DMV tests check whether you are mentally and physically able to drive and whether you have the knowledge and skills to do it safely. Which tests you take depends on your licensing history.
Know the rule
A vision test is required before any license or permit is issued, including originals, renewals and duplicates. A telebinocular device is used.
Handbook p. 10 ↗Minimum vision, in each eye or with both eyes together
Handbook p. 10 ↗Vision rules:
- Bring your corrective lenses if you normally wear them
- If you need corrective lenses to qualify, you must wear them while driving
- If you can't see well enough to qualify, you're denied until you can qualify
- Instead of the test, you may submit a certified statement from a licensed physician or optometrist
Who must take which test
| Test | Required if you |
|---|---|
| Written | Aren't AK-licensed, expired over 1 year, or were revoked |
| Alcohol awareness | Are past your 21st birthday (before original or renewal) |
| Driving | Were never licensed, unlicensed 5 years, or revoked |
Know the rule
The written test covers only this manual: traffic laws, safe driving practices, and highway sign recognition. If you fail, you may retake it the following day.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Know the rule
If you understand English but have trouble reading, someone may read the questions to you, but you must answer on your own.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Know the rule
A person with a valid license from another state usually doesn't have to take the driving test.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Road test requirements:
- Pay a nonrefundable driving test fee first ($15.00 at DMV; third-party tester fees vary)
- Bring a currently registered vehicle with proof of insurance
- The vehicle's required equipment must work; the test may be refused or delayed for defects
- No one may ride along with you and the examiner
You're graded on tasks such as:
- Starting and stopping, plus a quick stop
- Parallel parking / 3-point turn, and backing
- Use of turn signals, and left and right turns
- Proper lane change
- Speed control and following a vehicle
- Traffic signs and signals, and intersection observance
- General control of the vehicle
Automatic failure for:
- Violation of a traffic law
- Dangerous driving action
- Lack of cooperation or refusal to perform
- Contributing to a crash
- Inability to perform a required driving task
- Driving ability that doesn't meet required standards
Normal wait to retake a failed driving test (business day = Monday-Friday, not a State or Federal holiday)
Handbook p. 11 ↗Know the rule
You won't be asked to do anything against the law. Don't chat unnecessarily with the examiner; ask technique questions before or after the test.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Put it into practice
During your road test you roll through a stop sign. That's a traffic-law violation, an automatic fail. The examiner tells you what to practice, and you'll normally wait two business days before retesting.