Truck drivers, school bus drivers and operators of other commercial vehicles need to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Applicants must take a CDL test that includes written knowledge and driving skills portions. Prospective commercial drivers in Alaska need to first obtain the resources to study for the written Alaska CDL test. They can then get an Alaska CDL permit and sign up for a truck driving school or similar training course. Testers who then pass the skills (driving) test can obtain an Alaska CDL license from the DMV.
Step 1:
Access the Alaska CDL manual at Doa.alaska.gov/dmv/cdlmanual/manual.pdf. You can also go to your local Alaska DMV and obtain a paper copy of the commercial driver’s license manual.
Step 2:
Study this manual for your Alaska CDL written test. The local DMV office administers the CDL exam. You should thoroughly study the portions of the exam that apply to the CDL license you seek to obtain. For example, if you intend to haul hazardous materials (fuel, etc.), you will need to take the HAZMAT test. This is part of the overall Alaska CDL exam. Other portions may inlude test on air brakes, passenger vehicles and other areas that apply only to certain license applicants.
However, if you want to expand your job prospects to the maximum level, you should just go ahead and study the entire Alaska CDL manual. This will give you all the “endorsements” you need to get the various possible driving jobs for CDL drivers.
Note: There are several other CDL study guides, practice exams and other resources for free or at cost. For example, CristCDL has some practice questions. Search for “CDL study guide” in a search engine to find more resources for studying for your CDL written exam.
Step 3:
Schedule and take the written exam at your local Alaska DMV. You can then receive an Alaska CDL permit for training over the road for your full CDL license. While at the DMV, ask about any other requirements and related paperwork. For example, you must pass a vision test and separate medical test (physical).
Step 4:
Consider CDL training options. Many drivers just get training from a friend or family member. However, if you do not come from a driving family, there are some local companies or schools that can train you on their own commercial vehicles. For example, you can check out certified Alaska truck driver schools at the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI). This certifying organization has a list of Alaska truck driving schools with certified CDL training programs. Visit Ptdi.org/schools/schools.aspx and click on Alaska to find CDL schools in the state.
Other options might include bus driver training with your local school district or driver training with transportation companies like Greyhound. Check with the individual companies’ websites for more information. Some companies offer free training if you can obtain your CDL permit and other requirements.
Step 5:
Schedule your skills test at the same local DMV where you took your written test. What happens with truck drivers is that applicants must supply their own vehicle. If you used a training course to prepare for your CDL, the company will generally allow you to use one of their vehicles. Ask your local school district if you are applying as a school bus driver or your employer if taking an employer-sponsored training course.
Step 6:
Complete your skills test to obtain an Alaska CDL license. As of 2010, the fee is $100 and $25 for a road test. Check with your Alaska DMV for additional details.
Sources:
Alaska CDL Manual
Resources for Alaska Truck Driver Schools
