BC is scrapping the second road test for new drivers this October

New drivers in BC will no longer have to pass a second road test to move from their “N” to a Class 5 licence.

Beginning October 19th, ICBC will replace the second road test with a driving record assessment that looks at a driver’s experience and behaviour during the novice stage.

However, passing the assessment will not immediately result in a fully unrestricted licence.

Drivers who qualify will receive a Class 5 licence with a new 12-month restricted period.

During that time, they will be required to maintain zero blood-alcohol and drug levels and could face greater scrutiny than experienced drivers if they receive a violation.

“Evidence shows that driving experience gained over time predicts long-term safety as reliably as a single road test,” said Nina Krieger, B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“The changes we’re making to the GLP maintain our high road safety standards, with a focus on helping new drivers get more time behind the wheel to develop the habits they need to drive responsibly.”

To pass the new driving record assessment, drivers will need:

• At least 24 months of safe novice driving if they are under 25 years old
• At least 18 months of safe novice driving if they are under 25 and completed an approved Graduated Licensing Program course
• At least 12 months of safe novice driving if they are 25 or older
• No convictions for excessive speeding or using an electronic device during the required period
• No driving prohibitions or suspensions during the required period

Certain unsafe driving behaviour could cause the novice period to restart, meaning drivers would have to build up another clean stretch of driving before qualifying for a Class 5 licence.

A shorter process for drivers 25 and older

The BC government is also creating a faster route for people who begin learning to drive at age 25 or older.

For those drivers, the learner stage will be reduced from 12 months to nine months, while the novice stage will drop from 24 months to 12 months.

Drivers under 25 will continue to spend 12 months as a learner and 24 months as a novice, although completing an approved driver-training course can reduce the novice stage to 18 months.

Both age groups must still pass the first road test to move from a learner’s licence to a Class 7 novice licence.

What happens to people who already have an “N”?

Some drivers currently enrolled in the Graduated Licensing Program may qualify for a one-time automatic upgrade from a Class 7 to a restricted Class 5 licence.

Those who qualify will not have to complete an in-office driving record assessment.

ICBC says letters will be sent to affected drivers beginning in early fall, explaining whether they qualify and what steps they need to take.

Anyone with a second road test booked for October 19th or later will have that appointment cancelled. ICBC says affected drivers will receive an email with further instructions.

Until the new system takes effect, eligible drivers can still take the existing Class 5 road test.

Other licensing changes are coming

The updated program will also lower the age at which someone can apply for a driver’s licence without parental consent from 19 to 18.

A new immediate-family exemption is also being introduced for passenger limits, which could make it easier for novice drivers from larger families to gain experience behind the wheel.

Driving record assessments will be available through ICBC driver licensing offices, Service BC offices and driver licensing agents.

The Province says the changes are intended to make licensing more accessible for people living in rural, remote and First Nations communities where booking or travelling to a road test can be difficult.

BC’s graduated licensing program has not been significantly updated in more than 25 years. Once the second road test is removed, Ontario will be the only Canadian province that continues to require an exit road test from its graduated licensing program.

The change is part of a broader modernization of driver licensing in BC and global licensing practices.

In June, ICBC began allowing new drivers to take their first learner’s knowledge test online, although they must still visit a licensing office for identification, a vision test and a photo.

The Province is also working toward allowing eligible drivers to renew or replace their driver’s licences and BCID cards online beginning in 2027. Separate changes to BC’s motorcycle licensing system are also expected to take effect next year.