GDL - Graduated Driver's Licensing Information and Resources

In 2004 the Alaska State Legislature started a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program by creating a system where young drivers can pursue their full, unrestricted driver’s license. Before this, Alaska only required a driver under 18 to obtain a learner’s permit for 6-months before testing for a driver’s license. This program has added several important protections for a new driver that relates to when they can drive, where they can drive, and with whom and how. The GDL approach can reduce a teen’s crash risk by as much as 50%.

GDL Information and Resources

GDL is a national strategy to help young drivers slowly and safely get experience behind the wheel before having full driving privileges. This process typically begins with an initial learner’s permit, then an intermediate or provisional license phase, and finally, full licensure.

Ready to get started? Take our quiz below and see if you know it all before getting your learner’s permit, provisional license, or unrestricted driver’s license. 

Are you a parent of a teen who might be on the road soon? Check out our resources below for information and resource links to help you on your journey to teaching your teen to drive. 

What are the steps to getting a full Alaska driver’s license for youth under 18?

  1. First, get an Instruction permit (pass a written test and vision test),
  2. Maintain a safe driving record for 6 months,
  3. Practice driving with a qualified adult for 40 hours including 10 hours in inclement weather and darkness.


Restriction: all Instruction permit drivers must be accompanied by a qualified licensed driver in the vehicle.

Consequences: Convictions for driving mistakes made while driving with an Instruction permit will result a restart of the 6 months of required driving before a Provisional license can be acquired.

Ready to get started? Head over to the Alaska DMV’s website to learn more https://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/permit.htm

After you meet the terms of an Instruction Permit,

  1. Maintain a safe driving record for 6 months,
  2. Practice driving with a qualified adult for 40 hours including 10 hours in inclement weather and darkness.
  3. You can take the driving test for a Provisional License.

Head over to the Alaska DMV’s website to learn more and apply for your provisional license today! http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/teenlaw.htm

You must pass:

  1. the written knowledge test,
  2. a vision test, and
  3. a road test prior to being issued a driver license.

Upon turning 21, your under 21 driver’s license will expire in 90 days. Then you must pass the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Knowledge Test

  • When you turn 21 your DL/ID expires in 90-Days.

Provisional License Resources for Parents and Teens

Click here to download this graphic! Find more graphics under the Provisional License Resources for Parents and Teens

Test your knowledge and learn more by taking our GDL quiz!

Teen Driving

Most teens wear seat belts and learn to drive safely, but they are still at higher risk of critical errors due to skill deficiencies that lead to serious crashes. Other factors are lack of experience and/or engaging in distracting or risky driving behaviors. Our research tells us that most car crashes are preventable–not accidents waiting to happen. Safe Alaskans works to reduce teen driver crashes by promoting acquisition of safe driving skills and preventing known problem behaviors.

Projects

Center for Safe Alaskans is the lead agency in the Alaska Strategic Traffic Safety Plan (STSP) partnering with state agencies to promote responsible behavior and driving among youth with comprehensive community-based programs. 

According to the STSP, the objective is to achieve a reduction in under-21 impaired drinking, binge drinking, and impaired driving-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities by combining education strategies with comprehensive approaches to prevention. Center for Safe Alaskans programs focused on young drivers have included Raise Your VoiceThinkFast, and High School Buckle Up.

Safe Alaskans also partners with the Alaska Highway Safety Office and State Farm to sponsor safe driving campaigns at high schools across Alaska aimed at encouraging teens to buckle up, put down their phones while driving, and empowering them to speak up if peers are practicing unsafe driving behaviors. 

Teens create videos and other media during their campaigns for their peers. To view more videos, visit our YouTube channel here:

TEEN DRIVER SPRING/FALL CAMPAIGN RESOURCES

Welcome students! 

Teen Safe Driving Week, October 20-26, is an opportunity to engage in a communication campaign aimed at keeping teens and others safe. 

This year we’re focused on distracted driving. See the toolkit for resources and ideas to help you engage your peers and your community.

For questions or assistance in your current Teen Driver Safety Week, e-mail us or call us at 907-929-3939.

Teen Driver Fact Sheets and Resources

Car Seats

Need help installing your car seat? 

Our certified technicians are here to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Contact us today to schedule a personal car seat check.

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Center for Safe Alaskans and the Anchorage Youth Development Coalition depend on the generosity of donors like you. 

Clicking the donate button will take you to our Safe Alaskans PayPal account page.

Join Us

Our Anchorage Youth Development Coalition supports  organizations to advance positive youth development. Become a contributing coalition member to build a community of professional youth work for all young people.

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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