Alaska CDL License Requirements & Training :: AllTruckJobs.com

Alaska CDL License Requirements

Although it may seem chilly and desolate, Alaska is actually one of the most popular destinations for truck drivers. According to Alaska CDL requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. According to the USDOT, if you want to travel across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old. All Alaska CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive your vehicle on the road. Your vehicle must also fall under the category of the license that you’re testing for. As long as you follow these requirements, you’re well on your way towards a CDL license in Alaska.

Find CDL Training Schools in Alaska

Most potential truckers will opt to learn the ins and outs of trucking at an Alaska CDL training school. Here you will learn the basics of trucking, as well as how to inspect and maintain your rig while on the road. You’ll study inside the classroom and gain valuable experience by putting in hours behind the wheel. Luckily for you, we have a whole list of CDL trucking schools that will help you get the education you deserve.

CDL Training Costs in Alaska

If you want to go to a CDL school in Alaska, the average tuition is about $2,800. Luckily, if you don’t have the money up front, there are a few ways that you can pay for the cost. FAFSA is a great way to get some help when it comes to paying for Alaska trucking school. A federal Pell Grant will be awarded if you qualify through participating institutions and is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. Another great way to pay for Alaska CDL schooling is to sign on with a trucking company that will pay for you to get your Alaska CDL license and then hire you upon getting your CDL certification.

CDL Prep in Alaska

Just because you finished Alaska CDL school does not mean that you should stop studying for your exam. In fact, there are a variety of things you can do to ensure that you’re as prepared as you can be before taking your Alaska CDL exam. Luckily, our practice test can give you an idea of what to expect when you take your actual exam. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re familiar with driving your vehicle beforehand because you need to take the test in a vehicle that falls under the desired Alaska CDL requirements you are testing for. You can never study too much, so also make sure to put in the time and effort to ace your exam.

Alaska CDL Endorsement & Waivers

Depending on the type of employment the CDL operator seeks, additional endorsements for specialty vehicles and situations may be required. In this case, extra knowledge and sometimes skills testing will be required when testing for your Alaska CDL license. The following endorsements and waivers are available in Alaska:

  • Hazardous Materials (H)
  • Tanker (N)
  • Passenger (P)
  • School Bus (S)
  • Double or Triple Trailers (T)
  • Combo Tanker/Hazardous Materials (X)

CDL Tests in Alaska

Now all that’s left between you and the open road is your CDL exam. One little test and you’ll be heading down the open road towards a new and exciting Alaska truck driving career. You’ve spent hours studying and even more time behind the wheel, and now it’s time to show off what you’ve learned. Below we’ve given you a preview of what you can expect during your Alaska Commercial Driver’s License test. Both the knowledge portion and the skills tests are described in detail.

CDL Knowledge Tests in Alaska

The knowledge portion of the Alaska CDL test consists of 50 questions that cover subjects like safety, pre-trip inspection, driving techniques, and road signs. To pass this portion of the Alaska CDL License test an Alaska resident must achieve at least an 80% on the exam. Fortunately, we have a practice exam on our site that you can take advantage of. Our test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming CDL exam in Alaska.

CDL Skills Test in Alaska

The Alaska CDL skills test is designed to ensure that you have the proper knowledge and ability to operate a commercial vehicle in Alaska. The test will be broken down into three portions. The pre-inspection portion will ensure that you’re able to properly assess your vehicle before taking it on the road. The next portion will cover the operating techniques and identification of all aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will be asked to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. Once these are completed, you’ll finally become a licensed trucker in Alaska.

Job Outlook in Alaska

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck driving jobs in the United States are expected to rise 5% by the year 2024. This is just below the projected growth rate of 7% for all occupations and is yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. Alaska is ready to be explored and is offering an abundance of opportunity for future truckers. Isn’t it time you got your Commercial Driver’s License in Alaska?

Alaska Truck Driver Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average truck driver in Alaska makes about $44,900 per year. This is just above the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land an Alaska trucking job that offers a stellar wage.