General License and Insurance Guidelines for Teens in Alaska

In 2004 Alaska adopted a graduated license program for new teen drivers.

Licensing Requirements for Teens

Alaska’s graduated licensing program is a 3 stage program that ultimately allows teens to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license.

Stage 1 – The Learner’s Permit:

A learner’s permit allows teens to operate a motor vehicle when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other licensed driver over the age of 21.

Requirements:

• Teen must be at least 14 years old
• Must complete and pass the written examination
• Must pass a vision test
• Must have parental consent

Stage 2 – The Provisional License:

A provisional license allows teens to drive a vehicle without supervision. Teens may not drive unsupervised between the hours of 1:00am and 5:00am unless they are diving for work or in the case of emergencies. Teens may not drive unsupervised with passengers who are under the age of 21 unless they are a sibling of the driver.

Requirements :

• Must have had a learners permit for a minimum of 6 months
• Must have completed 40 hours of driving with 10 hours under challenging conditions (night driving or in harsh weather)
• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must have Parental Consent
• Must successfully complete the road skills test
• Must have a clean driving record at the time of the application

Stage 3 – The Unrestricted License:

An unrestricted license allows a teen to operate a motor vehicle without restrictions.

Requirements:

• Must have possessed a provisional license for a minimum of six months
• Must have a clean driving record at the time of the application

Insurance Requirements for Teens

In Alaska, teen drivers are subject to the same insurance requirements as other drivers. That means all teens must comply with the minimum liability requirements in order to lawfully operate a motor vehicle in Alaska.

Minimum Liability Insurance

In Alaska, the current minimum liability amounts are higher than most states and are:

• $50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person;
• $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident; and
• $25,000 in property damage insurance per accident

Penalties for Driving without Insurance

Drivers are required to maintain current proof of insurance at all times in the vehicle. If you are unable to provide proof of insurance for a vehicle, you may be subject to the suspension of your driver’s license.

Because of the rural nature of the state of Alaska there are several areas that are exempt from the mandatory insurance provisions because vehicles in these areas are not subject to registration. A complete list of these areas can be found at http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/faq/manins.htm