You can get your learner's (L) licence on or after your 16th birthday. To get your L, you’ll need to pass the knowledge test.
To pass the knowledge test, you’ll need to get 40 out of 50 multiple-choice questions right. Passing it ensures you understand the rules of the road and means you’ve started thinking about safe driving behaviours before you start driving with a supervisor.
We have lots of resources to help you prepare. If you study and complete the practice tests, you have a good chance of passing the knowledge test. And don't worry, if you don't pass on the first try, you can take the test again after 7 days (note: there's a fee each time you take the test).
Read and study Learn to Drive Smart
Learn to Drive Smart has all the information you need - it's like a textbook for your knowledge test. You can download it online in six languages, read it on our app, print out the English chapters or pick up a copy at any driver licensing office.
Know your signs! Almost one in five questions on your knowledge test will be about road signs. You'll find every single one on our road signs practice test. If you know your signs, you have a better chance of passing the real test.
Try Street Sense
Street Sense is a hazard perception training application that helps you identify common hazards that can be easily missed when you're on the road. It immerses you in driving scenarios that mimic real driving conditions in B.C. and gives you the chance to practice scanning for hazards.
Ready for your knowledge test?
We want you to feel as prepared, confident and comfortable as possible. Review our knowledge test tip sheet to learn what you can expect from your knowledge test and get some tips to help you pass.
Our knowledge test tip sheet is available in the following six languages:
Take the knowledge test at a driver licensing office
So you've basically memorized Learn to Drive Smart, have scored 100% on your practice tests and you know the difference between a falling rock hazard sign and a railway crossing sign. It's time to take the real test!
When taking the knowledge test, you'll answer multiple-choice questions. In most locations, the test will be on a touch screen kiosk. You can also choose to listen to an audio recording.
Please note that you can't talk, refer to study materials or use any electronic devices during the test. Doing so will result in an automatic fail and you will have to wait 30 days before you can take the test again.
Review our knowledge test tip sheet to learn what you can expect from your knowledge test and get some tips to help you pass:
The knowledge test is available in: English, Arabic, Croatian, French, Farsi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
Driving as a learner
You'll need to be a learner for at least 12 months before you can take a road test and graduate to the next level. Remember, there's no rush—take the test when you feel ready.
Your learner's licence stays valid for two years. If you need more time, you can renew your learner's licence by re-taking and passing the knowledge test. If you renew your learner's licence, you don't have to wait any extra time to take your road test.
While you're a learner, you'll have to drive with a qualified supervisor and follow the restrictions that are printed on your licence. Not following these restrictions could mean that you pay a penalty or extend the time you spend in graduated licensing. Drive safely—don't get left behind.
Make sure that you’re listed as a driver on your driving supervisor’s insurance policy. If you get into a crash and aren’t listed, they could face a financial consequence called the Unlisted Driver Accident Premium, even though the crash won’t go on your driving record.
If you’re practicing driving in more than one vehicle, you should be a listed driver on each vehicle's insurance policy.
Display your L sign
Your red, magnetic L sign always has to be displayed on the back of your car while you're driving.
Lost your L sign?
If you've lost your L sign, you don't need to buy a new one - you can get one for free at any driver licensing office. Here's what you need to know before visiting a driver licensing office.
If you can't get a new L right away, download and print a temporary L sign. (Please don't make your own with duct tape. It's very creative... but not actually allowed.)
Learner's licence driving restrictions
It's important to follow the restrictions when you get your L. If you violate these restrictions or get any other tickets or prohibitions, you must pay graduated licensing penalties.
Rules for cellphone use
If you have a Learner's (L) licence, you are not allowed to use any electronic devices while driving except to make an emergency call to 911. This means you cannot:
touch, operate, hold or adjust your cellphone,
use hands-free system such as Bluetooth or wired headset,
use speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands,
program a GPS system,
select music from your cellphone,
wear earbuds, or
connect your cellphone or hand-held device to play music on your in-vehicle audio system.
The law applies even when you’re stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Your red, magnetic L sign always has to be displayed on the back of your car while you're driving.
Lost your L sign?
If you've lost your L sign, you don't need to buy a new one - you can get one for free at any driver licensing office. Here's what you need to know before visiting a driver licensing office.
If you can't get a new L right away, download and print a temporary L sign. (Please don't make your own with duct tape. It's very creative... but not actually allowed.)
Learner's licence driving restrictions
It's important to follow the restrictions when you get your L. If you violate these restrictions or get any other tickets or prohibitions, you must pay graduated licensing penalties.
Taking the test more than once
If you don't pass your test, you can take it again after 7 days.
Take approved driver training course - get six months off
If you take an ICBC-approved (GLP) driver training course in the L stage and are a safe driver with no at-fault crashes, driving violations or prohibitions while in the first 18 months of the N stage, you could receive six months off. You can also get two high school credits for successfully completing a GLP approved course.
Your approved driver training course must be completed within one year, from start to finish.
Qualified supervisor:
Supervisor age 25+ with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence. They must sit beside you in the front passenger seat.
Display L sign:
Display L sign on the back of your vehicle.
Qualified supervisor:
Supervisor age 25+ with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence. They must sit beside you in the front passenger seat.
Display L sign:
Display L sign on the back of your vehicle.
Limit one passenger:
Only one passenger, plus a supervisor age 25+ with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence.
No alcohol or drugs:
Zero alcohol or drugs in your blood when you drive.
No electronic devices:
No hand-held or hands-free cellphones or other electronic devices.
Restricted hours:
No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Limit one passenger:
Only one passenger, plus a supervisor age 25+ with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence.
No alcohol or drugs:
Zero alcohol or drugs in your blood when you drive.
No electronic devices:
No hand-held or hands-free cellphones or other electronic devices.
Restricted hours:
No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Penalties for GLP drivers
If you receive one ticket, your driving record may be reviewed and you may face driving prohibitions.
The penalty for using a hand-held electronic device while driving is a fine and penalty points.
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