Young drivers are building habits to support a lifetime of safe driving.
From driving in challenging weather, to avoiding distracted driving, there’s a lot to learn. Certified driving instructors or caregivers typically prepare teens to drive in Alaska. No matter the route, Safe Alaskans offers free assessments to support teens.
About Teen Driving in Alaska
First Permit/License Steps
Alaska teens receive increased driving privileges as they gain experience and maturity. This involves multiple steps:
- The Instruction Permit (a.k.a. Learner’s Permit), allows teens to drive when accompanied by a licensed driver ages 21 or older.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my (teen's) next permit/license step?
Take this quiz to find out what permit or license you’re ready for next.
Where do I go to get my permit/license?
Alaska DMV links and resources:
• How to Get Your Instruction Permit (ages 14 and up)
• How to Get Your Provisional Driver’s License (ages 16 and 17)
• Your First Alaska Driver’s License FAQ’s
Why is this process different than it was when I learned to drive?
In 2004 the Alaska State Legislature started the Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program. Before this, Alaska only required a driver under 18 to have a learner’s permit for 6-months before testing for a driver’s license.
GDL programs are a national strategy known to reduce a teen’s crash risk by as much as 50%.
Resources and Tools
Learn more at the Alaska DMV Instruction Permit page. Learn the steps you’ll need to take to get a license using this quiz!
What resources are there to teach my teen to drive?
Virtual Driving Assessment at Center for Safe Alaskans:
- We offer free virtual driving assessments to provide new and experienced drivers with a no-risk way to be exposed to common crash scenarios. The assessment provides feedback on how the driver performed and helpful tips on improving. Contact us to request an assessment.
Interested in finding a local driving school?
More educational resources to support parents and teens include:
- Alaska Driver’s Manual (Alaska DMV)
- Youth Driving Passport (SADD): Use this toolkit to gain helpful tips to guide your driving practice.
- New Driver Deal (NSC): Create a shared agreement about how and when the car will be used.
- Contract for Life (SADD): Communicate your commitment to safe and healthy behavior
- National Safety Council offers a series of mini-lessons for parents
- National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Fact Sheets
Open House: Free 20-Minute Driving Assessment
Working with the Alaska Highway Safety Office, we provide Ready Assess—computer-based driving tool to test teens’ (ages 13+) ability to handle road hazards. Drivers see right away how they did and how they compare to other drivers. They’ll get tips to learn safe driving skill through short videos.
Partner with Us
Collaborate With Us to Protect Teen Drivers
Do you work with teens? Are you passionate in supporting Alaska youth with safe driving practices? We’d like to bring our programs to teens you serve. Programs we regularly offer include:
Teen Safe Driving Week Promotion
October’s Teen Safe Driving Week is a nationally-organized opportunity to promote safe driving to teens. Safe Alaskans partnered with the Alaska Highway Safety Office and students across the state to reach Alaska teens.
Youth-led Campaigns to Promote Safe Driving
Safe Alaskans regularly partners with organizations such as Alaska Highway Safety Office and State Farm to sponsor safe driving campaigns at high schools across Alaska. These programs combine education strategies with comprehensive approaches to prevention. Campaign examples include Raise Your Voice, ThinkFast, and High School Buckle Up.