Alaska CDL
To receive an Alaska CDL or commercial drivers license, you will need to accomplish several things first. You will need to undergo several tests and to submit the necessary documents for the release of your license. There are also tests in order to determine your skills and competency to handle commercial vehicles in different types of road circumstances. The applicant must also be physically fit if they are to pass the state’s requirements at all.
There is no specific requirement to undergo a particular type of training in order to gain an Alaska CDL. What is important is that you will be able to pass the written exam as well as the road test when they arrive. One therefore has to study the Alaska Commercial Driver Manual in order to learn more about the skills and the information that they have to focus on when applying for a CDL. This is available online through the Alaska DMV and is provided for free. This is definitely important as it also shows the particular areas where you will be tested during the skills part of the exam.
There are different types of vehicles that you can drive commercially. They can be over-the-road trucks and trailers, passenger or school buses, and large and heavy equipment vehicles that are used for commercial purposes. The important feature that these vehicles should possess is that they have a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds or they are carrying 15 or more passengers. They must also be able to be driven from the job site over the road.
To get a commercial driver’s license in Alaska, you must be at least 18 years old if you will be driving within the state only and 21 years old if you will be driving interstate. You need to bring several documents when you are applying for a CDL license. You should have an ID with your birth date, Social Security Number, medical card, and you must be physically fit as well. You should pass the state’s medical and visual tests in order to determine if you are still capable of driving in good condition.
To get the CDL license, you will need to pass both the written and skills test. You have to pass the written exam first before you can proceed with the practical exam. It will cover various topics such as technical, legal, road signage, and road safety measures. The skills test covers a pre-trip inspection, basic skills, and the driving skills test. You must pass these tests within a year after the issuance of a learner’s permit.
If you will be driving a vehicle that contains toxic or hazardous materials, you will also be required to take the Hazardous Materials endorsement. This will require an additional written test and fees for you. The basic fee for an Alaska CDL is $100 with a road test fee of $25. Other fees can be charged for the acquisition of additional endorsements for Double/Triple Trailers, Passenger, Tank Vehicle, Hazardous Materials, and School Buses.
Visit this page to learn more about attending a CDL school in AK. Training will help you pass the driver’s license exams and provide you with experience driving a semi-truck. Many schools offer special financing and job assistance for those who graduate. You can read more about the latest requirements to receive a commercial driver’s license through the links below.
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
1300 W. Benson Boulevard Anchorage
AK 99503-3696
Phone Details: Anchorage Area 269-5551
Toll-Free in Alaska (855)269-5551
Outside of Alaska (907)269-5551
Website: http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/cdl.htm
Link to: AK CDL Manual