Alaska Permit Score to Pass: What 16 of 20 Means and What Failing Triggers

You need 16 correct answers out of 20 to pass the Alaska permit test. Missing 5 means an immediate fail and a optional next-day retake - here is exactly what that triggers.

Permit Test Passing Score and Calculation

The Alaska permit test passing score is 80%. The test has 20 questions, so you must get 16 right. The margin is 4 wrong answers. Missing 5 means a fail. The test is 20 questions with no published early-stop system - your final score determines the outcome.

• Calculation Method: The test is 20 questions. Answer all of them, then your score determines pass or fail.
• Differences by Test Type: Alaska uses one score for the entire test. Some states have separate sections, but Alaska's 80% applies to all 20 questions covering signs, laws, and safe driving.
• One Question Short: Scoring 15/20 is 75%, which is a fail. The knowledge test may be attempted once per day, so you may retake it the following day.

Passing and Failing Score Examples

Applicants often fail by one or two questions. These examples show common mistakes.

• A score of 17/20 is a passing score. A true one-question-short example is 15/20, which is 75% and does not meet the 80% passing requirement.
• At the Anchorage DMV, a teen failed with 14 correct answers. They missed two questions on right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections and one on moose crossing procedures.
• If you answer at least 16 of the 20 questions correctly, you meet the 80% passing score.

Common Passing-Score Mistakes

You must be at least 14 years old. The instruction permit fee is $15. The general knowledge test is free at a local Alaska DMV; the approved online test has a separate provider fee. Required forms: Form D1 (Application). If under 18: Form 433 (Parent/Guardian Consent), which must be signed at the DMV or notarized.

Common Mistake: Complete Form D1 online, print it, and bring it filled out to avoid waiting 45 minutes at the Wasilla DMV office while staff explain the form to the person ahead of you.

From Experience: Schedule your test for a Tuesday morning at the Fairbanks DMV to avoid the long post-weekend queues that cause rushed testing and mistakes.

What Happens After a Failed Knowledge Test

All 20 questions come from the Alaska Driver Manual. Key topics include road signs, traffic laws, and safe-driving rules.

If you fail, the written test may be attempted once per day, so you may retake it the following day. For detailed retake rules, use the dedicated failed-and-retakes guide.

Put in reps on Alaska permit practice tests before your knowledge test.