The Alaska DMV written test covers road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices you need to know before getting your license

The Alaska written test is a multiple-choice exam that measures your knowledge of state traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving. You must pass this test before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. The test has 20 questions, and you need to answer at least 16 correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score. You take it at your local DMV office on a computer or on paper, depending on which office you visit.

The test draws from the Alaska Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the Alaska DMV website or in print at any DMV office. Every question on the written test comes directly from material in that manual. You cannot bring notes, phones, or other study materials into the testing room.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alaska written test has 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • All test questions come from the Alaska Driver's Manual, which you can read free or pick up in print at any DMV office.
  • You take the test on a computer or paper at your local DMV office — bring your ID and any documents required for your license class.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day, though some offices may have a waiting period between attempts.
  • The test covers Alaska traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices specific to Alaska conditions.

What topics the test covers

The Alaska written test focuses on practical road knowledge you will use as a driver. The test includes questions about traffic signs and what they mean, speed limits and when they change, right-of-way rules at intersections and four-way stops, and how to handle other drivers and pedestrians safely. You will also see questions about parking rules, seat belt laws, and what to do if you are pulled over by police.

Alaska-specific topics appear on the test because of the state's unique driving conditions. Questions cover winter driving hazards, what to do if you hit an animal on the road, and how to drive safely on gravel roads. The test also includes questions about impaired driving laws, distracted driving, and the consequences of traffic violations in Alaska.

Right-of-way and defensive driving make up a large portion of the test. You should know how to handle intersections with no traffic lights, what to do when emergency vehicles approach, and how to share the road with bicycles and motorcycles. The manual covers all of these scenarios with examples and diagrams.

How to get the Alaska Driver's Manual

The Alaska Driver's Manual is your main study resource, and it is free. You can read it as a PDF from the Alaska DMV website — search for "Alaska Driver's Manual" on the DMV homepage. The PDF version is searchable, which makes it straightforward to find specific topics while you study.

If you prefer a printed copy, you can pick one up at any Alaska DMV office during business hours. Some offices may mail you a copy if you call ahead and request it. The manual is also available in other languages, including Spanish, Hmong, and Vietnamese — contact your local DMV office to ask what languages they have in stock.

The manual is organized by topic, so you can study one section at a time. Each section includes diagrams of road signs, explanations of traffic laws, and real-world examples. Read through the entire manual at least once before you take the test, and then go back and review sections where you feel less confident.

How to register for the test and what to bring

You do not need to register in advance for the written test in Alaska. You can walk into any DMV office during business hours and request to take the test. However, some offices accept appointments, which can reduce your wait time. Call your local DMV office or check the Alaska DMV website to see if appointments are available in your area.

Bring your current ID — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you are explore for your first driver's license, bring proof of your Alaska residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement with your name and address. You will also need your Social Security number. Bring any documents required for your specific license class — for example, if you are explore for a commercial driver's license, you may need medical certification.

The test fee varies depending on your license class and whether you are renewing or getting a new license. Check the Alaska DMV website or call your local office for the exact fee. You can usually pay with cash, check, or card, but confirm payment methods with your office before you go.

Scam alert: fake practice tests and unlicensed test sites

Several websites claim to offer "official Alaska DMV practice tests" but are not run by the state. These sites often charge money for practice materials that are available free on the real Alaska DMV website. Some sites collect personal information under the guise of "verifying your identity" before letting you take a practice test — this is a common scam tactic.

The only official Alaska DMV website is dmv.alaska.gov. Any site that claims to be the DMV but has a different web address is not legitimate. Do not enter your Social Security number, driver's license number, or payment information into any website unless you initiated the visit by typing the official DMV address into your browser yourself.

You must take your actual written test at an official Alaska DMV office. No private testing centers or online proctored tests are authorized for the Alaska written exam. If someone offers to let you take the test online or at a location other than a DMV office, that is not a legitimate test.

What happens if you fail the test

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass. You can retake the test, but the rules for retesting vary by DMV office. Some offices let you retake the test the same day, while others require you to wait 24 hours or longer between attempts. Call your local DMV office to ask about their retesting policy before you take the test the first time.

Each time you retake the test, you pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, so you can keep trying until you pass. However, some offices may require you to wait a certain number of days between your third or fourth attempt — ask your DMV office about this policy.

If you fail, review the sections of the Alaska Driver's Manual that cover the topics you found hardest. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online — the official Alaska DMV website does not offer a practice test, but you can search for free practice materials from other states that cover similar road rules and signs, since many traffic laws are the same across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Alaska DMV offers the written test in several languages, including Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, and others. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm which languages are available and whether you need to bring an interpreter or if the office provides one.

How long does the test take?

Most people finish the 20-question test in 15 to 30 minutes. You are not rushed — you can take as much time as you need to read each question and choose your answer. The DMV office will tell you how long you have when you sit down to take the test.

What if I fail the test multiple times?

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test. Between attempts, study the sections of the Alaska Driver's Manual that gave you trouble. Some DMV offices may require a waiting period between your third or fourth attempt — ask your local office about their specific policy.

Do I need to pass the written test before I can schedule my driving test?

Yes. You must pass the written test first. Once you pass, you can schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test at the same DMV office or at a later date, depending on availability and your schedule.

What if I move to Alaska from another state — do I still have to take the written test?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you may be able to transfer it to an Alaska license without taking the written test. Contact your local DMV office to ask about transfer options for your specific situation.