Alaska and transferring your license covers the transfer deadline.

You want a motorcycle, motor scooter or moped license

You take separate tests. If you transfer a motorcycle license from another state, you must pass the Alaska Motorcycle Knowledge test.

You got your license before age 21 and you are turning 21

Your license expires 90 days after your 21st birthday. To get a new license, you must pass the DMV's alcohol and drug awareness test.

Can someone read the questions to you?

Yes, in one case. If you can understand English but cannot read, or you have difficulty reading, you may bring someone to read the questions to you. You must answer the questions on your own.

Key takeaways

The Alaska knowledge test has 20 questions. You get 25 minutes and need 16 correct answers to pass.
It covers only the Alaska Driver Manual: traffic laws, safe driving practices and highway sign recognition.
You can test online at home with KnowTo Drive, at a DMV office with an appointment, or with a proctor. The DMV can offer a paper test as an ADA accommodation.
If you fail, you can retake the test the next day. You may attempt it only once per day.
Next step: practice on the free Alaska Class D permit practice test.

Alaska knowledge test: common questions

What do I do after I pass the Alaska knowledge test online?

You get your pass or fail result right away, with directions for the next steps. For an instruction permit, you then go to your local DMV office. Bring a completed Application (Form D1) and, if you are under 18, parental consent Form 433 (433M for a motorcycle) with proof of relationship. You also pass a vision test there.

Can I take the Alaska motorcycle knowledge test online?

Yes. The DMV offers online knowledge tests for Class D, motorcycle and alcohol awareness. The motorcycle test is separate from the Class D test, and the DMV publishes a separate manual for the motorcycle license. Study that manual before you take the motorcycle test.

How do I take the knowledge test if my village has no DMV office?

Take the test online at home, or contact a proctor in your community, such as a Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO), a trooper, a police department, a school or a government office. For the rest of the permit steps, see the DMV's Guide to Rural Driving Information. The off-highway driver license for communities off the road system also uses a written test, online or with a proctor.

Are your practice questions the real Alaska test questions?

No. Our practice test and question pages are our own. They are free, in English only, and they help you learn the manual. They are not the DMV's questions. For a test made by the DMV, try its sample knowledge test, which uses the official format.

Do I need a vision test as well as the knowledge test?

Yes. A vision test is required before any permit or license is issued. You need at least 20/40 vision in each eye or with both eyes together. If you need glasses or contact lenses to pass, you must wear them while you drive. A certified statement from a licensed physician or optometrist can replace the test.