Passing the Alaska DMV permit test is easy as long as you are prepared. Use this study guide, and take the permit practice test to help make you pass the test on the first try.
All applicants for a learner’s permit must pass a written test at the DMV to qualify for a permit. When studying for the Alaska permit test, the most important resource you will need is the State of Alaska Driver's Manual. This manual includes all the information you will be tested on before getting a permit.
The written test in Alaska consists of 20 multiple choice and true/false questions test on driving laws, safe driving practices and road signs. You will need to get at least 16, or 80 percent, of the questions right in order to successfully pass. Those that do not pass the first time must return to the DMV another day to try again. The questions will focus on topics such as driving safety, traffic laws, highway sign recognition and avoiding distracted and unsafe driving.
While it is a good idea to read the entire manual, for the permit test you will want to pay special attention to the following sections of the handbook:
- New drivers should first have an understanding of the licensing and permit rules described on pages 3-5.
- What to do in a crash - page 11: In Alaska, it is not only another vehicle you can crash into but also big game such as moose. Make sure you are prepared.
- Alcohol – Drugs – Driving - pages 14-19: Questions pertaining to the effects of alcohol and drugs on the human body are included on the test on a regular basis. Make sure you understand Alaska limits and the consequences DUIs have on your driving privileges.
- Distracted driving - page 23: Cell phones, texting, TVs, laptops or even unsecured pets in the vehicle can be dangerous when driving. Also review the Alaska safety belt use law.
- The section on Control of Vehicle on pages 24-27 outlines excellent strategies for avoiding accidents proactively.
- Speed laws - page 28: In addition to following speed limits, it is important to remember that upholding traffic by slow driving is also against driving regulations.
- Intersections and turns - pages 30-33: Pay attention to rules on passing another vehicle, stops you are required to make, the rules of yielding at an intersection and safely navigating roundabouts.
- Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings - page 36-49: Carefully study road markings, traffic signals and road signs. You should be able to recognize road signs by their shape and color.
- Night driving and lighting - page 51: A large part of the state spends more than 90 percent of the day in darkness during the winter months, so questions relating to driving at night are relevant to all drivers.
- Know how to handle highway and expressway driving situations described on pages 54-55.
- Weather conditions - page 56: Learning to drive on ice, heavy snow, in poor visibility and in extreme cold is a must for Alaskan drivers. Pay special attention to the advice on skidding.
- Sharing the road - page 64-70: In addition to pedestrians, motorcycles, busses and large trucks, Alaskan drivers often have to share the road with ATVs, snowmachines, bicyclists, pedestrians and the odd bear or reindeer, so learn basic safety practices.
Once you feel you have a good understanding of the laws and other driving concepts found in the manual, you should take the Alaska permit practice test to see how much you actually know. The practice test may reveal gaps in your knowledge, and help you get a feel for how the questions are worded. By thoroughly studying for the written test, you will not only be more likely to pass the permit test on the first try, but be a safer driver as well.
