ICBC licence changes take effect in B.C. on Oct. 19

Changes to some B.C. driver licensing rules take effect Oct. 19. According to ICBC, they apply to drivers with a Class 7 novice or Class 7 or 8 novice licence. Drivers with clean records will no longer need a second road test to qualify for a restricted Class 5 licence. Instead, they will be assessed through the Driving Record Assessment.

Drivers over 25 must demonstrate 12 months of safe driving to qualify for an upgrade. Drivers under 25 must demonstrate 24 months, or 18 months if they have completed an approved Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) course. Once they meet all the criteria, drivers must visit a licensing office to upgrade their licence. They can book an appointment or walk in.

A second road test scheduled for Oct. 19 or later will be cancelled. ICBC says it will email affected drivers with next steps.

The GLP was introduced more than 25 years ago. ICBC says the changes are intended to align B.C. with evolving road safety practices and graduated licensing programs in other jurisdictions. The insurer says road safety remains its top priority and the GLP will continue to help new drivers and riders develop the skills needed to travel safely on B.C. roads. ICBC also says removing the second road test will reduce barriers to getting licensed, particularly for drivers in rural, remote and Indigenous communities where access to road tests may be limited.

The changes have drawn sharply divided reactions from Daily Hive Urbanized readers. A previous article on the subject received well over 100 comments, with many readers supporting the changes and some opposing them. One reader called ending the N test “a wonderful idea,” describing it as “ridiculous and completely unnecessary.” Others said Vancouver is a terrible place to drive and that licences are handed out too freely.

Drivers unsure how the new program applies to them can consult ICBC’s website for details about the changes and their possible effect.