Alaska Road Test: What to Bring, What's Tested, Auto Fails
How do I pass the Alaska road test, and what do I bring?
Book the Alaska road test online. The DMV fee is $15 and it is not refundable. Bring your instruction permit (under 18: held at least 6 months with no violations in the last 6 months), a registered, insured vehicle in working order and enough fuel (1/4 tank). You fail automatically for a traffic law violation, a dangerous driving action, a refusal to perform or contributing to a crash.
Where the Alaska road test rules come from
The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sets the road test rules on its road test page. The fee comes from the DMV license fees page, and who must take the test, the automatic fail list, the retake rule and the parking distance come from the Alaska Driver Manual (REV. 10/2025). The provisional license rules come from the DMV provisional license page. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (dmv.alaska.gov) before you drive.
Who needs to take the Alaska road test
You need the road test if you were never licensed, have not had a valid license for the past 5 years, or had your driving privileges revoked. Usually, a driver with a valid license from another state does not need it. An off-highway license has restriction 6 and acts as an instruction permit in all other areas of Alaska. To remove the restriction, schedule and pass a road test at a DMV office or driving school.
How to book the Alaska road test and what it costs
The DMV gives non-commercial road tests at some DMV offices, and you schedule the test online. The online system lets you book 24 hours ahead at the earliest and up to 60 days ahead for some locations. You can also book or change a test by calling 907-269-5551.
The DMV fee for a non-commercial road test is $15 (see the Alaska license and permit fees guide for the other fees). Road test fees are not refundable. You can reschedule for no fee up to 24 hours before your appointment.
The Mobile DMV Program also gives road tests in some rural communities.
DMV office or third-party tester
| Option | Who gives the test | Fee | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMV office | The Alaska DMV, at some offices | $15 | Book online. Bring your own vehicle. |
| Driving school or business partner | An authorized third party. These are independent businesses. | Set by each business. Business partners charge a fee for service. | Third-party testers typically offer a vehicle for the test and more flexible hours than the DMV. |
What to bring, by age
Bring these for every road test
- A currently registered vehicle and proof of insurance. The insurance proof can be printed or on your device, and it must describe the vehicle and give its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- If you use a rental car, you must be listed on the rental agreement as an authorized driver.
- The current vehicle registration certificate, printed. If the vehicle has a temporary permit, bring the Application for Title and Registration instead.
- Nobody else: animals and passengers cannot come with you, and your phone must be off. The DMV also asks you not to wear perfume or cologne.
What your car needs to pass the equipment check
- Lights: headlights, parking lights, brake lights, tail lights, front and back turn signals and 4-way flashers, all with real lenses, not tape.
- Windshield with no cracks in your field of vision, working wipers and a defroster.
- A tight exhaust system (muffler), good tires (tread, inflation and condition) and brakes, including the emergency/parking brake.
- Working mirrors and a working horn.
- A passenger seat and seat belts for you and the examiner.
- A back license plate with a current month and year tab, a working speedometer and doors that open from inside and outside.
- Enough fuel for a 30-minute exam (1/4 tank).
- No mirrored or aftermarket tint on any window. It is illegal in Alaska (13 AAC 04.223) and in Anchorage.
What happens if your car has a defect
The vehicle is checked for the required equipment, which must be in good working condition and properly adjusted. The test can be refused or delayed until mechanical defects are fixed.
What the Alaska road test checks
- Use of vehicle equipment, such as mirrors and brakes
- Parallel parking and backing
- Quick stop
- Left and right turns and changing lanes
- Entering and exiting a freeway
- 3-point turn
- Traffic signal, stop signs and intersection observance
- Speed control and following a vehicle
- General driving
The parallel parking space and the examiner
The space is 10 feet wide by 30 feet long, outlined by cones. Alaska's parking rule says your wheels must be within 12 inches of the near curb when you parallel park: the free practice question on parallel parking distance from the curb covers it. The test uses normal driving tasks, and the examiner will not ask you to break the law. Ask your questions about driving techniques before or after the test, and do not talk with the examiner more than needed while you drive.
What makes you fail the Alaska road test
- Violation of a traffic law
- Dangerous driving action
- Lack of cooperation or refusal to perform
- Contributing to a crash
- Inability to perform a required driving task
- Driving ability that does not meet required standards
What to expect if you fail
A traffic law violation, a failure to perform, an unsafe act or contributing to a crash stops the exam. After a failed test, the examiner tells you which maneuvers to practice and when you may return. Normally you wait two business days to retake the test. A business day is Monday to Friday, not a state or federal holiday.
Road test for a provisional license at 16 or 17
A provisional license requires a road test. You must also be at least 16, have held your permit for 6 months and have no traffic conviction or suspension in the previous 6 months. After you pass, schedule an appointment or visit a DMV office or business partner to have the license issued. The Alaska provisional license rules guide covers the 40 hours of driving practice and the limits that apply once you have the license.
Key takeaways
- Book your road test online. The DMV fee is $15, it is not refundable and you can reschedule for no fee up to 24 hours before.
- Bring your permit, a registered and insured vehicle (insurance with the VIN, printed registration) and 1/4 tank of fuel. Under 18, also bring parental consent.
- Your car needs real light lenses, no cracks in your field of vision, working brakes, mirrors and horn, and no aftermarket window tint.
- A traffic violation, a dangerous action, a refusal to perform or contributing to a crash fails you. You normally wait two business days to retake.
- Next step: practice the rules of the road on the free Alaska Class D permit practice test.
Alaska road test: common questions
Can I take the Alaska road test with a cracked windshield?
Sometimes. You may take the test if the crack does not affect your line of sight or the examiner's. The examiner decides, because the crack affects the examiner's safety. A crack in your field of vision does not meet the equipment rule, so fix it first.
Do I need studded tires for an Alaska road test in winter?
No. The DMV does not require studded tires for a winter road test. You will not be allowed to take the test on studded tires during the times they are unlawful, so check the legal dates before you book.
Can I use my backup camera on the Alaska road test?
Yes, but only as an aid. Audio or visual devices that help with backing or parallel parking may only assist you. The examiner still looks for safe driving habits, such as proper head position and mirror use, so turn your head and check your mirrors as you would without a camera.
Can I use a driving school's car for my Alaska road test?
Third-party testers, such as driving schools and DMV business partners, typically offer a vehicle for your use during the test. They are independent businesses and set their own fees, so ask each one about the car and the price before you book. A DMV test needs a registered, insured vehicle that you bring.
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