West · Instruction Permit
How to get your learner’s permit in Alaska
Alaska has one of the youngest permit ages in the country at 14. The supervising driver must be at least 21, licensed, and seated beside the permit holder at all times.
Alaska permit requirements at a glance
| Minimum age | 14 |
|---|---|
| Official name | Instruction Permit |
| Supervised practice | 40 hours, including 10 in challenging conditions such as darkness or bad weather |
| Minimum holding period | 6 months |
| Issuing agency | Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (official source ↗) |
How easy is it to get licensed in Alaska?
Our Ease Score weighs starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. See how it works & the full 50-state ranking →
- Starting age
- 14
- Practice hours
- 40 hours
- Waiting time
- 6 months
Longer bars = easier. Overall: 63/100. Alaska is the easiest state in the West to get licensed. Nationally, Arkansas is #1 and Maryland is #50.
Did you know? Six states hand out permits at 14: Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota. See for yourself →
⏳ Count down to your Alaska permit date · ⚔️ Compare Alaska with another state · 📝 Track your practice hours
Steps to get your permit in Alaska
- Confirm you’re eligible. You must be at least 14 . If you’re under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application.
- Study the official Alaska driver manual. The knowledge test is based on it — download it free from the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles site. Focus on road signs, right-of-way, and Alaska’s specific teen-driving (GDL) restrictions.
- Gather your documents. Plan on proof of identity (certified birth certificate or valid passport), your Social Security number, two proofs of Alaska residency, and — in many states — proof of school enrollment. The exact list is on the official Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles page.
- Apply, pass the vision screening, and take the knowledge test. Most offices recommend or require an appointment, and a fee applies at application — check current fees on the official site, as they change periodically.
- Practice with a qualifying supervising driver. Alaska requires 40 hours, including 10 in challenging conditions such as darkness or bad weather. Keep a signed log — you'll certify it later.
- Hold your permit for the required period. In Alaska, that's 6 months. Then schedule your road test for the next license stage.
Good to know in Alaska
- Alaska is one of only a handful of states that issue a permit at age 14.
- Practice-hour logs must include driving in progressively difficult conditions — a nod to Alaska’s weather.
Alaska learner’s permit FAQ
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Alaska?
The minimum age is 14. Alaska calls this credential the Instruction Permit.
How many supervised driving hours does Alaska require?
Alaska requires 40 hours, including 10 in challenging conditions such as darkness or bad weather. A parent, guardian, or qualifying licensed adult must certify the hours.
How long do you have to hold a learner's permit in Alaska?
The minimum holding period is 6 months before you can move to the next license stage.
Can you drive alone with a learner's permit in Alaska?
No. In every US state, a permit holder must be supervised by a qualifying licensed adult seated in the front passenger seat. Driving alone on a permit can lead to citations and can delay your license.
Is Alaska an easy state to get licensed in?
Alaska ranks #2 of 50 on our Ease Score (63/100), which weighs starting age, required practice hours, and the permit waiting period. Arkansas is the easiest state in the nation and Maryland is the toughest.