ICBC moves to appointment-based system for driver licensing services

ICBC announced on Monday morning that it is transitioning to an appointment-based system for most of its driver licensing services.

The Crown Corporation says that appointments will be needed for license renewals and knowledge tests, as well as other services. The change to an appointment-based system is to manage increased customer volume while still adhering to physical distancing guidelines.

Appointments can be booked online and customers will be able to select their preferred location and time. They then need to arrive 10 minutes before their appointment begins with all the necessary documentation.

• See also: 
  • ICBC urges customers to register all drivers on insurance policy
  • Province introduced legislation to lower ICBC premiums by approximately 20%
  • ICBC will resume non-commercial road tests this month

ICBC says that the online booking system won’t be necessary for road tests. Some services such as paying for tickets, proving driving experience, or changing your address can still be done online or by phone.

In the case of an expiring driver’s license, ICBC strongly advises customers to book an appointment at least three weeks in advance. While there will be some walk-in availability, it will be very limited and will vary by location and time of day.

“We strongly recommend that customers book an appointment,” ICBC Spokesperson Joanna Linsangan tells Daily Hive. “If they’re unable to book an appointment they should arrive as early in the day as possible since time for non-appointment services is very limited.”

Linsangan adds that “priority will be given to customers with a booked appointment.”

Naturally, any customers that are experiencing symptoms of the cold, flu, or COVID-19 are asked to remain home and reschedule their visit.