BC Graduated Licensing in 2026: L and N Rules, No Second Test

British Columbia's graduated licensing program (GLP) has four steps: a learner's (L) licence, a novice (N) licence after the Class 7 road test, a Class 5 licence with a 12-month zero alcohol and drug restriction, and then a full Class 5. The big 2026 change is that, as of 19 October 2026, novice drivers with a clean record no longer take a second road test. Instead, ICBC checks their record in a Driving Record Assessment. ICBC says the whole program takes about 3 to 4 years if you drive safely.

This guide covers the rules for L and N drivers and how the new final step works.

The four steps at a glance

Step 1: Learner (L) rules

You can get your L on or after your 16th birthday by passing the knowledge test and a vision screening. Under 18, a parent or guardian must consent. Your learner's licence is valid for two years.

On your L, ICBC's restrictions are:

• Qualified supervisor aged 22 or older, with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence without a zero alcohol or drug restriction, sitting in the front passenger seat.
• Red L sign displayed on the back of the vehicle.
• Zero alcohol or drugs in your blood.
• One passenger besides your supervisor (immediate family don't count).
• No electronic devices, hand-held or hands-free, except to call 911.
• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

Make sure you're listed as a driver on the insurance of every car you practise in. ICBC warns that if an unlisted learner crashes, the owner can face an Unlisted Driver Accident Premium.

How long you stay on your L

ICBC's learner and novice pages say you need your L for at least 12 months if you're under 25, or 9 months if you're 25 or older, and must stay prohibition-free before the Class 7 road test. ICBC's graduated licensing overview page currently describes a longer practice period (two years, or one year if 25 or older), so confirm the minimum with ICBC before you book.

Step 2: The Class 7 road test and N rules

The Class 7 road test takes about 35 minutes including feedback at the end. ICBC says examiners aren't looking for perfection: they want to see you drive safely, smoothly and in control. You get a paper result with a Skills Explainer listing the skills every driver needs.

If you don't pass, the wait grows with each attempt:

• after a first try: 14 days;
• after a second try: 30 days;
• after a third or later try: 60 days.

There's a fee for every attempt ($50 for the Class 7 road test, as listed by ICBC in 2026).

On your N, ICBC's restrictions are:

• Zero alcohol or drugs.
• Green N sign on the back of the vehicle, unless you're 25 or older.
• No electronic devices, hand-held or hands-free, except to call 911. That includes programming GPS, choosing music and wearing earbuds, even at a red light.
• One passenger (immediate family don't count), unless you're 25 or older or a supervisor aged 22+ with a full licence is with you.

ICBC adds that a single ticket can trigger a review of your driving record and possible driving prohibitions.

Step 3: the Driving Record Assessment (new in 2026)

As of 19 October 2026, ICBC replaced the second road test with a Driving Record Assessment for Class 7 novice drivers. To pass it you need:

• at least 24 months of safe driving on your N if you're under 25 (possibly 18 months if you took an ICBC-approved driver training course during your L stage and drove safely);
• at least 12 months of safe driving if you're 25 or older;
• no prohibitions or suspensions in that time;
• no convictions for excessive speeding or using electronic devices.

You book it at an ICBC driver licensing office, not a Service BC location or driver licensing agent, choosing the "Driving Record Assessment" service type online, or you can walk in.

After you pass, you get a Class 5 licence with restrictions: zero blood alcohol and drug content for 12 months. If you get a prohibition or suspension during that year, the 12 months start again.

Step 4: Full Class 5

After 12 months of safe driving on the restricted Class 5, with no prohibitions or suspensions, you automatically hold a full Class 5 licence. You don't need to apply for a new card.

What the change means for new drivers

• Your record is now your exit test. Speeding and phone convictions directly delay your full licence, so the N stage matters more than ever.
• Approved courses still help. An ICBC-approved GLP course in your L stage can shorten your N time for safe drivers under 25.
• One fewer test fee for most new drivers.

Use the N years to build the habits that keep your record clean: defensive driving, managing night driving and leaving your phone alone.

Summary

In BC you get your L at 16, take the Class 7 road test after at least 12 months on your L (9 if 25 or older), then drive on your N with zero alcohol, no devices and one passenger. From 19 October 2026, safe N drivers move to Class 5 through a Driving Record Assessment instead of a second road test, followed by 12 months with a zero alcohol and drug restriction. Check ICBC for the latest details before you book.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply on any road; it does not yet include BC-specific test practice, and it isn't affiliated with ICBC. Find out more.