Alaska · DMV

How to get your CDL permit in Alaska

Alaska residents with a regular Alaska license can get a CLP from the DMV after passing the written tests. Alaska still uses a physical DOT medical card, so keep yours handy.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DMV sources

Start the free Alaska permit classroom Official Alaska CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $15
Permit valid for: Check with DMV
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Be an Alaska resident and hold a valid Alaska non-commercial driver license.
2Get a DOT medical exam and keep your physical medical card.
3Fill out Form 413 to self-certify the type of driving you will do.
4Bring your ID, Social Security number and proof of Alaska address to a DMV office.
5Pass the General Knowledge test plus Air Brakes, Combination or endorsement tests as needed, then pay $15 for your permit.
6Finish federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a school on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before you take the skills test.
7After 14 days with your CLP, schedule your road test online.

What to bring

Your valid Alaska driver license
Proof of legal name, birth date and citizenship or lawful status (birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate or resident alien card)
Your Social Security number
Proof of your Alaska home address
Completed Form 413 self-certification
Your physical DOT medical card

Medical card

You self-certify your type of driving on Form 413. Alaska is not connected to the national electronic medical system, so bring your paper medical card to a DMV office or email it to the DMV once you hold a CLP or CDL.

Fees

Instruction permit (includes CLP)	$15
Instruction permit renewal	$5
Road test (DMV)Non-refundable. Approved driving schools can also test; their prices vary.	$25
CDL	$100 standard · $120 REAL ID

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DMV before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests if you want them (for example Passenger, School Bus, Tank)

Testing in Alaska

You need 80% on every written test.
If you fail a written test, you can retake it once per day until you pass.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one week to retest.
You take a CDL vision test if you do not turn in a medical certificate.
Road tests are scheduled online.

Study for these tests in the Alaska classroom

Good to know in Alaska

You must be 21 for School Bus or Hazmat endorsements.
Communities off the road system can get an Off-Highway CDL without the usual road skills test.
Alaska's CDL is issued as a REAL ID credential.
Seasonal workers from other states can drive on their home-state CDL.

Non-domiciled applicants

Alaska requires CLP and CDL applicants to be Alaska residents who live in the state.

Confirm with DMV before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

How long the CLP is valid. The DMV says to pass your road test within 180 days, but confirm the permit's length with the DMV.
Whether a separate written test fee applies — none is listed.
How many proofs of address you need.
Which languages the written tests are offered in.
The vision standard for a CDL.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Alaska gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles. Rules and fees change, so always check with DMV before you apply.