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.
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.
