Getting a motorcycle licence (new drivers)

How to get a motorcycle licence if you are in the "L" or "N" stages of graduated licensing for passenger vehicles (or if you don't have a driver's licence).

Steps to getting a Class 6 motorcycle licence

Planning to get your motorcycle licence?

If you don't already have a Class 1–5 B.C. driver's licence, you need to take graduated licensing for motorcycles.

With graduated licensing, there are restrictions on your licence to help reduce your risk of crashing while you get on-road experience.

1. Getting started

To qualify for a motorcycle learner's licence, you must

• be 16 or older, and
• pass a motorcycle knowledge test.

We ask about your medical condition and check your vision, too.

Your parent or a legal guardian must give consent for your application if you're under 19.

(If you don't already have a driver's licence, you also need to take a passenger-vehicle knowledge test.)

2. Learner stage

After passing the knowledge test and meeting all other requirements, you get your Class 8 motorcycle learner's licence.

During the learner stage, you can practice riding—with restrictions. For example, you must display an L-sign and can't carry any passengers. For details, see Chapter 11 of Learn to ride smart (formerly RoadSense for Riders).

After at least 30 days with your L, you take a motorcycle skills test. If you pass, two riding restrictions are removed.

Motorcycle skills test »

3. Class 8 motorcycle road test

After 12 months with your L, you qualify for the Class 8 road test.

The test takes about 45 minutes. A driver examiner follows behind you in a car, speaking with you by two-way radio.

Note: Your L expires after 2 years. You'll need to pass the road test before it expires—otherwise, you'll have to repeat both the knowledge test and motorcycle skills test.

Class 8 motorcycle road test »

4. Novice stage

After passing the Class 8 road test, you enter the novice stage. More riding restrictions are removed.

Novice stage »

5. Class 6 motorcycle road test

After at least 24 months with your N, you qualify to take the final test in graduated licensing—the Class 6 motorcycle road test.

After passing this one-hour test, you get your full-privilege, Class 6 motorcycle licence.

Class 6 motorcycle road test »