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You may be eligible for an automatic upgrade on October 19, 2026

If you're eligible to upgrade to a Class 5 licence with restrictions, you’ll receive a letter from ICBC confirming your eligibility for a one-time automatic licence upgrade that would take place when the GLP changes come into effect on October 19, 2026. If you've recently moved, make sure to update your address.

You’ll only stay eligible if there are no prohibitions or suspensions; no convictions for use of electronic devices; and no excessive speeding appearing on your driving record between the date of the letter and October 19, 2026. Other factors, such as outstanding debt, may also affect your eligibility.

No action is required, unless your Class 7 licence expires before October 19, 2026. If it expires before that date, you’ll need to renew it for the automatic licence upgrade to take place.

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Outstanding debt

If you have outstanding debt with us, it could affect your licence renewal or upgrade. Before you book an appointment, please call Account Services (604-661-2723 or 1-800-665-6442).

Renewing an upgraded licence that expires in six months or less

You’ll need to visit your nearest driver licensing office, either by appointment or as a walk-in customer. Bring the $75 licence renewal fee. You can pay with cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and personal cheques.  

You'll be issued a Class 5 licence with restrictions that is valid for five years.

If you want to replace your existing licence

You can replace your licence if you want a physical card that shows your Class 5 licence. This step is optional, and your driving record will always display your current licence class.

To get a replacement licence, you’ll need to visit your nearest driver licensing office, either by appointment or as a walk-in customer.

Bring the $17 licence replacement fee. You can pay with cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and personal cheques.

You’ll be issued a Class 5 licence with the same expiry date as the licence you replaced.

Your Class 5 licence

Once you've upgraded to a Class 5 licence, be aware that:

  • You will have a new restriction (55) applied to your licence, requiring zero blood alcohol and zero blood drug content while driving. It expires after 12 months.

    • If you get a prohibition or suspension before that date, the 12-month restriction period restarts from the date your licence is reinstated.

  • The expiry date for this restriction will be shown on the back of your driver’s licence.

  • The restriction expires automatically. No additional action is required.

If you get a prohibition or suspension before you upgrade your licence 

Your driving record will be updated right away and the date you’re eligible to upgrade to a Class 5 licence will reset, based on your age and years of experience:  

  • If you’re 25 years old or older: you’ll need to accrue another 12 months of driving with no additional prohibitions or suspensions, no use of electronic devices and no excessive speeding tickets.

  • If you’re under 25 years old: you’ll need to accrue another 24 months — or 18 months if you’ve completed an approved GLP course — of driving with no additional prohibitions or suspensions, no use of electronic devices and no excessive speeding tickets.

    • If you take but do not complete an approved GLP course, you'll still need 24 months of safe driving.