Teen Driving
First Permit or License Steps
Alaska teens receive increased driving privileges as they gain experience and maturity. This involves multiple steps:
The Instruction Permit (a.k.a. Learner’s Permit), allows teens to drive when accompanied by a licensed driver ages 21 or older.
Learn more at the Alaska DMV Instruction Permit page.
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.
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.
Free 20-Minute Driving Assessment (Ready Assess)
In partnership with the Alaska Highway Safety Office, we offer Ready Assess. It’s a computer-based driving assessment that safely exposes teen drivers to common crash scenarios without real-world risk. New and experienced drivers receive instant feedback, safety scores compared to peers, and personalized tips to improve their driving skills through educational videos.
Schedule your free assessment at our Anchorage location and help your teen become a safer, more confident driver:
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.
Alaska DMV resources include:
More educational resources to support parents and teens include:
- 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 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%.
Tips and Reminders
Collaborate With Us to Protect Teen 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. Campaign examples include Raise Your Voice, ThinkFast, and High School Buckle Up. Here are just a few examples of past productions:
Car Seats
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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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