Learning to drive is a significant life milestone, and choosing the right driving school is crucial for a solid foundation in safe and responsible driving, especially in Alaska’s unique and challenging conditions.
This review delves into the top driving schools in Alaska, considering factors like reputation, instructor quality, curriculum, and student success rates.
Requirements for Driving in Alaska
Before we dive into the best driving schools, let’s outline the requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Alaska:
- Minimum age of 14.
- No suspended or revoked license in another state.
- No physical or mental impairment hindering vehicle control.
- High school graduation is required.
If you meet these requirements, you can start working on your Alaska driver’s license. However, if you are a non-resident aged 16 or older with a valid out-of-state license, you can drive in Alaska for up to 90 days.
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Best Driving Schools in Alaska
1. Eagle River Driving School LLC
Eagle River Driving School excels in providing flexible scheduling, specific driving routes for technique practice, and state-certified Class D Driver’s License Road Testing.
It is one of the best driving schools in Alberta because the instructors are AAA How-to-Drive course certified, ensuring rigorous training for safe and responsible driving.
Graduates may also be eligible for insurance discounts; pick-up/drop-off services add convenience.
Contact details:
Address: 12330 Old Glenn Hwy #2, Eagle River, AK 99577, United States.
Phone: +1 907-696-2886.
Website: https://erdrivingschool.com/
Customer reviews:
“My daughter has been extremely happy with the entire course. We moved down here almost two years ago from the North Pole. Looking into other classes offered this one had the highest review I could find within our area that she could walk to due to me working full time and being the only driver in our home. All of the staff has been extremely friendly and informative during her education. She has had nothing but good things to say about this course, so in turn I am very happy. Thank you all for what you do.” ~ Sarah Malek.
“I had a lot of fun in the driving school. I got to learn a lot of new things throughout the driving school. Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Ruth, and Mr. Ceaser (May have spelled his name wrong) are amazing driving instructors. It’s scary at first but you get to feel more comfortable as the course goes on. They always try and have conversations with you while you are waiting to drive. This school was a lot of fun and I highly recommend going to this school.” ~ Samantha Farren.
2. Northern Industrial Training
Northern Industrial Training stands out for its hands-on learning approach and safety emphasis, offering various Professional Truck Driving Training Programs.
Practical skills are honed on school grounds, ensuring a thorough understanding of training material and building confidence in truck driving abilities.
Contact details:
Address: 1740 Terrilou Ct, Palmer, AK 99645, United States.
Phone: +1 907-357-6400.
Website: https://nitalaska.com/professional-truck-driving/
Customer reviews:
“I highly recommend NIT for anyone taking their road test. They were very helpful compared to the last place I took my road test.” ~ Steven “Machete Scoot” Sellars.
“My name is Devon Carter. I attended NIT Palmer for four days. My instructor Jake was amazing. I would recommend this school to anyone desiring to learn how to drive trucks requiring a CDL. Jake was extremely patient with me. I came into my training to get my class B automatic CDL and I successfully left with a class B. Jake saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself and pushed and challenged me to improve. He was constantly teaching me, while also allowing me to figure things out for myself. I came to this school looking to get my class B and Jake in four days had me not far off from being able to pass a road test for a class A manual. I loved my experience and would 100% go back to learn more if the opportunity arose. Thank you for the opportunity and the experience.” ~ CheerUp_DVo
3. Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction
Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction offers Commercial and Class D driving courses, including classroom, behind-the-wheel, and road exams.
KPDI is known for its patient and knowledgeable instructors, they also provide DMV services, Real IDs, licensing, titles, registrations, and more.
Contact details:
Address: 11312 Kenai Spur Hwy Unit 71, Kenai, AK 99611.
Phone: (907) 335-3333
Website: http://www.kenaidriving.com/
Customer reviews:
“This place is great. Fast and friendly service – IN KENAI! If you need a title, registration, fingerprints, etc. OR maybe you want to get a job/training in trucking or equipment operating – this is the place to go. This is a well-run local company that supports its community! Great job Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction. Thanks for being here!” ~ Ryan Tunseth.
“My entire experience at KPDI was a pleasure. The entire staff was very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions that I had. I would recommend them to everyone! Thanks again for all your help in getting my Class A CDL and endorsements.” Ross Knier.
4. Be Smart Driving Academy LLC
As one of the best driving schools in Alaska, Be Smart Driving Academy provides a 16-hour state-approved driving course for novice drivers, featuring 8 hours of classroom instruction and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
The behind-the-wheel training is normally set in two-hour increments and is held during normal business hours. Their vehicle is provided for training, and they offer State of Alaska road test classes on Saturdays.
Contact details:
Address: Be Smart Driving Academy LLC, 1921 W Dimond Blvd suite #105 A-3, Anchorage, AK 99515, United States
Phone: 907 868 3151.
Website: https://besmartdrivingacademyllc.com/
Customer reviews:
“Even with the instruction being a bit unorthodox, Butch was very kind and was able to teach us a ton of valuable information in a short amount of time. This driving course was also the most affordable compared to other options in Anchorage, and I was able to pass my road test with ease after I completed the course. Recommend it for new drivers!” ~ Karl Cranston Simmons.
“I would highly recommend this course to anyone and everyone. Not only is it a wonderful program for new and inexperienced drivers, but it’s full of information that applies to those who have had more time behind the wheel as well. After completing this course I felt confident, safe, and knowledgeable going into my road test. The instructors and the entire staff were warm and welcoming throughout the entire process. They take their job very seriously and are fantastic at what they do, but they find ways to make it fun and exciting along the way. They are incredibly accommodating when it comes to work or school, and will happily work with you to find times that fit into your busy schedule. I’m so glad I attended Be Smart Driving Academy, don’t hesitate to give them a call if you are aiming to be a safer, more confident driver. They are truly the absolute best!” ~ Stephanie Orito.
5. Alaska Safe Driver Academy LLC
Alaska Safe Driver Academy LLC is another top driving school located in Anchorage, Alaska offering the very best in driver training, with 12 years of experience and some of the most trusted instructors in Alaska.
They provide winter driving tips and help new drivers get their licenses. Their team of top professionals is also passionate about teaching the skills needed to stay safe on the roads.
Contact details:
Address: 4000 W Dimond Blvd #220, Anchorage, AK 99502, United States.
Phone: +1 907-330-9046.
Website: http://www.skidalaska.com/home.html
Customer reviews:
“Posting for both myself (the dad) and my 16-year-old daughter (the new driver), awesome course and awesome people!! Filled in the few (okay, maybe more than a few 😉 ) blank spots her old dad left in her driver’s education and she is a more confident driver because of it!! Very glad we were pointed their way and hope this helps to pay that forward! Thanks, folks!” ~ Pete Davis.
“Amazing experience with this academy! They offered the skid car training I had wanted but I didn’t even know if anyone in town was offering it. The classroom training, that’s 2 hours. More instruction than competitors, plus the skid car, plus the driver’s exam was $5 less than the competitors that offered not nearly as much. We had some special circumstances during the driving time which they accommodated and focused on my daughter having a positive experience. Wonderful to work with, flexible, caring, and informative. And informative. I highly recommend and if I had a second child they would be going here too. Thanks, Angie you guys are awesome!!!” ~ Jennie Stewart.
6. Driver’s Educational School
Driver’s Educational School in Anchorage is also on our list of the best driving schools in Alaska. They offer comprehensive learn-to-drive, winter, safety refresher, and defensive driving courses.
They are also committed to delivering high-quality driver education and catering to the diverse needs of their students.
Contact details:
Address: 4007 Old Seward Hwy STE 350, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States.
Phone: +1 907-562-9821.
Website: https://alaskades.com/
Customer reviews:
“I took Drivers Training with Nicole. She is one of the best and makes u feel like she is your friend. She knows what she is doing and I learn stuff that I did know but make it better and easier.” ~ Emely.
“Proven to be 1 of the best! No need for simulation to learn how to drive. Attend classroom instruction, and get behind the wheel! The instructor I had was awesome! She was thorough in making sure all the safety skills, road test routes, and traffic rules were covered! The instructor made sure any surfaces you touched in the car were sanitized. So, no worries about cleanliness and sanitation as they are on top of that! Danica and Jacob are the best I had during this “learn how to drive “ journey. Thank you Driving Educational School. You’ve been part of my family’s driving journey; my sisters, relatives, and friends have had positive experiences with you all! And we’ll continue to refer.” ~ Jarule.Alaska L.
7. Alaska Driving Academy
Alaska Driving Academy, located in Soldotna, is a premier driving education center offering teen driver education, adult driver education, and defensive driving courses.
As one of the best driving schools in Alaska, they have highly experienced instructors who are dedicated to providing the best training possible.
Contact details:
Address: 44332 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669, United States.
Phone: +1 907-260-3900.
Website: http://www.alaskadrivingacademy.com/
Customer reviews:
“This place was not what I expected! I was told about this place by friends and coworkers, BUT DAMN!!! Things that I’ve heard and read about ADA are not the same as actually being here. ADA produces the best CDL drivers for a reason. They sit you down and explain the “IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY”. Here at ADA, they break down everything for before you can even think about touching the truck. How to be aware of your surroundings and the actions and reactions of those around you. I could get into detail about this school but the words I write will not do it justice. You’ll need to be here to experience it for yourself. If you are planning on getting your CDL and want to do it right the first time? Then The Alaska Driving Academy is the place to be. You won’t regret it. But one thing I can say is that the work and effort you put into this program will probably be the greatest decision of your life! ADA TO THE FUTURE!!!!” ~ James Gugu.
“Coming to this school may have been my smartest choice to achieve my goal of becoming a Professional Truck Driver. Upon arrival, I had no idea how to drive a manual semi-truck and shifting was a foreign concept. By the end of the third week of training, I am now proficient in shifting, and driving, and very knowledgeable in the Federal regulations and state regulations here in Alaska. This school is very good in terms of teaching and helping students learn how to drive. If you are looking to get your CDL, this is the school you need to attend.” ~ Lopeti Fonokalafi.
Driving Schools in Alaska FAQs
How long is driving school in Alaska?
Driving school duration varies, for example, Be Smart Driving Academy’s 16-hour state-approved driving course for novice drivers, includes 8 hours of classroom instructions and 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
On the other hand, Driver’s Educational School has a more comprehensive learn-to-drive program for first-timers getting behind the wheel or those having trouble with parallel parking.
Does Alaska require driver’s ed?
While Alaska doesn’t mandate driver’s ed, 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed parent or guardian is required, including 10 hours in challenging conditions.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in Alaska?
After obtaining a learner’s permit, a minimum of 6 months is required, along with completing necessary behind-the-wheel training, before applying for a provisional license.
What documents do I need for my Alaska driver’s license?
To obtain an Alaska driver’s license, bring 4 or 5 documents proving your name, birth date, current residence, and social security number.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some of the best driving schools in Alaska. Each of these schools offers quality training to help you become a confident driver.
Whether you’re a novice driver or an experienced one, these schools have something to offer. So, if you’re looking for a driving school in Alaska, be sure to check them out.
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