Motorcycle licence is your first B.C. driver’s licence

Steps to getting your motorcycle license in B.C. as a first driver’s licence include: studying RoadSense for Drivers and RoadSense for Riders, passing two knowledge tests, passing a Motorcycle Skills Test, passing a Novice road test and, 24 months later, a final road test.

Steps to getting your motorcycle licence

ICBC has established the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) to help new drivers, including motorcyclists like you, get the on-road experience you need, but with special restrictions on your licence that help reduce your risk of crashing. Here are the steps that you will need to complete:

1. Study the ICBC guides: RoadSense for Drivers and RoadSense for Riders

There are two guides that you must thoroughly understand before a motorcycle Learner’s licence can be issued:

• RoadSense for Drivers about the rules of the road and how to be a good driver
• RoadSense for Riders about rules of the road for motorcycles as well as manoeuvers and tips

2. Take the Class 5 and motorcycle Knowledge Tests

Visit your local driver licensing office. Bring required ID with you, bring your parent or legal guardian with you if you are under age 19.

Take the Class 5 Knowledge Test and the motorcycle Knowledge Test. We will also ask you about your medical fitness to ride and will conduct a Vision Test. If you pass the Knowledge Tests and Vision Test, you will be issued a motorcycle Learner’s (L) (Class 8) licence, which is valid for 1 year.

3. Practice with your motorcycle Learner’s (L) licence

Practice learning to ride with a Supervisor, being sure to follow the Learner’s (L) restrictions. More on motorcycle Learner’s restrictions »

4. Class 6 Motorcycle Skills Test (MST)

You can take your Class 6 Motorcycle Skills Test after 30 days. The Skills Test will assess your ability to operate the motorcycle, steer correctly and maintain balance and appropriate speed while performing the some maneuvers at low speed in a paved lot. You will also be asked to identify controls on the motorcycle and to demonstrate hand signals. If you pass the MST, the Supervisor and speed restrictions will be removed. More on the Motorcycle Skills test »

7. The Class 8 motorcycle road test

After holding a Learner’s (L) licence for 12 months, you will qualify to take the Class 8N road test. This test will take you on a 45 minute ride performing key riding skills, manoeuvers on the road including 35 – 40 intersection manoeuvers, your See-Think-Do skills, and your ability to spot hazards. If you pass it, we will take your photo and issue you a Class 8 (N) stage licence. More on the motorcycle road test »

8. The motorcycle Novice (N) stage

During the Novice (N) stage of GLP, you will continue to gain riding experience for at least 24 months, under an updated set of restrictions.

9. Class 6 motorcycle road test

You can take your Class 6 road test after you held a motorcycle N (Class 8) licence for 24 months. This test will take you on a 1 hour ride performing key riding skills, manoeuvers on the road including 50 - 55 intersection manoeuvers, your See-Think-Do skills, and your ability to spot hazards. More on the Class 6 motorcycle road test »