Alaska CDL Study Guide
Alaska issues commercial driver licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must be an Alaska resident domiciled in the state to apply. You can drive a commercial vehicle inside Alaska at 18. You must be 21 to drive across state lines, carry hazardous materials, or hold a school bus endorsement.
Key Alaska numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Alaska General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
If you fail an Alaska CDL knowledge test, you can retake it as early as the next day for an additional fee. Check with the Alaska DMV for current limits on the number of attempts per application.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I need to be to get a CDL in Alaska?
You must be at least 18 to drive a commercial vehicle inside Alaska. You must be 21 for interstate driving, hazardous materials, or a school bus endorsement.
How long do I have to hold my Alaska CLP?
You must hold your Commercial Learneru0027s Permit for at least 14 days before you can take the CDL skills road test.
How many questions are on the Alaska CDL general knowledge test?
There are 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass, which is 80%.
How much does the Alaska CDL cost?
The CDL fee is $100. The CLP fee is $15. A road test costs an extra $25.
Do I need ELDT for my Alaska CDL?
Yes. Federal ELDT is required for a first Class A or B CDL, a Class B to A upgrade, or a first H, P, or S endorsement. Training must be done through a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
Do I need a DOT medical card?
Yes. Unless you qualify for an exemption, you must present a valid Medical Examineru0027s Certificate. You must also complete CDL self-certification with the DMV.
Free practice
Start an Alaska General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: Alaska DMV Commercial Driveru0027s License (CDL) page Alaska DMV Commercial Learneru0027s Permit (CLP) page Alaska Commercial Driveru0027s License Manual (PDF) Alaska DMV License Fees