Alaska’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

Alaska has several different licenses available to teen drivers. However, the two most common teen licenses are an instruction permit and a provisional license—both are prerequisites for a teen to obtain an unrestricted driver's license.

How Do I Get an Instruction Permit to Start Driving in Alaska?

At 14 years old, Alaska teens can apply for an instruction permit. The instruction permit application requires:

• parent or guardian consent (notarized or in-person)
• proof of identification
• a completed permit application form
• a vision test, and
• a written test covering traffic control devices, traffic laws, and impaired driving laws.

The instruction permit is valid for two years. It allows the holder to operate a motor vehicle under the direct supervision (front seat) of a parent, guardian, or licensed adult who's at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience. (Alaska Stat. Ann. § 28.15.051 (2024).)

When Can I Get a Provisional License to Drive in Alaska?

After holding an instruction permit for six months with no traffic violations, a 16-year-old Alaskan can apply for a provisional license. (Alaska Stat. Ann. § 28.15.055 (2024).)

Requirements to Obtain a Provisional Driver's License

The application must be submitted and must include a completed parental consent form. The application must also include proof from a parent, guardian, or employer that the applicant has completed at least 40 hours of supervised driving. Ten of these hours must be completed in "progressively challenging circumstances," such as at night or during inclement weather. After completing the driving test, the applicant can be issued a provisional license.

Restrictions on Provisional License Holders

A provisional license holder can drive alone but with certain restrictions. The driver can't operate a vehicle from 1:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. unless supervised by an adult, guardian, or licensed adult who's at least 21 years old. Exceptions are allowed for driving to, from, and during employment.

A provisional license can't be used to transport any non-sibling passengers unless supervised by a parent, guardian, or adult who's at least 21 years old.

Violations of these restrictions are infractions and will result in two license demerit points.

What Is Alaska's Restricted Instruction Permit?

A restricted instruction permit is also available to teens who are 14 years old but does not require any examination. This permit is just for driver's education and allows the holder to drive only while supervised by a licensed driver's education instructor.

What Is Alaska's Special Hardship License?

Drivers younger than 16 years old who can show "extreme hardship" might be eligible for a special driver's license after passing the necessary examinations. Examples of such hardships include the death or incapacitating illness of a parent.

How Does Alaska's Off-Highway License Work?

As many parts of Alaska are almost inaccessible, an off-highway license is available to teens who live in certain remote areas. These teens can obtain the off-highway license without having to go through the normal examination requirements.

How Do I Get an Unrestricted License to Drive in Alaska?

A teen who has held an instruction permit for six months, a provisional license for six months, has no traffic violations for six months, and is at least 16 years old can apply for an unrestricted driver's license. The application still requires parental consent and proof of identification and residency.

Alaska's Rules on Parent Responsibility and Control of Teen Drivers

The parent or guardian who signs a teen's license application will be held liable for the negligence and willful misconduct of the youth driver. At any time, the parent can withdraw consent and request the DMV cancel the teen's license.

Alaska's Insurance Requirements for Drivers

Before any driver can operate a vehicle in Alaska, the vehicle must be properly insured. In Alaska, the mandatory liability insurance requirements include at least $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. Failure to carry insurance can result in a $500 fine, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment. (Alaska Stat. Ann. § 28.20.070 (2024); Alaska Stat. Ann. § 28.22.019 (2024).)