Alaska DMV Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the correct hand signal for a left turn?

Left arm extended straight out horizontally through the window (Correct answer)
Right arm extended out the passenger window
Left arm bent downward at the elbow
Left arm bent upward at the elbow

Correct answer: Left arm extended straight out horizontally through the window

The hand signal for a left turn is the left arm extended straight out horizontally through the driver's window.

Question 2: What is the main danger of using cruise control on snowy or icy roads?

It can cause wheel spin or loss of control when traction changes suddenly (Correct answer)
It makes the speedometer inaccurate
It disables the anti-lock brakes
It drains the battery faster

Correct answer: It can cause wheel spin or loss of control when traction changes suddenly

Cruise control may keep applying power when tires lose grip, so it should never be used on slippery surfaces.

Question 3: At what age must drivers typically begin renewing their license more frequently or taking additional tests?

Requirements vary by state, but many increase scrutiny for drivers 65-75 and older (Correct answer)
There are no age-based renewal differences
Only at age 90
At age 50, all drivers must retest

Correct answer: Requirements vary by state, but many increase scrutiny for drivers 65-75 and older

Many states impose additional requirements for older drivers such as more frequent renewals, vision tests, or in-person renewals, typically starting between ages 65 and 75.

Question 4: When driving on an icy Alaska highway, what is the recommended following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

2 seconds
3 seconds
One car length
At least 6 seconds or more (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least 6 seconds or more

On ice and snow, stopping distances increase dramatically, so you should extend your following distance to 6 seconds or more.

Question 5: If you spot a suspected drunk driver on an Alaska highway, you should:

Follow them closely to record their driving
Flash your lights and honk to alert them
Keep a safe distance and report the vehicle to police when safe to do so (Correct answer)
Speed up and pass them immediately

Correct answer: Keep a safe distance and report the vehicle to police when safe to do so

Staying well back and notifying law enforcement is the safest way to handle a suspected impaired driver.

Question 6: In Alaska, how often should you check your tire pressure during winter months?

Only when the low-pressure warning light comes on
Only before long highway trips
Once per year during your annual inspection
At least once a month, since cold air lowers tire pressure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least once a month, since cold air lowers tire pressure

Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop about 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease, so monthly checks are essential in Alaska.

Question 7: You are driving at night on the Seward Highway and see a moose standing near the shoulder. What is the best response?

Maintain speed since moose avoid vehicles
Swerve into the opposite lane to give it room
Slow down immediately and be ready to stop; more moose may follow (Correct answer)
Flash your high beams to scare it away

Correct answer: Slow down immediately and be ready to stop; more moose may follow

Moose are unpredictable and often travel in groups, so slow down and prepare to stop.

Question 8: In Alaska, who must sign the instruction permit application for a driver under 18 years old?

A parent or legal guardian (Correct answer)
The teen applicant only
A notary public
A certified driving instructor

Correct answer: A parent or legal guardian

Alaska requires a parent or legal guardian to co-sign the instruction permit application for any applicant under 18 years of age.

Question 9: When approaching a blind intersection where your view is blocked, you should:

Treat it like an open intersection and proceed normally
Slow down and creep forward until you can see clearly (Correct answer)
Honk your horn and proceed quickly
Stop and wait for another driver to signal it is safe

Correct answer: Slow down and creep forward until you can see clearly

At a blind intersection, you must slow down significantly and inch forward gradually until you have a clear view of crossing traffic.

Question 10: A driver in a roundabout is in the lane beside a long commercial truck. Why is this dangerous?

Cars have no legal standing in roundabouts
Trucks may off-track and need both lanes in a roundabout (Correct answer)
Trucks must stop inside roundabouts
Roundabouts ban two-lane travel entirely

Correct answer: Trucks may off-track and need both lanes in a roundabout

Long trucks off-track in roundabouts and may sweep across adjacent lanes, so never drive beside them there.

Question 11: A snowmachine (snowmobile) crossing is marked ahead on a rural Alaska highway. What should you expect?

The road surface is icy year-round
You must stop before proceeding
Snowmachines may cross the roadway at that location (Correct answer)
Snowmachines are banned from the area

Correct answer: Snowmachines may cross the roadway at that location

Snowmachine crossing signs warn Alaska drivers that snowmobiles may cross the highway there.

Question 12: If you become stranded in your vehicle during a snowstorm and run the engine for heat, you should:

Leave the vehicle and walk to find help immediately
Run the engine at full throttle to warm up faster
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and crack a window for ventilation (Correct answer)
Seal all windows tightly and run the engine continuously

Correct answer: Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and crack a window for ventilation

A snow-blocked exhaust pipe forces carbon monoxide into the cabin, so keep it clear and allow fresh air in while running the engine periodically.

Question 13: If a tire blows out while you are driving, you should:

Accelerate to maintain stability
Turn sharply toward the shoulder
Brake as hard as possible immediately
Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually without braking hard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually without braking hard

Hard braking or sharp steering during a blowout can cause a loss of control, so slow down gradually while keeping the vehicle straight.

Question 14: You reach a T-intersection where your road ends. Who must yield?

Drivers on the through road
Nobody; it is uncontrolled
The vehicle on the right
You, the driver on the terminating road (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You, the driver on the terminating road

A driver on a road that ends at a T-intersection must yield to all traffic on the through road.

Question 15: What penalty can a driver face for refusing a chemical test when suspected of DUI?

A small fine with no license consequences
Automatic license suspension regardless of guilt (Correct answer)
A verbal warning only
Required community service only

Correct answer: Automatic license suspension regardless of guilt

Refusing a chemical test under implied consent laws typically results in automatic license suspension, often for a longer period than a first DUI conviction.

Alaska DMV Knowledge Test

The Alaska DMV knowledge test evaluates applicants on traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and Alaska-specific driving regulations required to obtain a standard driver's license.

Questions

20 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds