New ICBC licensing rule changes coming for B.C. drivers next year

Major changes are coming to B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program for the first time in 25 years, and drivers are urged to be ready for the new rules.

Earlier this year, ICBC said that significant modifications to its Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) were being worked on, particularly for N drivers.

The public auto insurance company has confirmed that these licensing rule changes will be coming in 2026 on its website.

“The Government of B.C. has passed legislation to allow ICBC, in partnership with RoadSafetyBC, to modernize British Columbia’s GLP while maintaining a high standard of safety on B.C. roads,” stated ICBC.

“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.”

Currently, the province’s licensing process requires a 24-month N stage, which can be reduced to 18 months with approved driver training, before proceeding to the Class 5 road test.

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“In 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,” explained ICBC online.

“This change will also introduce a 12-month restriction period, during which drivers must demonstrate safe driving behaviours.”

Eligible drivers currently holding a Class 7 Novice licence can still book their Class 5 road test, as ICBC added that additional details on the GLP changes will be provided “in the months ahead.”

The N driver status comes with several restrictions, including having to display the N sign as well as a one-passenger limit unless accompanied by a supervisor aged 25 or over with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 licence.

However, the possibility of these proposed changes becoming official within the next few months has prompted online discussion about whether current N-holders will wait for the rules to change instead of booking and going through another road test.

“I’ve had my N since 2007. Nothing will make me take that road test,” said one commenter online.

“I’ve had my N for a long time, too. I don’t drive anyone, so I never felt the need to upgrade,” confessed another.

The legislation passed this year also allows ICBC to create a new Motorcyclist Licensing Program (MLP) that will “ensure new riders gain unique skills to ride safely.”

The MLP will include the introduction of a longer learning and restriction period, and also have a restriction period and heightened safety measure requirements, which the Province says will reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

With files from Daily Hive staff