Updated for 2026

Alaska Alaska DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$15

Testing System

touchscreen computer / 'Know To Drive' online testing

Critical Failure Factors

A frequent cause of failure in Alaska is the inability to correctly identify the specific dates and regulations for studded tire usage, as well as failing to demonstrate proper knowledge of the 'Move Over' law which applies rigorously to emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Alaska's traffic laws are uniquely adapted to its harsh environment and vast wilderness, making them distinct from the 'Lower 48' states. A cornerstone of Alaskan road law is the regulation surrounding headlights. Unlike many states where headlights are only required at dusk, Alaska law mandates that headlights must be illuminated at all times when driving on potential high-risk roads designated with 'Headlights On At All Times' signs. Furthermore, headlights must be on if visibility is reduced to less than 1,000 feet, which is common due to snow, fog, or the state's long periods of twilight. Another critical legal area involves the 'Move Over' law. Drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle displaying flashing lights must vacate the lane closest to the vehicle if the road has two or more lanes in the same direction. If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, the driver must slow down to a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions. Alaska also has a unique Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) timeline. Teens can obtain a learner's permit as early as age 14, which is younger than in most states. However, the restrictions are tight: a learner must hold the permit for at least 6 months and log 40 hours of driving (10 in confusing/inclement weather conditions) before applying for a Provisional License at age 16. Under the Provisional License, driving is prohibited between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Exceptions exist for work or if accompanied by a licensed driver over 21. Additionally, passengers under the age of 21 (except siblings) are prohibited for the first 6 months. Strict laws also govern driving under the influence (DUI). Alaska has an 'Implied Consent' law, meaning that by driving on Alaskan roads, you consent to chemical testing. Refusal results in an automatic license revocation. Regarding equipment, the use of studded tires is legally permitted and regulated by dates—typically allowed from September 15 or October 1 to April 15 or May 1, depending on the latitude (North or South of the 60th parallel). Using them outside these dates results in fines per tire.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Alaska involves confronting hazards that simply do not exist in other jurisdictions, making the knowledge test vitally important for survival, not just legality. The most famous hazard is the moose. Alaska experiences between 600 and 800 moose collisions annually. Unlike hitting a deer, hitting a moose is often comparable to hitting a brick wall on stilts; the animal's heavy body typically impacts the windshield and roof, causing severe injury or death to occupants. An interesting legal and social fact is that roadkill moose are considered state property. Drivers are required to report the collision to the Alaska State Troopers immediately. The troopers then activate a 'charity list' where registered organizations salvage the meat to feed the needy, ensuring the animal does not go to waste. Environmental factors also play a huge role in the test. 'Black ice' is a constant threat—a thin, invisible layer of ice that forms on asphalt, especially on bridges and overpasses which freeze first. Drivers are taught that four-wheel drive (4WD) helps you 'go', but it does NOT help you 'stop' on ice. Another curiosity is the sheer isolation of Alaskan roads. On the Dalton Highway or other remote routes, help can be hours or days away. Therefore, the manual implicitly encourages a culture of self-reliance and survival preparation (carrying blankets, flares, and food). In terms of the test itself, Alaska has modernized significantly. The state now offers the 'Know To Drive' online testing program, allowing applicants to take the knowledge exam from home before visiting the DMV. The passing score is 16 out of 20 questions (80%). While the question count is low, the margin for error is slim; missing just 5 questions results in a fail. Additionally, Alaska has some of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country due to high costs, making Uninsured Motorist coverage essentially a necessity for responsible drivers. Finally, remember that during the summer 'Midnight Sun', fatigue can be deceptive; just because the sun is up at 11:00 PM doesn't mean your body is alert, and falling asleep at the wheel remains a major cause of single-car accidents during the endless summer days.