Alaska Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
The Alaska Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test is the written exam every new driver must pass to earn an instruction permit before getting behind the wheel. It is administered by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, part of the Department of Administration, and is aimed at teens and adults applying for their first permit.
Overview
The written knowledge test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition together in a single exam rather than as separate sign and rules sections. That means sign recognition questions are mixed in throughout the test alongside questions on right-of-way, speed limits, and other rules of the road.
- Traffic laws — the rules that govern how vehicles move and interact on Alaska roads
- Safe driving practices — defensive driving habits and hazard awareness
- Highway sign recognition — identifying regulatory, warning, and guide signs by shape and color
Cost and registration
An original instruction permit costs $15.00, and a driving test through the Division of Motor Vehicles also costs $15.00. A copy of your driving record, if you need one, costs $10.00. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts against the official Alaska DMV fee schedule before you apply.
Exam format
Alaska DMV has not published an exact question count or passing score for the written knowledge test, so treat the current Alaska Driver Manual as the authoritative source for what to study. The test can be taken online through the state's official testing portal or in person at a DMV office, and if you do not pass, you can retake it the following business day.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be to get an Alaska instruction permit?
You become eligible for an Alaska instruction permit at age 14, which is when most residents start practicing to drive under supervision.
What does the Alaska written knowledge test cover?
The written test covers information from the Alaska Driver Manual, including traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition.
How much does an Alaska instruction permit cost?
An original instruction permit costs $15.00, and a separate driving test through the Division of Motor Vehicles also costs $15.00.
What happens if I fail the written knowledge test?
If you fail, Alaska DMV allows you to retake the written test the following business day, so a short review session is often enough to try again.
How many supervised driving hours do I need before getting a license?
A parent, guardian, or employer must certify at least 40 hours of supervised driving experience, including at least 10 hours in progressively more challenging driving conditions.
How long is an Alaska instruction permit valid, and when can I move up to a license?
Each instruction permit is valid for 2 years, and you must hold a valid permit for at least 6 months before the DMV can issue a provisional license. A road test also requires holding the permit for at least 6 months with no violations in that period.
Sources
- 1.Alaska Driver's Manual (Alaska DMV) — Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Administration) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Instruction Permit – Division of Motor Vehicles, State of Alaska — Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Administration) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.Road Test – Division of Motor Vehicles, State of Alaska — Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Administration) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Alaska Driver's Manual (Alaska DMV)Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Administration)dmv.alaska.gov
- Road Test – Division of Motor Vehicles, State of AlaskaAlaska Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Administration)dmv.alaska.gov
- Instruction Permit – Division of Motor Vehicles, State of AlaskaAlaska Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Administration)dmv.alaska.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: