Getting Your BC Class 5 License

Getting a BC Class 5 license is the last step in the BC Graduated License process. Before you get your final, full, unrestricted class 5 licence, make sure you know exactly what rules and requirements you need to follow in order to be a safe, responsible British Columbia driver, because getting behind the wheel of a car is a huge responsibility. Our goal is to make the BC class 5 driver's license process as easy as possible and make sure that you're ready to drive anywhere in British Columbia, able to deal with just about any road situation.

BC Class 5 License

Drive safe 2 years with Class 7N License and pass the Class 5 road test to get Class 5 Licence

The Right Steps to Getting Your BC Class 5 License

If you've made it this far, it means you've successfully followed the steps needed to get the learners license BC makes available, as well as the Novice Driver or N license BC offers, and are now ready for the next step. A BC Class 5 license is the final stage in becoming a completely certified British Columbia driver, but to get your Class 5 licence, you need to demonstrate that you are a capable, safe driver in any road or weather conditions. Make sure to always have the appropriate BC car insurance and other necessary documentation with you when driving. Click the tabs below to learn more.

Class 7N Licence Holder

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.

Book Your Class 5 Road Test

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

Study The Learn to Drive Smart Study Manual

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.

Practice Driving

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)

The BC Class 5 license test or Class 5 road test is designed to assess your driving comfort level in more challenging environments than you would have faced on your Class 7 road test. Your objective is to show the examiner that you are a safe, responsible and capable driver in all kinds of driving situations.

Pre-trip Check

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.

Road Test

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.

Post-test Debrief

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.

Always remember the examiners aren't going to try to trick you or ask you to drive illegally/unsafely. Practice beforehand, focus on driving properly, stay confident, remain aware of your surroundings and you will do well. Good Luck!

The day of your BC class 5 driver's license test can feel overwhelming, so we've put together a quick list of everything you need to do and need to take with you. Follow this list and focus on staying calm and demonstrating your well practiced, driving skills.

Get A Good Nights Sleep

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.

Enough Fuel

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 Early

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.

Cancelling or Rescheduling

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.

Safe Vehicle + Vehicle Safety Check

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.

Vision Aids

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

Applicable Fees

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

Current Licence

Bring your current licence with you.

Documents to Bring

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

Take The Class 5 Road Test

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

Test Re-Takes

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.

Licence Expiry

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.

Your BC Class 5 driver's license has no restrictions, but make sure you drive responsibly and stay within the road rules and the law to ensure the safety of all drivers on British Columbia roads.

Looking for Information on Other BC Car Driving Licence Types?

BC GDL Process

The BC GDL process helps guide new and experienced drivers through the British Columbia licensing process

BC Class 7L Licence

Your Class 7L licence is the first step in learning how to drive a car in British Columbia. Let us help.

BC Class 7N Licence

Getting your 7N (Novice licence) means you can drive on your own and are one step closer to having a full licence.

Looking for a Different British Columbia Drivers Licence Type?

Choose the type of vehicle you need to get a British Columbia licence for

We've compiled information on most kinds of British Columbia driver's license types. Not everyone in BC is seeking a BC motorbike license or a BC car drivers license. Some folks need a more specific type of licence such as a BC truck license, or a BC bus license, a BC air brake license or a BC boat license. Click the links for more.