Class 8 motorcycle road test
The Class 8 road test is for learning motorcycle riders who don't have a B.C. driver's licence, or are in the "L" or "N" stage of graduated licensing for passenger vehicles.
When do I take the Class 8 road test?
You take the Class 8 road test after passing the motorcycle skills test and holding a valid Class 8L motorcycle learner's licence for at least 12 months. The earliest date you can take the test is marked on your licence.
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. This also applies if you were prohibited.
What to expect
The Class 8 road test takes about an hour. That includes time for feedback from your examiner.
The test route goes through different riding environments, like city streets, commercial areas, highways, and intersections with stop signs and traffic lights.
The examiner rides behind you in a car, speaking to you by two-way radio.
Here's what to expect on your road test:
Pre-trip check
Before going out on the road, you do a pre-trip safety inspection of your motorcycle.
You'll show your examiner you can use controls like turn signals and high beams, and demonstrate hand signals.
On-road manoeuvres
While riding, you're asked to do a series of manoeuvres. These may include
- riding through and turning right and left at intersections
- entering and leaving traffic
- entering and exiting a highway or freeway
- changing lanes
- parking at the side of the road
- reverse stall parking
- Several U-turns, and/or cul-de-sac
- general riding, including riding straight and on hills and curves.
Note: Always be aware of your lane position!
See-Think-Do
While you're performing these manoeuvres, you demonstrate these See-Think-Do skills: observation, speed control, steering, space margins and communication.
Hazard perception
During the test, you'll be asked to pull over to the side of the road and identify all the hazards you see within one block in front of you, and immediately around you.
Get ready
There's lots you can do to prepare for the road test. We recommend you:
- know the signs, signals, road markings and rules of the road in
Learn to Ride Smart
- practice manoeuvres using
Tuning Up for Riders
- practice hazard perception by naming hazards while someone drives you in a car, and
- consider taking rider training from a professional school.
What to bring
When you come for your test, bring:
- a motorcycle in good working order with an engine over 200cc*
- valid insurance and registration documents
-
required ID, and
-
licence fees.
Motorcycle and licence restriction
*You can use a scooter or motorcycle of any size over 50cc however your driver’s licence will be restricted (if any) to the type of vehicle you use for the road test.
For example, if you use a scooter, your licence will be restricted for driving scooters. If you use a motorcycle 200cc or less, then you will be restricted from carrying passengers. If you use a three-wheel vehicle, you'll be restricted to only driving three-wheel motorcycles. If you have no other driver’s licence and take your road test on a limited-speed motorcycle, you'll be restricted to limited-speed motorcycles only.
If English isn't your first language
If English isn't your first language, you may bring a translator for your feedback session after the test. Sorry, translators can't go on the road test.
Booking your test
You'll need to book your Class 8 road test in advance.
Book your road test
Taking the test more than once
After your
first test attempt, you can take the test again after
14 days.
If you take the test a
second time and you don't pass, you can try again after 30 days.
If after
three or more tries you don't pass, you can take the test again after
60 days.
After you pass
When you pass, you get a Class 8N licence and enter the novice stage of graduated licensing for motorcycles. After 24 months in the novice stage, you're eligible to take the final
Class 6 road test. Remember that if you receive a prohibition your 24 month wait is reset.