Getting Your BC Class 5 License

You can take your BC Class 5 road test when you've been a Class 7N novice driver and demonstrated safe driving habits for a minimum of 24 months or 18 months with a ministry approved GLP course at the Class 7 learner licence stage.

If you want to take the BC Class 5 road test, you can either book online or via phone directly with ICBC

Book Your Class 5 Road Test Online

No matter what licence stage you are preparing for, it's always a good idea to review and brush up on the British Columbia Learn to Drive Smart Manual. Our free BC drivers license practice test series is also a great way to refresh your driving knowledge.

Learn To Drive Smart Manual

While a Class 7 road test to get your Class 7N or novice license assessed your basic road skills, the BC Class 5 road test is a little more technical, so it's a good idea to get a lot of practice before going for your Class 5 road test.  For the BC Class 5 road test, you need to practice:

Basic Road Skills:

• Intersection maneuvers (driving through, turning right, turning left)
• Backing up
• Entering traffic
• Pulling over and stopping on the side of the road
• Changing lanes
• Parking on a hill/starting on a hill
• Angle parking/parallel parking/stall parking (driving forward and backing up)
• Two and three-point turns
• Merging on and off a highway
• General driving (for example, driving straight, driving on hills and curves)

Advanced Road Skills:

• Entering and exiting a freeway/highway
• Lane changing on a freeway/highway
• Being aware of the road rules and safe driving practices around emergency vehicles
• Hazard awareness (dangerous drivers, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, blind spots and hidden driveways, animals, icy weather conditions, uneven roads etc)

Before beginning the BC Class 5 license test, the examiner will check your car— just to make sure all the important parts are working and you know where everything is ex. the horn, parking brake, high beams, turn signals etc. Chances are you will also be asked to demonstrate the hand signals for turning, so make sure you review those in the BC Learn to Drive Smart Manual sections.

The vehicle pre-check is very important because it will ensure that your vehicle is safe enough for the test. If for some reason the examiner determines your car isn't meeting all the safety checklist items, they might not let you take the test.

Vehicle Checklist

Your BC class 5 driver's license test will be approx 45 minutes and will include some time at the end where the examiner goes over the test with you. You will be asked to drive through a preset route during which the examiner will ask you to demonstrate various driving skills, for example turning, changing lanes, merging on highways, parking etc. You could also be asked to identify potential driving hazards on route so stay aware of your surroundings and make sure you concentrate on driving properly just like you practiced.

Some of the biggest tips for passing the BC Class 5 license test are:

• Stay within the posted speed limits and don't drive based on the speed other cars are going
• Be aware of school zones and possible speed limit restrictions
• Make a complete stop at all stop signs, show that you are checking for traffic and then slowly pull through the intersection
• Always check your blind spots when changing lanes for other cars and for pedestrians/cyclists when making a right turn
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
• Always scan an intersection when driving through, even if it's a green light
• When merging on to a highway, use the acceleration/merging lane to get up to the speed of the highway before changing in to the next lane
• Practice any maneuvers you may be asked to perform during the test ex. three point turns, parallel parking, parking on a hill etc.

After the test is over and you bring your car back to the examination center, the examiner will go over the test with you to tell you where you did well, where you might need improvements, and they will tell you right away if you passed or need to take the BC Class 5 license test again.

A well rested driver is a safe and confident driver so make sure you get enough sleep before going in for your BC Class 5 license test.

Make sure your car has enough gas to complete the test. Just to be on the safe side a full tank of gas is always a good idea.

Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment to take care of any administrative items as well as have time to settle down and be relaxed before your test.

If you cancel or reschedule your road test appointment with less than 48 hours notice, or if you fail to attend your appointment, your prepaid road-test fee will not be refunded.

One of the first things the examiner will check is whether your vehicle is safe and operable enough for the test, so make sure you review your vehicle against our vehicle safety checklist. In addition to ensuring the vehicle is safe the registration and BC car insurance must be valid and allow for you to drive the vehicle.

Vehicle Checklist

If you need glasses or contacts to drive, make sure you take them along.

Each test has a specific fee requirement, so make sure you are prepared to pay the fees prior to starting your test.

British Columbia Licensing Fees

Bring your current licence with you.

In order to attempt the Class 5 road test, you need to bring two pieces of ID: one primary and one secondary

Acceptable Primary and Secondary Identity Documents

The Class 5 road test is approximately 45 minutes and will begin with the examiner introducing themselves, explaining the sequence of the Class 5 road test and giving you the opportunity to ask any questions. Keep the following things in mind:

• The examiner will remain silent for the duration of the test except to give you directions and/or advise you of a situation that needs your attention
• The examiner will not try to trick you or ask you to do anything illegal. If ever unclear, ask for clarification on instructions
• The examiner is there to evaluate your driving and not to teach or coach
• At the end of the exam, the examiner will go over the test with you and let you know of any suggestions for improvement

If you don't pass the BC Class 5 road test on the first attempt, you can retake the test after waiting for 14 days and paying another road test fee.

A BC Class 5 license is valid for 5 years. You will get a notice in the mail or via email, 2-3 months prior to expiry, reminding you to renew your licence before the next renewal date comes up.