COMMERCIAL LEARNER'S PERMIT (CLP)

The following information will help you prepare and apply for your Alaska Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Before being issued a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you must first earn a CLP. Your CLP allows you to practice operating a commercial vehicle while being supervised by a qualified CDL holder. You must wait at least 14 days after being issued your CLP to take any road test(s) needed to be issued your CDL.

There are different types of CLPs. In order to know which CLP to apply for, you must know the type and purpose of vehicle you will be driving along with restrictions or endorsements that may be necessary. Review them here.

Requirements

You must:

  1. Be at least 18 years old  (21 years old if requesting a School Bus or Hazmat endorsements, or operating as an Inter-State driver).
  2. Be an Alaska Resident domiciled in the state.
  3. Have a current valid Alaska non-commercial driver license.
    • 3 years license history for School Bus endorsement
  4. Show proof of Lawful Status as a US Citizen, Permanent Resident or COFA country citizenship.
  5. Show proof of your residence address in Alaska.
  6. Have a valid Social Security Number.
  7. Be medically qualified for a commercial driver license and unless exempted you will also have to provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate.
  8. Not be suspended or otherwise disqualified from holding a commercial driver license in any state.​
  9. Pass all appropriate written knowledge tests.
  10. Complete and sign the applicable forms and pay appropriate fees.

Note: If requesting a school bus endorsement, you will also need to provide proof you have held a valid license for at least 3 years. See other requirements for school bus endorsements here Commercial Endorsement School Bus.

Waivers and Exemptions

Alaskans who live off the road system may be exempt from some requirements, please read Guide to Rural Driving

Veterans may be eligible for a road skills test waiver, please read more about Military and Veteran Support.

If you already have a CDL from another state, please read about transferring a CDL from another state.

How can I be issued a CLP?

You may need a CLP as a first time commercial driver or to upgrade your existing CDL. All testing and materials must be submitted to your local DMV Office, unless you are in rural Alaska,

First-time commercial driver. What do I bring to the DMV?

To make your trip to the DMV for your CLP as efficient as possible, you must prepare in advance by preparing for your tests, completing several forms, and obtaining a medical exam if you are required to do so.

At the DMV, you will submit your forms and identification, take necessary tests, and pay the fees for your permit. Please plan enough time to complete these tasks.

  • Identification Required, You must bring:
  1. Your driver's license.
  2. Completion of ELDT, required for first CDL issuance
  3. Proof of your legal name, date of birth, and citizenship (CDL FLYER)
    Please bring one of the following:
    • An original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate from a Vital Statistics (Certified Informational Copies are NOT valid for identity purposes.)
    • U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card.
    • If a resident of a COFA country, your unexpired foreign passport and I-94
    • A resident alien or temporary resident alien card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
    • Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization, or Birth Abroad.
    • Forms
      • Application Form (Form D1)
      • Commercial Driver Medical & Self Certifying Verification Form (Form 413) This is the form you will use to choose the “Type of Operation” you will use your commercial license for. If you choose an “Excepted” type of operation, you will not be required to provide a medical card. If you choose a “Non-Excepted” type of operation, you will be required to provide a medical card.
    • Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC Form MCSA-5876)

If you have chosen a ‘Non-Excepted’ type of operation, you must have a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

    • Tests
      • General Knowledge Test - required if you are new to Alaska, have returned to Alaska, or if your Alaska license has expired past one year. (Please study for the test here: Driver's Manual
      • Commercial Knowledge Test – Please study for the test here: Commercial Driver's Manual
      • Commercial Combination Knowledge Test (Required for Class IA, only)
      • Air Brake Knowledge Test (Required to remove Restriction L - Air Brakes)
      • CDL Vision Test – required if not submitting a medical examiner certificate
    • Fees

Please see current fees

Driving legally with your CLP

With a CLP, you can only operate a vehicle of your class or smaller (see Vehicle Classes).

You will be able to practice driving with a valid, licensed driver in the seat next to you. To be valid, a driver must. . .

  • be at least 21 years old
  • have a license for the class and endorsement of the vehicle you are driving
  • must have held their license for a year
We are here to assist you. Feel free to reach out.