B.C. announces when driver's licence changes come into effect, eliminating second road test
B.C. previously announced that folks who had their N or Class 7 licence would no longer have to take a test to upgrade, and now they’ve determined a date.
Today, the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced that the changes come into effect this fall.
“New drivers 25 and older have lower crash rates than younger drivers and now have a shorter pathway to becoming fully licensed,” the ministry said.
The changes, and removal of the second road test, come into effect on Oct. 19, 2026, “aligning B.C.’s modernized Graduated Licensing Program with similar programs worldwide.”
The Province announced the rule changes last winter.
“Evidence shows that driving experience gained over time predicts long-term safety as reliably as a single road test,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in a statement.
“The changes we’re making to the GLP maintain our high road safety standards, with a focus on helping new drivers get more time behind the wheel to develop the habits they need to drive responsibly,” Krieger said.
The Province says that nearly all jurisdictions worldwide don’t have a second road test in their respective GLPs.
“Transport Canada collision statistics show that the four Canadian provinces with the lowest motor-vehicle fatality rates do not have an exit test.”
On or after Oct. 19, 2026, eligible drivers may qualify for a one-time, automatic upgrade from a Class 7 to a Class 5 licence and won’t be required to complete an in-office driving record assessment. It also reduces the novice phase from 24 months to 12.
The Class 5 comes with a 12-month restricted period, and the drivers who qualify will be watched closely.
“During the restricted period, drivers will be subject to a zero blood-alcohol and drug restriction and face greater scrutiny than experienced drivers if they receive any violations on their record,” the Province says.
“These GLP changes emphasize ongoing monitoring of driving behaviour. The new 12-month restricted period will help flag and correct mistakes made by new drivers and ensure they spend more time developing good driving habits on the roads.”
B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma also commented on the change, saying, “Getting a driver’s licence is a major milestone in people’s lives that opens doors to work, education and greater independence. With these changes to the Graduated Licensing Program, we’re making that step more accessible for people, while maintaining our roads’ safety. This is part of our work to modernize licensing and make everyday services more accessible for people throughout B.C.”
You can learn more about the changes on the ICBC website.
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