Alaska DMV Permit Test cheat sheet
Alaska DMV Permit Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Traffic Signs and Signals
Eight-sided red sign: STOP. Come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersecting roadway.
Inverted triangle (red/white) sign: YIELD. Slow and give right-of-way; stop only if traffic requires it.
Pennant-shaped yellow sign marks a no-passing zone; passing is prohibited until the zone ends.
Circle-shaped yellow sign with an X and RR letters warns of a railroad crossing ahead; a white X-buck sign marks the tracks themselves.
Flashing red signal = same requirement as a STOP sign; flashing yellow signal = proceed with caution.
Steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; a vehicle may not enter the intersection if it can stop safely.
Orange diamond signs are temporary work-zone warnings; reduced speed limits posted there are enforceable.
Yellow diamond = warning; white rectangle/black text = regulatory; green = guide/distance; blue = services; brown = recreation/cultural.
Right-of-Way and Intersections
At an uncontrolled intersection, the first vehicle to arrive has right-of-way; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
At a four-way stop, vehicles proceed in the order they arrived; simultaneous arrivals resolve left-yields-to-right.
Right turn on red is permitted after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it; left turn on red is permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
A vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, or private road must yield to all traffic already on the roadway.
Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have right-of-way; drivers must yield and may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
When emergency vehicles approach with lights and siren, pull to the right edge and stop until they pass.
Vehicles must yield to any vehicle already within the intersection when the light changes.
Speed Limits and Safe Following Distance
Default urban/business-district limit in Alaska is 25 mph unless posted otherwise; residential areas are typically 25 mph.
Alaska default speed limit on unpaved highways is 50 mph; on paved highways it is 55 mph unless posted.
Alaska maximum posted speed limit is 65 mph.
School zone limits (typically 20 mph) apply when children are present or when the flashing signal is active.
Three-second rule: pick a fixed object; if you reach it before counting three seconds after the vehicle ahead, you are following too closely.
Add at least one second for rain, and more for snow, ice, or darkness; stopping distance rises with the square of speed.
Total stopping distance = perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance.
Speed must be reduced to a safe speed for conditions even when traveling below the posted limit; the basic speed rule always applies.
Sharing the Road (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcycles, Large Vehicles)
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane; a car may not share the lane with a motorcycle.
Give bicycles at least three feet of clearance when passing where practicable; do not pass if you cannot leave safe space.
Large trucks have large no-zones (blind spots) behind, alongside, and in front; if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
A truck making a right turn may swing left first and needs wide space; never pass a truck on the right when it is turning.
Large vehicles need far more distance to stop; do not cut in front of a truck after passing until both headlights are visible in its mirrors.
Pedestrians who are blind may use a white cane or guide dog; drivers must yield and stop well back from the crosswalk.
When a school bus stops with red lights flashing on an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop.
Passing a bicycle or pedestrian requires yielding the right-of-way and not crowding them toward the curb.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Driving
Alaska legal limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and older; a lower limit of 0.00% applies to drivers under 21 (zero tolerance).
Alaska's DUI statute also covers driving while impaired by drugs or any substance to a degree that renders the driver incapable of safe operation.
Implied consent: by driving in Alaska you consent to a chemical test when lawfully arrested for DUI; refusal carries license consequences.
For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.00% or greater with any alcohol in the body can result in a minor consuming/zero-tolerance violation.
Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment and coordination, and reduces peripheral vision before the driver feels intoxicated.
Time is the only thing that removes alcohol from the body; coffee, cold showers, and food do not sober a person up.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can impair driving and can support a DUI charge even when taken as directed.
Open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle are prohibited in Alaska.
Alaska-Specific Driving Conditions (Winter, Wildlife, Rural Roads)
On ice and packed snow, increase following distance to at least 8-10 seconds and reduce speed well below the posted limit.
Bridges and overpasses freeze before the roadway because cold air circulates under them.
Use low-beam headlights in snow, fog, and blowing snow; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
If you begin to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go; avoid hard braking.
Moose and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk; scan the shoulders and be prepared to stop for animals on the road.
Moose are tall and dark; their bodies can come through the windshield while their legs are below the hood, so slow down rather than swerve.
On rural Alaska roads, plan for long distances without services; carry winter gear, food, and a means of communication.
Black ice forms in shaded areas, on bridges, and at intersections where exhaust moisture freezes.
Parking, Stopping, and Lane Use
No parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
No parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal on the approach side.
Park within 12 inches of the curb when parallel parking (18 inches where a curb is not present).
When parking downhill with a curb, turn wheels toward the curb; uphill with a curb, turn wheels away from the curb; uphill without a curb, turn wheels toward the edge.
Set the parking brake and place the vehicle in park or in gear before leaving the vehicle.
Keep right except when passing, when preparing for a left turn, or when the right lane is closed or impassable.
Do not stop or park on a sidewalk, in a crosswalk, or in a lane of travel where stopping would block traffic.
Use turn signals at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change on the highway.
Vehicle Equipment, Safety, and Emergencies
Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and whenever visibility is too poor to see persons or vehicles 500 feet away.
Use low beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 300 feet when following another vehicle.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers; children must be restrained in an approved child safety seat appropriate for age and size.
If a vehicle breaks down, move it off the roadway, turn on hazard lights, and set out reflective triangles or flares behind the vehicle when safe.
If a tire blows out, grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight while slowing; do not brake hard.
If your brakes fail, pump the pedal, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually; steer for an escape route.
In a collision, stop, render aid, exchange information, and report the crash to police when required by law.
Check tire tread and pressure before winter; adequate tread and correct pressure improve traction on snow and ice.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A red octagon requires a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
A red/white inverted triangle requires yielding right-of-way to cross traffic.
A yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead; a white rectangle with black text is regulatory.
A round yellow sign with an X and RR letters warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
A flashing red light is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.
A steady yellow light warns the signal is changing; stop if you can do so safely.
Orange diamond signs mark work zones, and posted reduced speeds there are enforceable.
Green signs give directions and distances; blue signs mark services; brown signs mark recreation areas.
Right-of-Way and Intersections
At an uncontrolled intersection, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; simultaneous arrivals yield left to right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
At a four-way stop, vehicles proceed in order of arrival.
A right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign forbids it.
A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
A vehicle entering from a driveway or alley must yield to all traffic already on the road.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks and may not pass a vehicle stopped at one.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull right and stop until it passes.
Speed Limits and Safe Following Distance
Alaska's default urban or business-district speed limit is 25 mph unless posted otherwise.
Alaska's default speed limit on unpaved highways is 50 mph.
Alaska's maximum posted speed limit is 65 mph.
School zone limits, typically 20 mph, apply when children are present or the signal is flashing.
The three-second rule sets minimum following distance in good conditions.
Add at least one second of following distance in rain and more in snow, ice, or darkness.
Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance.
The basic speed rule requires driving slower than the posted limit when conditions demand it.
Sharing the Road (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcycles, Large Vehicles)
A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane; no other vehicle may share the lane with it.
Give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing where practicable.
If you cannot see a truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
A truck turning right may swing left first and needs wide space; never pass it on the right.
Do not cut in front of a passing truck until both its headlights appear in its mirrors.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.
Traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing on an undivided road.
Passing a cyclist requires yielding right-of-way and leaving safe space rather than crowding them.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Driving
The legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older in Alaska is 0.08%.
Alaska applies zero tolerance to drivers under 21; any measurable alcohol can trigger a violation.
Alaska's DUI law covers impairment by drugs or any substance that makes safe driving impossible.
Implied consent means a lawfully arrested driver must submit to a chemical test or face license consequences.
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and peripheral vision before the driver feels drunk.
Only time removes alcohol from the body; coffee, food, and showers do not sober a person.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can support a DUI charge even when taken as directed.
Open containers of alcohol in a vehicle's passenger area are prohibited in Alaska.
Alaska-Specific Driving Conditions (Winter, Wildlife, Rural Roads)
On ice and packed snow, extend following distance to at least 8-10 seconds.
Bridges and overpasses freeze before surrounding pavement because cold air circulates beneath them.
Use low-beam headlights in snow, fog, and blowing snow to avoid glare from reflection.
In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer where you want the front of the vehicle to go.
Moose and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk, so scan the shoulders.
Moose bodies sit above most hoods, so slow down rather than swerve when one is on the road.
Rural Alaska roads may have long stretches without services; carry winter gear and communication.
Black ice forms in shaded areas, on bridges, and at intersections where exhaust moisture freezes.
Parking, Stopping, and Lane Use
No parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
No parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or signal on the approach side.
Parallel park within 12 inches of the curb, or 18 inches where there is no curb.
Parking downhill with a curb: turn wheels toward the curb.
Parking uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from the curb.
Parking uphill without a curb: turn wheels toward the edge of the road.
Keep right except when passing, preparing for a left turn, or when the right lane is blocked.
Vehicle Equipment, Safety, and Emergencies
Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
Headlights are also required when visibility is too poor to see persons or vehicles 500 feet away.
Use low beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 300 feet when following.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers; children need approved child safety seats.
For a breakdown, move off the roadway, turn on hazard lights, and set out warning devices behind the vehicle.
For a blowout, grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight while slowing without hard braking.
If brakes fail, pump the pedal, downshift, and apply the parking brake gradually.
After a collision, stop, render aid, exchange information, and report the crash when required.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A red octagon means stop completely at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersecting road.
A red and white inverted triangle means yield; stop only if traffic requires it.
A yellow pennant marks a no-passing zone that remains in effect until the zone ends.
Orange diamond signs are temporary work-zone warnings, and their reduced speed limits are enforceable.
A flashing red signal carries the same requirement as a stop sign.
A flashing yellow signal means proceed with caution.
A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely.
Yellow diamond signs warn, white rectangular signs regulate, green signs guide, and blue signs mark services.
Right-of-Way and Intersections
At a four-way stop, vehicles proceed in the order they arrived.
When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
A driver may turn right on red after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it.
A left turn on red is legal only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
A vehicle must yield to any vehicle already in the intersection when the light changes.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Emergency vehicles with lights and siren require drivers to pull to the right edge and stop.
Speed Limits and Safe Following Distance
Alaska's default speed limit on paved highways is 55 mph unless posted otherwise.
Alaska's maximum posted speed limit is 65 mph.
The default urban or business-district limit in Alaska is 25 mph.
Alaska's default limit on unpaved highways is 50 mph.
School zone limits, typically 20 mph, apply when children are present or the signal is flashing.
The three-second rule sets minimum following distance in good conditions.
Add at least one second for rain, and more for snow, ice, or darkness.
Total stopping distance is the sum of perception, reaction, and braking distances.
Sharing the Road (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcycles, Large Vehicles)
Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane and may not share a lane with a car.
Give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing where practicable.
Trucks have large blind spots behind, alongside, and in front; if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
A truck making a right turn may swing left first and needs wide space; never pass it on the right.
Do not cut in front of a truck after passing until both headlights are visible in its mirrors.
Drivers must yield and stop well back for pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.
Traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing on an undivided road.
Passing a bicycle or pedestrian requires yielding right-of-way and not crowding them toward the curb.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Driving
Alaska's legal limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and older.
Alaska applies zero tolerance to drivers under 21; any measurable alcohol can trigger a violation.
Alaska's DUI statute covers driving while impaired by drugs or any substance to a degree that prevents safe operation.
Implied consent means a lawfully arrested driver must submit to a chemical test or face license consequences.
Alcohol slows reaction time, impairs judgment and coordination, and reduces peripheral vision before the driver feels intoxicated.
Time is the only thing that removes alcohol from the body; coffee, cold showers, and food do not sober a person up.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can support a DUI charge even when taken as directed.
Open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle are prohibited in Alaska.
Alaska-Specific Driving Conditions (Winter, Wildlife, Rural Roads)
On ice and packed snow, increase following distance to at least 8-10 seconds and reduce speed well below the posted limit.
Bridges and overpasses freeze before the roadway because cold air circulates under them.
Use low-beam headlights in snow, fog, and blowing snow; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
If you begin to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go; avoid hard braking.
Moose and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk; scan the shoulders and be prepared to stop for animals on the road.
Moose are tall and dark; their bodies can come through the windshield while their legs are below the hood, so slow down rather than swerve.
On rural Alaska roads, plan for long distances without services; carry winter gear, food, and a means of communication.
Black ice forms in shaded areas, on bridges, and at intersections where exhaust moisture freezes.
Parking, Stopping, and Lane Use
No parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
No parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic signal on the approach side.
Park within 12 inches of the curb when parallel parking (18 inches where a curb is not present).
When parking downhill with a curb, turn wheels toward the curb; uphill with a curb, turn wheels away from the curb; uphill without a curb, turn wheels toward the edge.
Set the parking brake and place the vehicle in park or in gear before leaving the vehicle.
Keep right except when passing, when preparing for a left turn, or when the right lane is closed or impassable.
Do not stop or park on a sidewalk, in a crosswalk, or in a lane of travel where stopping would block traffic.
Use turn signals at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change on the highway.
Vehicle Equipment, Safety, and Emergencies
Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise, and whenever visibility is too poor to see persons or vehicles 500 feet away.
Use low beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 300 feet when following another vehicle.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers; children must be restrained in an approved child safety seat appropriate for age and size.
If a vehicle breaks down, move it off the roadway, turn on hazard lights, and set out reflective triangles or flares behind the vehicle when safe.
If a tire blows out, grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight while slowing; do not brake hard.
If your brakes fail, pump the pedal, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually; steer for an escape route.
In a collision, stop, render aid, exchange information, and report the crash to police when required by law.
Check tire tread and pressure before winter; adequate tread and correct pressure improve traction on snow and ice.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A red octagon requires a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
A red/white inverted triangle requires yielding right-of-way to cross traffic.
A yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead; a white rectangle with black text is regulatory.
A round yellow sign with an X and RR letters warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
A flashing red light is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.
A steady yellow light warns the signal is changing; stop if you can do so safely.
Orange diamond signs mark work zones, and posted reduced speeds there are enforceable.
Green signs give directions and distances; blue signs mark services; brown signs mark recreation areas.
Right-of-Way and Intersections
At an uncontrolled intersection, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; simultaneous arrivals yield left to right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
At a four-way stop, vehicles proceed in order of arrival.
A right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign forbids it.
A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
A vehicle entering from a driveway or alley must yield to all traffic already on the road.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks and may not pass a vehicle stopped at one.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull right and stop until it passes.
Speed Limits and Safe Following Distance
Alaska's default urban or business-district speed limit is 25 mph unless posted otherwise.
Alaska's default speed limit on unpaved highways is 50 mph.
Alaska's maximum posted speed limit is 65 mph.
School zone limits, typically 20 mph, apply when children are present or the signal is flashing.
The three-second rule sets minimum following distance in good conditions.
Add at least one second of following distance in rain and more in snow, ice, or darkness.
Total stopping distance equals perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance.
The basic speed rule requires driving slower than the posted limit when conditions demand it.
Sharing the Road (Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcycles, Large Vehicles)
A motorcycle is entitled to a full lane; no other vehicle may share the lane with it.
Give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing where practicable.
If you cannot see a truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
A truck turning right may swing left first and needs wide space; never pass it on the right.
Do not cut in front of a passing truck until both its headlights appear in its mirrors.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.
Traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus with red lights flashing on an undivided road.
Passing a cyclist requires yielding right-of-way and leaving safe space rather than crowding them.
Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Driving
The legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older in Alaska is 0.08%.
Alaska applies zero tolerance to drivers under 21; any measurable alcohol can trigger a violation.
Alaska's DUI law covers impairment by drugs or any substance that makes safe driving impossible.
Implied consent means a lawfully arrested driver must submit to a chemical test or face license consequences.
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and peripheral vision before the driver feels drunk.
Only time removes alcohol from the body; coffee, food, and showers do not sober a person.
Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can support a DUI charge even when taken as directed.
Open containers of alcohol in a vehicle's passenger area are prohibited in Alaska.
Alaska-Specific Driving Conditions (Winter, Wildlife, Rural Roads)
On ice and packed snow, extend following distance to at least 8-10 seconds.
Bridges and overpasses freeze before surrounding pavement because cold air circulates beneath them.
Use low-beam headlights in snow, fog, and blowing snow to avoid glare from reflection.
In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer where you want the front of the vehicle to go.
Moose and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk, so scan the shoulders.
Moose bodies sit above most hoods, so slow down rather than swerve when one is on the road.
Rural Alaska roads may have long stretches without services; carry winter gear and communication.
Black ice forms in shaded areas, on bridges, and at intersections where exhaust moisture freezes.
Parking, Stopping, and Lane Use
No parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
No parking within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or signal on the approach side.
Parallel park within 12 inches of the curb, or 18 inches where there is no curb.
Parking downhill with a curb: turn wheels toward the curb.
Parking uphill with a curb: turn wheels away from the curb.
Parking uphill without a curb: turn wheels toward the edge of the road.
Keep right except when passing, preparing for a left turn, or when the right lane is blocked.
Vehicle Equipment, Safety, and Emergencies
Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
Headlights are also required when visibility is too poor to see persons or vehicles 500 feet away.
Use low beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 300 feet when following.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers; children need approved child safety seats.
For a breakdown, move off the roadway, turn on hazard lights, and set out warning devices behind the vehicle.
For a blowout, grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight while slowing without hard braking.
If brakes fail, pump the pedal, downshift, and apply the parking brake gradually.
After a collision, stop, render aid, exchange information, and report the crash when required.