Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I need a permit or license to take New Driver or SKIDCAR training?
A: Yes. We can only allow drivers who have a current learner's permit or driver's license to drive our vehicles.
Q: When is the next class?
A: Please call or email us for openings.
Q:Do I have to sit thru a whole day (8 hours) of classroom?
A: No. We hold two classes at 4 hours each to meet the State of Alaska's requirement for the 8 hour courses. While this is less convenient for us, we believe it is the best way to teach. Students who are forced to sit thru an 8 hour all day class tend to fall asleep, lose interest and definitely do not retain as much information.
Q: Should I take SKIDCAR training?
A: The Anchorage Police Department reduced their officers crash rate by 59% using SKIDCAR training. We are positive that this training is effective and relevant. If you are new driver, we recommend completing our New Driver course first.
Q: Is SKIDCAR training safe?
A: Yes. In fact, it is the safest way to train for ice, snow, hydroplaning, and high speed collision avoidance. Visitskidcar.com to learn more about SKIDCAR safety.
Q: Which schools offer SKIDCAR training in Alaska?
A: Only Alaska Safe Driver Academy LLC offers SKIDCAR training in Alaska at this time. It is very rare for civilian schools to be able to offer this level of training, so we are very grateful to the great people at SKIDCAR System Inc. and their staff.
Q: Why offer SKIDCAR training? Can't I just go to a local parking lot and practice all those skids on my own?
A: In a word, NO. There are multiple legal issues here.
1) Reckless driving (10 point ticket, vehicle may be impounded, driver may be arrested),
2) Unlawful use of private or municipal property (we have secured permission to use Regal Cinemas Totem Theater parking lot. NO OTHER PARTY MAY USE THIS AREA FOR ANY TRAINING, PRIVATE OR COMMERCIAL)
3) Lack of control of area (we cordon off the training area for the safety of our clients and the public)
4) Lack of control of skid - if all other issues were resolved, and a driver attempted to create skids similar to what we execute with our SKIDCAR, there would be a severe risk of crashing, vehicle damage, property damage and injury or loss of life. With our SKIDCAR, we can create high risk, high speed situations at 1/2, 1/4 or even 1/10 the speed normally needed to create such traction loss. Additionally, and most importantly, we can literally STOP any skid maneuver with the push of a button. Even on icy surfaces, we have more control than any other training system available. This is precisely the reason the Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers adopted SKIDCAR training and abandoned surface lubricants. Safety is of the highest priority.
5) Most school parking lots are limited to 5 MPH. Exceed this and you can add a 6 point ticket for speeding in a school zone to the reckless driving charge of 10 points.
What it amounts to: the cost of a SKIDCAR session ($145 per driver, we train up to 3 drivers per session) is far less cost than securing permission to use a property, insurance deductibles, reckless driving charges, vehicle damage, property damage and injury or loss of life.
SKIDCAR training is the only training available that can guarantee your safe and legal education.
Q: Can I take a test with the same instructor who trained me to drive?
A: No. We believe, as does the DMV, that the instructor who trains a student should never be the one to test that student for a driver's license. This is very serious matter of public safety. If you are aware of any instructors who are testing their own students, we encourage you to report this practice to the DMV.
Q: What if I don't pass my driving test? When can I re-take my test?
A: In most cases, you must wait a minimum of 7 days before you can re-take your driving test.
Q: Do you guarantee that I will pass my driving test if I take your classes?
A: It is illegal for anyone to guarantee a license will be issued based on attending a training course. We do guarantee that you will be taught how to drive by using the very best methods and most relevant curriculum. In fact, students who take our full training receive 18.5 hours of training. Most schools only offer a 16 hour training course. If you need more experience and want an instructor's assistance, we do offer a discount for return students.
Q: Do you teach teens who have experience? Or is your training only for new drivers with no experience?
A: We evaluate each students abilities and knowledge prior to our in-car lessons. Whether you are a very new driver or a teen with some experience, we guarantee that you will advance to a higher skill level once you graduate our academy. For teens with experience, we can teach far more advanced techniques than can be taught to a driver who has never driven at all. We believe in teaching each student to their individual abilities.
Q: What is a SKIDCAR?
A: A SKIDCAR is a metal frame with hydraulic outriggers that attaches to a normal vehicle. It can be thought of as "training wheels" for a full size car. You can learn more about it at skidcar.com or on our SKIDCAR page.
GROUP & MILITARY DISCOUNTS
Bring a friend and you'll both save money! Our SKIDCAR training can be done in groups of 3 drivers at a time (this is the model used by the Anchorage Police Department and most SKIDCAR trainers).
While one-on-one training is used in our New Driver program, there is an advantage to training in a group when doing SKIDCAR training. Seeing another driver work thru the maneuver while listening to the instructor coach them can help a driver understand how to tackle the problem when it is their turn again.
There's also a lot of camaraderie developed when drivers train together. You will find that you are still thinking about what you have learned in the SKIDCAR session long after training.
Military Discount: Please call for current pricing
It's the least we can do to thank our military members for their service.
Group Discounts: Please call for current pricing
2 or more drivers
Terms of service
AlaskA Safe Driver Academy LLC
907.330.9046
4000 W Dimond Blvd Unit 220 Anchorage, AK 99502
POLICIES
It is our hope to provide you with the very best in customer service. Please let us know about your experiences. If there is anything we can do to improve, don't hesitate to let us know.
Refunds and rescheduling
We know that plans don't always work out.
Cancellations or rescheduling:
If a client wishes to cancel or reschedule and it is more than one week prior to the scheduled lesson time, there will be no fee for rescheduling. The full price paid for training will be refunded with the exception of credit card payments. If the lessons were paid for using a credit card a processing fee will be retained and the rest of the tuition will be refunded.
If a cancellation or rescheduling is requested less than one week prior to the scheduled lesson time, all funds except the non-refundable deposit will be refunded. Road exams and Driver Improvement courses are non-refundable but may be rescheduled one time.
Security deposits:
A security deposit is required to register for classes.
If Alaska Safe Driver Academy LLC is required to cancel or reschedule lessons due to circumstances beyond our control, we will offer you the option to reschedule or a full refund of tuition.
Driver's license or Permit
All classes offered require that you possess either a valid driver's license or learner's permit.
Please make sure your license or permit is up to date for your scheduled training time.
Alaska Provisional License Law:
For drivers 16 to 17 years of age, you must have had your Alaska learners permit for at least 6 months before you can take a road exam for a class D provisional drivers license.
You must have at least 40 hours of driving experience and at least 10 hours experience driving in progressively challenging conditions (snow, ice, rain, night time for example).
You cannot have had any moving violations or charges for consumption or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol for 6 months prior to applying for a provisional license.
You must not have any moving violations for 6 months to graduate to a full class D license
Provisional drivers may not drive anyone who is not a:
Sibling, adult over 21 years of age, parent or legal guardian.
Provisional drivers may not drive between the hours of 1am and 5am unless driving with a driver who is:
over 21 years of age and licensed to drive the class of vehicle being driven, parent or legal guardian,
or,
If the provisional driver is driving to or from work and is on the most direct route possible.*
*This is posted only as a reference and is not intended to be a direct quote of the law. Please check your DMV manual or the DMV website for the most up to date information on this law.
Alaska Safe Driver Academy LLC ©