Conquer the Alaska Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions to Sharpen Your Knowledge

The written knowledge test, often called the permit test, is your first official step toward getting behind the wheel in Alaska. Passing this test demonstrates that you understand the state's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving principles. While the thought of a test can be intimidating, a little preparation goes a long way.

The questions on the Alaska permit test are all based on information found in the official Alaska Driver's Manual. [1, 22] To help you get a feel for the types of questions you'll encounter, we've put together this list of 15 practice questions. Use them to test your knowledge, identify areas where you need more study, and build your confidence before heading to the DMV.

Alaska Permit Practice Test

Take your time to answer each question, then check your answer against the correct one provided, along with a brief explanation.

1. When driving with a learner's permit in Alaska, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least what age? a) 18 years old b) 21 years old c) 25 years old d) Any licensed driver

2. In Alaska, a provisional license holder under 18 is restricted from driving between what hours? a) 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM b) 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM c) 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM d) Midnight and 6:00 AM

3. A solid yellow line on your side of the road means: a) You may pass with caution. b) Passing is permitted during daylight hours. c) You may not pass. d) The road is ending.

4. When you see a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, you must: a) Stop at least 20 feet away. b) Slow down and proceed with caution. c) Stop, unless you are on a divided highway. d) Honk to let them know you are passing.

5. What is the minimum following distance you should maintain from the vehicle in front of you under normal conditions? a) One car length b) Two seconds c) Three to four seconds d) 50 feet

6. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means: a) The same as a stop sign. b) Slow down and be prepared to stop. c) The light is about to turn green. d) Yield to all traffic before proceeding.

7. In Alaska, you must signal your intention to turn at least how many feet before the turn? a) 50 feet b) 100 feet c) 200 feet d) 300 feet

8. When are you required to use your headlights in Alaska? a) Only at night. b) When visibility is less than 1,000 feet. c) From a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise. d) All of the above.

9. A diamond-shaped sign is a: a) Regulatory sign. b) Guide sign. c) Warning sign. d) Railroad crossing sign.

10. In a roundabout, you should: a) Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. b) Enter without stopping. c) Always stop before entering. d) Treat it as a four-way stop.

11. For a driver under 21, what is the legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)? a) 0.08% b) 0.04% c) 0.02% d) Any detectable amount (Zero Tolerance).

12. If your vehicle starts to skid on an icy road, you should: a) Slam on the brakes. b) Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid. c) Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. d) Accelerate to gain traction.

13. True or False: In Alaska, you are required to have your headlights on when your windshield wipers are in use. a) True b) False

14. A parent or guardian must certify that a teen driver has completed at least how many hours of supervised driving to get a provisional license? a) 20 hours b) 30 hours c) 40 hours d) 50 hours

15. If you are over 21 and applying for a new license or upgrading from a permit, you must also pass which additional test? a) A mechanical knowledge test b) An advanced road sign test c) A motorcycle awareness test d) An Alcohol and Drug Awareness knowledge test

Answer Key and Explanations

1. b) 21 years old. A person driving with an Alaska learner's permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and has a minimum of one year of driving experience. [1, 7, 22]

2. c) 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Drivers with a provisional license are not permitted to drive between these hours, with limited exceptions for work or emergencies. [1, 13]

3. c) You may not pass. A solid yellow line on your side of the center line indicates a no-passing zone. You must not cross it to overtake another vehicle.

4. c) Stop, unless you are on a divided highway. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, you must stop. The only exception is if you are on the opposite side of a divided highway with a physical barrier.

5. c) Three to four seconds. The "three-second rule" is a common way to gauge a safe following distance. In poor weather or road conditions, this distance should be increased.

6. a) The same as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop at the marked stop line or before the crosswalk, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed when it is safe to do so. [9]

7. b) 100 feet. Signaling your intentions in advance gives other drivers and pedestrians time to react to your planned maneuver.

8. d) All of the above. Alaska law requires headlights to be on from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, when visibility is low, and at any other time when conditions warrant.

9. c) Warning sign. Diamond-shaped signs alert drivers to potential hazards or changes in road conditions ahead, such as curves, intersections, or slippery surfaces.

10. a) Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Drivers approaching a roundabout must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already circulating within it.

11. d) Any detectable amount (Zero Tolerance). Alaska has a strict Zero Tolerance law for underage drinking and driving. Any measurable amount of alcohol in the system of a driver under 21 is illegal.

12. c) Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. If the rear of your car is skidding to the right, for example, you should gently steer to the right to regain control. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

13. a) True. It's a good practice for visibility and is required by law in many states, including Alaska, to turn on your headlights whenever you are using your windshield wipers.

14. c) 40 hours. To be eligible for a provisional license, a teen's parent or guardian must certify the completion of at least 40 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of those hours being at night or in challenging weather. [1, 2, 13]

15. d) An Alcohol and Drug Awareness knowledge test. For applicants over 21 or those upgrading from a permit, this test is required to ensure understanding of the risks and laws associated with impaired driving. [1, 6]

How to Prepare for Success

These questions cover some of the most important topics you'll find on your test. The best way to prepare is to thoroughly study the Alaska Driver's Manual. Break it down into sections, take notes, and don't be afraid to ask a parent, guardian, or experienced driver to quiz you.

By understanding the rules of the road and putting in the study time, you'll be well on your way to acing the permit test and taking your first legal drive on Alaska's beautiful roadways. Good luck!