Alaska Driver Education

The state of Alaska has more requirements than many other states in the United States. This state has tougher road conditions and therefore more hazards than many other states as well, so this higher level of caution is well warranted. Teens need to pay attention and practice careful driving habits in order to navigate many of Alaska's country roads, especially when the dangers of snow, ice, or sleet are present. Since this includes most of the year, the state is doing its best to prepare young people for the challenge that lies ahead of them.

Teenagers should have at least reached their 14th birthday before they apply for a learner's permit. They must also complete a permit application, pay a fee, pass both written and visual tests, and provide a parental consent form before receiving their learner's permit. While they carry a learner's permit, a front seat passenger who is at least 21 years old must accompany teens, and they should have a minimum of 1 year licensed driving experience.

When teen drivers are ready to graduate from a learner's permit to a regular driver's license, they should be prepared to show proof that they have completed at least 40 hours of driving experience, with at least 10 hours coming at night or under other challenging conditions (including inclement weather). Alaska is one of several states offering online driver's education classes, and these are a great idea, especially in more remote areas.

If you are applying for your driver's license you will need the following forms of identification:

1. Document proving your legal name
a. US Birth certificate, original or certified copy
b. Current passport issued by the US or Canada
c. Alaska learner's permit or State Identification Card
d. Military Identification card (active duty, retiree or reservist)
e. Certificate of Naturalization, Citizenship or Birth Abroad
f. Passport with appropriate immigration documents

Note: If you have changed your name so that it no longer is the same as on your birth certificate one of the following documents will be required to show proof of that change (all originals or government certified copies):
Current US passport
Amended birth certificate
Adoption, divorce, marriage certificates
Certificate of Dissolution, Divorce or Annulment
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Name Change

2) Social Security Card
a. Original Social Security Card
b. Letter from SSA which verifies name and number
c. Letter from SSA which states you have not received a SS number

3) Verification of residential address (cannot show a PO Box or other mail stop)
a. Current utility bill
b. Alaska voter registration card
c. Alaska title or registration (not more than 30 days old)
d. Pay stub
e. Medical Assistance Card
f. Public Assistance Card
g. Bank statement or cancelled check
h. Copy of lease agreement or mortgage documents