INSTRUCTION PERMIT

When you turn 14, you are eligible for an instruction permit to begin to practice how to drive. While you are practicing to drive you must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience in the type of vehicle you are driving, and they must be seated in the passenger seat at all times.

Instruction permits are valid for two years, and may be renewed one time.

How do I get my Instruction Permit?

To obtain your instruction permit, you must go to your local DMV office and complete the following:

  • Pass the written knowledge test (Practice for your test here) then take the actual test online here.
  • Bring a completed Application (form D1)
  • Bring parental consent form 433 for auto, form 433M for motorcycle
    • Proof of relationship to minor, examples include:
      • Birth Certificate (with parental name change documents, as applicable)
      • Adoption documents
      • Guardianship documents
      • Call the DMV regarding unique situations 907-269-5551.
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pay $15 (see fees)

If you do not have a local DMV office in your community, please see our Guide to Rural Driving Information.

Can I practice for the written knowledge test?

Yes, try our Online Practice Knowledge Test.

After passing it a few times try the actual test.

MORE ON WHO IS AUTHORIZED TO SIGN FOR PARENTAL CONSENT:

  1. Natural Parents – the following documents could be presented:
    1. Applicant’s birth certificate* that is in English or accompanied by a certificate of translation that includes a parent’s legal name can be used to verify the relationship.
      • birth certificates can be original, certified copies, or scans found in prior transactions
    2. Military Identification such as a Common Access Card. The card would need to:
      • Identify the minor
      • “Child” must be stated as the relationship
      • List the parent’s legal name as a parent or “sponsor”

Note: if a parent’s previous/maiden name appears on either document and that parent has changed their name, they must:

1.     present a marriage certificate or other name change document showing the name change

2.     if they’ve conducted a name change with the DMV previously, then the DMV may locate a record to support this

 

2. Spouse who is at least 18-years old may consent for a minor. A certified marriage certificate is required to verify the relationship.

3. Legal guardian. A legal guardian is defined as one who is appointed by the courts and presents court documents so stating. [AS 13.06.050 (20)] "Guardian" means a person who has qualified as a guardian of a minor or incapacitated person in accordance with testamentary or court appointment but excludes a person who is merely a guardian “ad litem”.

4. A person who has temporary custody of the minor while the parents are out-of-state may sign providing the person presents:

    • A notarized Power of Attorney (POA) from either parent. Generally, you will be presented with a General POA or a Limited POA. A General POA is definitely acceptable. A Limited POA, however, must specifically authorize the person to sign for the specific type of license or permit and state that they (the parent) will assume financial responsibility.

5. Employees of the Division of Family and Youth Services, Office of Children’s Services. Such employees must sign the Parental Consent Section using their own legal name (this means they would sign consent as “John James Smith” as opposed to “John James Smith/OCS”). No relationship document is needed, however they must provide proof that they are an employee of OCS. This can be done by verifying their Employee ID or you can look up their employee status in the State of Alaska Employee Directory.

6. When there is no living parent or legal guardian, a “responsible adult” who consents to accept financial responsibility for the minor may sign.

 

WHO IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO SIGN CONSENT FOR A LICENSE OR PERMIT:

·         Step-parents

·         Foster-parents

·         Probation officers and correction officers (For minors in temporary custody of the Department of Health and Social Services.)

 

MOTORCYCLE PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT

Both parents or guardians are required to give consent for Motorcycle Instruction Permits or Motorcycle Licenses for Applicants under 18-years of age.

 

WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT [AS 28.15.071(d)]

Parents or guardians may withdraw consent at any time prior to a minor’s 18th birthday by notifying the DMV in writing. (Form 424 - Withdrawal of Parental Consent)

This written withdrawal of consent must be signed by the person who originally gave consent for the license to be issued, and it must be notarized or witnessed by a DMV employee. This letter should be addressed to Anchorage Driver Services. If mailing the withdrawal, the minor’s license should be enclosed with the letter withdrawing consent. The withdrawal form may be emailed to doa.dmv.ads@alaska.gov

In any case the DMV will issue an order canceling the license or permit until such time as the licensee has reached the age of 18 or a new consent is obtained.

Motorcycle Withdrawal of Consent: While both parents/guardians are needed to provide consent, either parent/guardian may withdraw consent for a motorcycle permit/license.

 

Examples of Required Documents to get a Credential

Listed below are the types of documents and examples of each. If you are unable to obtain any of these documents, please contact us for other possible options. When applying, please bring one of each type to the DMV.

Proof of your Legal name, Date of Birth, and lawful presence (called the "primary document")
These documents are acceptable for proving your legal name and date of birth. Please bring one:

  • An original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate from Vital Statistics.
  • Passport or passport card issued by the United States or US Territory.
  • A foreign passport with appropriate immigration status forms issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
  • A resident alien, temporary resident alien, or employment work authorization document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
  • An Alaska instruction permit or Alaska State Identification card.
  • Certificate of Citizenship, Naturalization, or Birth Abroad.

Please Note: If your legal name is different than what is printed on your primary document, you must bring document(s) that provide proof of your name change. You must update your name with Social Security before changing your name with DMV.

Proof of your principal residence
The following items are acceptable for proving your principal residence. The document must show your residence address, not a post office box or other mail cache facility. Please bring one:

  • Utility bill
  • Alaska voter registration card
  • Alaska title and/or registration (Issued at least 30 days prior to application)
  • Paycheck Stub
  • 1st class mail
  • Change of address confirmation from USPS
  • Tribal ID card for remote address within tribal area
  • School Records
  • Insurance documents
  • Canceled check or bank statement
  • Legitimate lease or mortgage documents
  • Letter from employer, bank, utility, charitable organization, etc. on letterhead verifying applicant’s residence address

Social Security Number, in accordance with AS 28.15.061(b)(4)

If you have a Social Security Number, you must put it on your application. The information on your application must verify with Social Security’s records.

If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must provide documentation from the Social Security Administration verifying that you have not been issued a number

Proof of Name Change (if you have changed your legal name)

If you have had a name change, the DMV must be able to establish a connection between your old name, new name, and any names in between through the documents below. The documents must be an original or certified copy of the original issued by a government agency.

  • U.S. Passport (Must be current)
  • Amended birth certificate
  • Certified adoption papers, marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree
  • Certificate of Dissolution, Divorce or Annulment (referencing previous and adjudicated name)
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Name Change (referencing previous and adjudicated name)

NOTE: A name may not be added that is not otherwise found in linked documents. This can be done through an amended certificate or through a court-issued Certificate of Name Change.

We are here to assist you. Feel free to reach out.