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Young DRiver Safety
Young drivers are building habits to support a lifetime of safe driving.
From driving in challenging weather, to avoiding distracted driving, there’s a lot to learn. No matter the route, Safe Alaskans offers information, services, resources and tools to help our young drivers be safe drivers.
About Teen Driving in Alaska
Learning to drive is an exciting milestone—and in Alaska, it also comes with unique challenges like long distances, changing road conditions, and seasonal weather.
This section walks teens and caregivers through each step of the licensing process, from instructional (learners) permits, to provisional license, to a full driver’s license. Additionally, you will find answers to common questions related to teen driving in Alaska.
First Permit or License Steps
Alaska teens receive increased driving privileges as they gain experience and maturity. This involves multiple steps:
Instruction Permit: Ages 14
This is where learning begins. An instruction permit allows teens to practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle, helping them build basic skills like steering, braking, and navigating different road and weather conditions while developing safe habits from day one.
The Instruction Permit (a.k.a. Learner’s Permit), allows teens to drive when accompanied by a licensed driver ages 21 or older.
Provisional License: Ages 16-17
With a provisional license, teens gain more independence behind the wheel while still following certain restrictions designed to reduce risk. This stage focuses on strengthening decision-making, managing distractions, and gaining real-world driving experience in a variety of situations.
The Provisional License is available to teens ages 16-17 who:
- Held an instruction permit for 6 months, and haven’t received a driving citation during those 6 months.
- Maintained a safe driving record and practiced with a qualified driver for 40 hours; including 10 hours in progressively challenging circumstances (this includes inclement weather, darkness, etc.).
Know the provisional license rules. If teens violate these restrictions, they’re subject to a $200 penalty and a 2–point violation. Teens with a provisional license:
- Should not drive passengers who are under age 21 (unless they are siblings or a parent/guardian is in the car).
- Should not drive between 1-5 AM, unless it is to or from a job.
Learn more at the Alaska DMV Provisional License page.
Full Driver's License: Ages 18+
A full license marks the transition to driving without restrictions. By this stage, teens should feel confident handling Alaska’s unique road conditions, understanding traffic laws, and making responsible choices that keep themselves and others safe.
A full Driver’s License is available to those ages 18+ who pass written, vision and road tests.
Note: This license expires 90 days after the driver turns 21; to renew it, the driver will need to pass an Alcohol and Drug Awareness Knowledge test.
Learn more at the Alaska DMV First License page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my (teen's) next permit/license step?
Take this quiz to find out what permit or license you’re ready for next.
Where do I go to get my permit/license?
Alaska DMV links and resources:
- How to Get Your Instruction Permit (ages 14 and up)
- How to Get Your Provisional Driver’s License (ages 16 and 17)
- Your First Alaska Driver’s License FAQ’s
What resources are there to teach my teen to drive?
Virtual Driving Assessment at Center for Safe Alaskans:
- We offer free virtual driving assessments to provide new and experienced drivers with a no-risk way to be exposed to common crash scenarios. The assessment provides feedback on how the driver performed and helpful tips on improving. Contact us to request an assessment.
Interested in finding a local driving school?
More educational resources to support parents and teens include:
- Alaska Driver’s Manual (Alaska DMV)
- Youth Driving Passport (SADD): Use this toolkit to gain helpful tips to guide your driving practice.
- New Driver Deal (NSC): Create a shared agreement about how and when the car will be used.
- Contract for Life (SADD): Communicate your commitment to safe and healthy behavior
- National Safety Council offers a series of mini-lessons for parents
- National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Fact Sheets
Why is this process different than it was when I learned to drive?
In 2004 the Alaska State Legislature started the Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program. Before this, Alaska only required a driver under 18 to have a learner’s permit for 6-months before testing for a driver’s license.
GDL programs are a national strategy known to reduce a teen’s crash risk by as much as 50%.
Teen Driving Services
Safe Alaskans offers hands-on support to help young drivers gain confidence and experience in real-world conditions. Through community programs, partner-led trainings, and safety initiatives, we connect teens and families to opportunities that reinforce safe driving skills, encourage positive choices, and promote a culture of safety on Alaska’s roads.
Open House: Free 20-Minute Driving Assessment
Working with the Alaska Highway Safety Office, we provide Ready Assess—computer-based driving tool to test teens’ (ages 13+) ability to handle road hazards. Drivers see right away how they did and how they compare to other drivers. They’ll get tips to learn safe driving skill through short videos.
Come see us to give it a try. It’s free.
Visit one of our Teen Driving Open Houses:
- March 25, 2026 from 3:30-6:30 PM
- June 24, 2026 from 3:30-6:30 PM
- September 23, 2026 from 3:30-6:30 PM
Resources and Tools
Driving safely starts with the right information at the right time. This section brings together practical guides, checklists, and learning tools for teens and caregivers, covering everything from understanding Alaska’s licensing steps to building strong habits for winter driving, distraction-free travel, and responsible decision-making behind the wheel.
Alaska DMV Instruction Permit
Learn the requirements, eligibility, and steps to apply for an instructional permit in Alaska, including what documents you’ll need and how to schedule your test. Visit the Alaska DMV Instruction Permit page.
Local Driving Schools in Alaska (DMV List)
Find state-approved driving schools near you and explore training options that can help teens build confidence and meet licensing requirements. View the Alaska DMV driving school directory
Alaska Driver’s Manual
Access the official guide to Alaska’s traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices—an essential resource for both teens and caregivers preparing for tests and real-world driving. Read the Alaska Driver’s Manual
New Driver Deal (National Safety Council)
Create a shared agreement between teens and caregivers that sets clear expectations for when, where, and how the car will be used to encourage safer driving habits. Download the New Driver Deal
Mini-Lessons for Parents (National Safety Council)
Explore short, practical lessons designed to help caregivers coach teen drivers on topics like distractions, speed, and decision-making. View the NSC mini-lessons
Teen Driver Fact Sheets (NHTSA)
Review evidence-based fact sheets on teen driving risks and prevention strategies from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Browse NHTSA fact sheets
Collaborate With Us to Protect Young Drivers
Do you work with teens? Are you passionate in supporting Alaska youth with safe driving practices? We’d like to bring our programs to teens you serve.
Programs we regularly offer include:
Teen Safe Driving Week Promotion
October’s Teen Safe Driving Week is a nationally-organized opportunity to promote safe driving to teens. Safe Alaskans partnered with the Alaska Highway Safety Office and students across the state to reach Alaska teens.
See our Fall 2024 Campaign Toolkit on Distraction-Free Driving.
Youth-led Campaigns to Promote Safe Driving
Safe Alaskans regularly partners with organizations such as Alaska Highway Safety Office and State Farm to sponsor safe driving campaigns at high schools across Alaska. These programs combine education strategies with comprehensive approaches to prevention.
Past campaigns include: Raise Your Voice, ThinkFast, High School Buckle Up
Contact Us
Center for Safe Alaskans
4241 B Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 929-3939
E-mail: info@safealaskans.org
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Copyright 2018, Center for Safe Alaskans