Changes are coming to the Graduated Licensing Program
The Government of B.C. has introduced legislation to allow ICBC, in partnership with RoadSafetyBC, to modernize British Columbia’s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) while maintaining a high standard of safety on B.C. roads.
If this legislation is passed, starting in early 2026, drivers with a Class 7 Novice licence and a clean driving record won’t need to take a second road test to get a Class 5 licence. This change will also introduce a 12-month restriction period, during which drivers must demonstrate safe driving behaviours.
We also intend to introduce a new motorcycle licensing program with enhanced licensing requirements and safety measures, such as protective gear, that will help reduce motorcycle-related fatalities and injuries.
Why ICBC is making these changes
The GLP was introduced more than 25 years ago and it’s time we made some changes to align B.C. with evolving road safety practices and graduated licensing programs in other jurisdictions.
Road safety remains our top priority. The GLP will continue to allow new drivers and riders to develop the skills they need to be safe on our roads.
Removing the Class 5 road test will also mean reducing barriers to getting licensed, especially for drivers in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, where access to road tests may be limited.
What customers are affected by the changes
If these changes are approved and you hold a Class 7 Novice licence with a clean driving record (and maintain it), starting early in 2026, you won't need to take a second road test. We’ll provide more details in the months ahead.
If you currently hold a Class 7 Novice licence and are eligible to do so, you can still book your Class 5 road test.
Moving to B.C. soon? Learn more about your steps to getting a B.C. licence.
What's next
We’re working closely with the Government of B.C. to finalize these changes and consulting with key partners and stakeholders.
We look forward to sharing updates with you in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
The Government of B.C. introduced legislation to allow ICBC, in partnership with RoadSafetyBC, to make improvements to the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP). We intend to streamline the GLP by removing the requirement for the second road test to obtain the Class 5 licence.
Instead of taking a second road test, drivers would instead have restrictions on their Class 5 licence for the first 12 months and need to demonstrate safe driving.
We're working with the Government of B.C. to determine how best to make these changes. We’ll provide more details in the coming months.
Currently, Ontario and B.C. are the only provinces in Canada that require drivers to pass a second road test to exit the GLP.
We reviewed other graduated licensing programs around the world, which indicated that an individual’s driving record is a reliable alternative to a second road test.
There’s been no known evaluation that indicates a second road test reduces a driver’s involvement in crashes. However, research shows that a clean driving record, maintained over a longer period of time, is a reliable alternative to a second road test.
In Canada, only B.C. and Ontario currently require a second road test.
If the proposed changes are approved, drivers will need to prove their safe driving over a longer period. These drivers will only progress through the GLP if their driving records show they’ve been driving safely.
We’ll be working closely with RoadSafetyBC and other key partners to make sure the proposed changes maintain a high standard of road safety.
To reduce barriers to licensing, Government has proposed a shorter period of driving experience for drivers who are over 25 years old: if the changes are approved, these drivers would need at least nine months of safe driving as a learner, then 12 months as a novice.
All drivers in the GLP would be subject to a 12-month period of driving restrictions after getting their Class 5 licence. After driving safely during that period, they’d earn full Class 5 driving privileges.
We’ll be working closely with RoadSafetyBC and other key partners to make sure the proposed changes maintain a high standard of road safety.
We’ve seen in research that age and driving inexperience are two factors that can increase the risk of a crash. Drivers over 25 have lower crash rates than younger drivers are less likely to take risks while driving.
Additionally, many drivers over 25 may have work or family responsibilities and face additional barriers to becoming fully licensed.
These proposed age-related changes are subject to change, and the Government of B.C. will work with ICBC, RoadSafetyBC and other key partners to maintain a high standard of road safety.
Our recent review showed us that it’s time to modernize and streamline the program to better serve people living in British Columbia.
We'll be introducing a new motorcycle licensing program that makes sure new riders undergo a more robust process to get licensed, with enhanced licensing requirements and safety measures, such as protective gear.
We’ll provide more details in the coming months.
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable road users and are unprotected if they're in a crash. Inexperienced riders also have a higher crash risk.
Currently, motorcycles are 3.7% of insured vehicles in B.C., but their riders are involved in 14.2% of crash fatalities.
The upcoming changes will make sure new riders undergo a more robust process to get licensed and help reduce motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities.
