ICBC reinstates knowledge tests across BC

After slowly reintroducing knowledge tests at the start of May, ICBC is expanding testing to more locations throughout British Columbia.

Knowledge tests, which are taken to receive a Learner’s License, are being made available by appointment. Joanna Linsangan, Spokesperson for ICBC, says that these tests will be available at “the majority of ICBC offices.”

Testing is being made available to anyone with a Class 5 to 8 Learner’s License that expired on or after March 1, or that will expire within two weeks of contacting ICBC.

Motorcycle Skills Testing (MST) is also being restarted for those who hold an expiring license.

The tests are also open to residents who are new to BC and are required by legislation to change their licenses, as well as commercial learner class applicants.

First-time applicants, however, are not eligible to take any tests at this time. Stand-by and walk-in knowledge tests are also discontinued as well to ensure physical distancing.

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Appointments can be made by contacting ICBC’s driver license contact centre. Those looking to take a test will be contacted by an ICBC representative, who will highlight available testing locations.

While ICBC doesn’t have a set timeline on expanding knowledge tests or bringing back road tests, Linsangan says that they’re actively working to find safe solutions.

“We’re following the guidance of the Provincial Health Officer and are actively working with WorkSafeBC to find a way to resume road tests in a way that ensures the health and safety of our customers and driving instructors,” she tells Daily Hive.

“Likewise, work is underway to open up knowledge tests to more customers. We’re aware that the demand for road testing is high and we’re currently looking at how best to minimize the impact of road test backlogs.”

Other health measures include installing plexiglass workstation barriers at customer-facing counters and thoroughly cleaning testing stations between uses.

Screening is also being done on customers and employees at each drivers licensing office.