GUIDE TO RURAL DRIVING INFORMATION
Residing in a remote area presents unique challenges, especially for young individuals in Alaska seeking employment opportunities. A driver's license often becomes a prerequisite for many job applications or for enrolling in apprenticeship programs.
To support residents of Alaska's remote communities, the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) extends specialized services tailored to your needs. Unlike other states, Alaska is unique in its vast number of remote communities that are not accessible via the standard road network.
This guide, alongside the State of Alaska's Driver Manuals, is designed to assist you in obtaining an off-highway driver's license within your local community.
It's important to note that if you're unable to have a digital photograph taken at a local DMV office, your license will indicate "Valid Without Photo" instead of featuring a photo.
Restriction 6Noncommercial only
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Restriction 7CDL Only |
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Restriction 8CDL Only |
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Am I eligible for an Off-Highway Driver License?
Eligibility includes:
- Live in a community that is not connected to the road system;
- Do not have access to DMV services, and;
- Live where a skills test is not offered at least once per year.
Restriction: 6
How Do I Get An Off-Highway Driver License?
To obtain an Off-Highway Class D license, you must fulfill all licensing requirements with the exception of the skills (road) test. This option is also available if you are 18 years or older and have never held a driver license before. To apply, you are required to:
- Pass the written test (online or contact a Proctor in your area)
- Pass a vision test (vision test form is here)
- Pay the fee
- Provide original legal documents verifying name, date of birth, social security number and residence address
- No skills (road) test is required.
After completing the written test, mail an application for DRIVER LICENSE OR PERMIT OR ID CARD and your supporting documents to:
State of Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Correspondence
4001 Ingra Street, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503
Please note: Any DMV Office or Business Partner can issue your license if you are visiting a community with a DMV Office.
Following the enactment of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act by the United States Congress, Alaska uniquely secured an exemption from the Federal Government, waiving the skills (road) test requirement for rural commercial drivers. This makes Alaska the sole state authorized to issue an Off-Highway license to operators of commercial motor vehicles.
For comprehensive information on when to apply for a Commercial Driver License, please consult the State of Alaska Commercial Driver Manual and visit the Commercial Driver License webpage.
Am I eligible for an Off-Highway Commercial Driver License?
Eligibility includes:
- Live in a community that is not connected to the road system;
- Do not have access to DMV services, and;
- Live where a skills test is not offered at least once per year.
Restriction: 7 or 8
How Do I Get An Off-Highway CDL?
To obtain an Off-Highway CDL license, you must fulfill all licensing requirements with the exception of the skills (road) test and ELDT. To apply, you are required to:
- Pass the written test (at a local DMV or contact a Proctor in your area)
- Pass a vision test (vision test form is here)
- Provide original legal documents verifying name, date of birth, social security number and residence address
- Provide a DOT medical certificate and 413 self-certifying form, if applicable
- Road Test:
- For restriction 7: no skills (road) test is required.
- For restriction 8: Amended road test in 14 areas in Alaska
- no ELDT required
- Pay the fee
After completing the written test(s), any DMV Office or Business Partner can issue your license if you are visiting a community with a DMV Office.
Remove Non-Commercial License Restriction 6:
Schedule and pass a road test at a DMV office or driving school.
Remove Commercial License Restriction 7 or 8:
Schedule and pass a road test at a DMV office or driving school.