In order to make the British Columbia licensing process as clear as possible, the ICBC driver licensing offices have over the years put together a very clean approach to getting your BC drivers license. It's called the BC Graduated Driver Licensing Program, often referred to as the BC graduated license or GDL for short.
The BC graduated license is for most, the easiest way to get your BC drivers license, and we've simplified things further by breaking down exactly what you need to do at each stage of the graduated licensing program BC implements. We outline the best ways to get through all three levels of the BC graduated license program, which are the BC learners license stage, the BC novice driver stage, and finally, the full BC class 5 license stage. We can help you achieve the full, unrestricted BC class 5 drivers license with the least amount of stress.
Choose the BC graduated licence level you need next to get started
Getting Your BC drivers license
Your journey through the BC graduated license system made easier
The BC graduated license program is made up of three separate licensing stages, which help prepare aspiring BC drivers license holders to become responsible, safe drivers. By going through the full BC graduated license process, a new driver not only learns the rules of the road and road signs, but also gains a higher level of confidence to drive independently in any driving condition. Be sure to always have the appropriate BC car insurance and other required documentation when driving.
Get Class 7L Licence, Class N and pass the final road test to get the Class 5 Licence
Getting Your British Columbia Class 7 Learner's Licence
The British Columbia Class 7L is the first step in the BC drivers license process
The British Columbia 7L (learner's) licence is the first stage in getting your BC drivers license. Our 7L practice knowledge test series are multiple choice tests which mimic the official learners test format, and helps teach new British Columbia drivers about the rules of the road as well as the road signs before they can begin in-car training. See our BC class 7 practice test series for assistance with the BC learners test.
Pass knowledge test and vision test to get Class 7L Licence
You can get your 7L (learner's permit) licence on or after your 16th birthday.
Here's how to get your Class 7L licence:
Bring two pieces of identification
Bring the associated test fees
Take and pass the 7L knowledge test
Pass a vision test
Getting Your British Columbia 7 Novice Licence
Your class 7N licence allows you the opportunity to further build your driving skills
The British Columbia 7N (Novice) licence is step 2 in the BC graduated license process. After practicing with a licensed supervisor for a minimum of 12 months, a driver at the 7L stage can take the Class 7 BC road test and move onto the 7N (novice) British Columbia driver licensing stage.
Practice driving for 1 year and pass the Class 7 road test to get Class 7N licence
You can get your 7N after holding a 7L, prohibition-free for 12 months.
Here's how to get your 7N (Novice) licence:
Bring a vehicle in good working order
Bring the associated test fees
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment
Take and pass the Class 7 road test
Getting Your Full, Unrestricted BC drivers license (Class 5 Licence)
The Class 5 licence is the final stage in the BC graduated license process
Getting a Class 5 BC drivers licence is the last step in the graduated licensing program BC operates. The intention is to ensure that a driver at the novice stage should have accumulated enough highway and non-highway driving experience to feel comfortable driving anywhere in most weather and traffic conditions.
Practice safe driving for 2 year and pass the Class 5 road test to get Class 5 Licence
You can get your Class 5 licence after holding a valid 7N, novice licence for a minimum of 24 months or 18 months with a GLP course.
Here's how to get your Class 5 licence:
Bring a vehicle in good working order
Bring the associated test fees
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment
Take and pass the Class 5 road test
Looking for a Different BC Drivers License Type?
Choose the type of vehicle you need to get a BC license for
At ICanDrive.ca, we strive to provide information on most kinds of BC driver's license types. Not all aspiring British Columbia drivers are looking to get through the BC passenger vehicle GDL or the BC motorcycle GDL. Some are in need of more specialized types of driving licenses such as the BC truck license or a BC bus license, a BC air brake license or a BC boat license. Click the links for more.
Looking to Get Your Licence in a Different Province?
Choose the province or territory you are looking to get licensed in
Depending on where you live, the process of getting your licence can differ. Choosing your province or territory allows us to direct you to the right people and resources who can provide the best possible driver licensing journey information.
