Alaska CDL at a Glance (Plain-English Summary)
-
Age & eligibility:
You must be 19 years old to drive commercially within Alaska (intrastate), and 21 years old to drive interstate, to carry passengers, or to transport hazardous materials. -
License:
You must be 19 years old to drive commercially within Alaska (intrastate), and 21 years old to drive interstate, to carry passengers, or to transport hazardous materials. -
Medical card:
You need a current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate unless exempt. -
Knowledge tests → CLP:
You must pass the CDL written knowledge tests for your chosen class (A/B/C) and endorsements to get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). -
ELDT:
Entry‑Level Driver Training is required under federal law for Class A and B CDLs and for the H, S, and P endorsements. -
Skills test:
Hold your CLP for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test, which includes pre‑trip, basic control, and on‑road. -
Hazmat:
The Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement requires passing a knowledge test and a TSA background check. -
Where to test:
Testing is managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Always confirm fees, forms, and steps with the DMV.
What’s on the Alaska CDL Knowledge Tests
General Knowledge
— vehicle inspections, safe driving rules, handling emergencies, space management, distracted driving, cargo basics, and driving in Alaska’s extreme weather and terrain.Air Brakes
— brake system components, dual systems, warning signals, spring brakes, stopping distance, and controlling speed on steep Alaska grades.Combination Vehicles
— coupling and uncoupling, trailer inspections, skid control, jackknife prevention, rollover avoidance, and backing safety.Hazardous Materials (H)
— hazmat classes, placards, shipping papers, loading/unloading rules, segregation, emergency response, and TSA clearance.Passenger (P) & School Bus (S)
— passenger loading/unloading, emergency exits, evacuation drills, student safety rules, and Alaska-specific bus operation rules (such as railroad crossing procedures).Tankers (N)
— surge, slosh, rollover prevention, safe speed on curves, and proper inspection of liquid cargo tanks.Doubles/Triples (T)
— coupling/uncoupling with converter dollies, trailer checks, rollover and off‑tracking control.Pre‑Trip Inspection
— checking engine compartments, suspension, tires, wheels, lights, steering, brakes, emergency gear, in‑cab items, and cold‑weather equipment required in Alaska.Required for All CDL Drivers
These tests are mandatory for all Commercial Driver's License applicants
About General Knowledge Tests
Basic rules, regulations, and safe driving practices for commercial vehicles
General Knowledge Test 1
Basic CDL knowledge and traffic laws
General Knowledge Test 2
Vehicle safety and inspection procedures
General Knowledge Test 3
Driving techniques and hazard awareness
General Knowledge Test 4
Transportation of cargo and passengers
General Knowledge Test 5
Emergency procedures and vehicle maintenance
General Knowledge Test 6
Final comprehensive review test
About Air Brakes Tests
Air brake systems, inspection, and operation procedures
Air Brakes Test 1
Basic air brake system components and operation
Air Brakes Test 2
Air brake inspection and testing procedures
Air Brakes Test 3
Emergency procedures and troubleshooting
Air Brakes Test 4
Advanced air brake systems and safety
About Pre-Trip Inspection Tests
Vehicle inspection procedures and safety checks
Pre-Trip Inspection Test 1
Engine compartment and cab inspection
Pre-Trip Inspection Test 2
Exterior vehicle inspection
Pre-Trip Inspection Test 3
Trailer and coupling system inspection
Endorsement Tests
Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving
About Combination Vehicles Tests
Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations
Combination Vehicles Test 1
Coupling and uncoupling procedures
Combination Vehicles Test 2
Inspection of combination vehicles
Combination Vehicles Test 3
Driving combination vehicles safely
Combination Vehicles Test 4
Backing and maneuvering techniques
Combination Vehicles Test 5
Advanced combination vehicle operation
About Hazmat Tests
Hazardous materials transportation and safety
Hazmat Test 1
Hazmat classification and identification
Hazmat Test 2
Loading and handling procedures
Hazmat Test 3
Documentation and placarding
Hazmat Test 4
Emergency response and safety procedures
About Passenger Vehicles Tests
Buses and vehicles designed to transport passengers
Passenger Vehicle Test 1
Pre-trip inspection for passenger vehicles
Passenger Vehicle Test 2
Loading and unloading passengers
Passenger Vehicle Test 3
Passenger safety and emergency procedures
Passenger Vehicle Test 4
Special situations and regulations
About School Bus Tests
School bus operation and student transportation safety
School Bus Test 1
Loading and unloading students
School Bus Test 2
Emergency exits and evacuation procedures
School Bus Test 3
Student management and safety
School Bus Test 4
Special hazards and situations
About Tanker Vehicles Tests
Liquid cargo transportation and tank vehicle operation
Tanker Vehicle Test 1
Tanker vehicle inspection and safety
Tanker Vehicle Test 2
Driving techniques for liquid cargo
Tanker Vehicle Test 3
Loading, unloading, and emergency procedures
About Doubles/Triples Tests
Double and triple trailer combinations
Doubles/Triples Test 1
Coupling and inspection procedures
Doubles/Triples Test 2
Driving techniques and safety
Doubles/Triples Test 3
Emergency procedures and troubleshooting
FAQs — Alaska CDL
Additional certifications for specialized commercial driving
Q1- Who needs a CDL in Alaska?
- A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lb or more
- A combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,001 lb or more if the trailer exceeds 10,001 lb
- A vehicle carrying 16+ passengers including the driver
- A vehicle that requires hazmat placards.