All About the Learners License BC Makes Available

You can take the knowledge test on or after your 16th birthday.

The test for the learners license BC offers can be stressful. To make sure you're as ready as possible, and reduce any test-day anxiety, make sure you follow a reasonable study plan:

• Don't try to learn everything the night before. It's best to spread your learning over a few weeks
• Study with purpose, highlight key points, make notes and identify areas where you need more review

The British Columbia Learn to Drive Smart online manual is the most commonly used driver learning manual for new BC drivers. The BC Learn to Drive Smart guide has everything you need to know about BC road signs, road rules and potential driving situations you might encounter while driving in British Columbia.

British Columbia Learn To Drive Smart Online Manual

Once you've spent some time reading and learning from the Learn to Drive Smart manual, you should be ready to attempt our BC class 7 practice test sets and practice exams, to become more confident and relaxed before attempting the BC learners test. Our practice tests are designed to mimic what you will find on the actual test, so they are a wonderful option to learn the necessary driving concepts, as well as get used to the test taking environment.

The ICBC knowledge test or BC learners test sets the stage for your entire driving career in BC and elsewhere. This test builds the foundation of the road signs and rules you will need to know to successfully drive in BC, so it's very important to do well on the test and really learn the information.

• 50 multiple-choice question
• Assesses how well you know British Columbia road signs, rules and driving laws
• Can be taken at any ICBC driver licensing office and is usually available on a computer terminal
• Can take up to 1 hour, so it's a good idea to be at the office at least 2 hours prior to closing
• Marked on the spot and you need a 40/50 to pass
• To ensure you don't get more than 10 questions wrong, you really need to study the Learn to Drive Smart manual and spend some time with our practice ICBC knowledge tests

In addition to the BC driver's knowledge test, you will also be required to complete a vision test and general medical screening test to obtain the learners license BC makes available. The vision test is there to make sure that your eyesight is good enough to be able to drive safely. The medical condition questions are to assess your physical ability to drive.

It is possible to take the BC knowledge test in a couple of different languages, so check with your local driver examination center to see which languages you can choose from. For the most part, the test is available in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Croatian, French, Farsi, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.

You want to make sure you get a good nights sleep and are well rested before going in for the ICBC knowledge test. The more rested you are, the easier it will be to remember the correct road signs and rules during the test

You don't need to book an appointment to write the 7L knowledge test, however it's recommended that you give yourself at least two hours before closing time so you get a chance to write the test as well as have your vision tested.

In busier seasons like March break or summer break, the line-ups can be longer so try to be there earlier in the day.

Find the closest ICBC driver examination center

It's a good idea to gather the required documents the day before your test and have them ready so you're not rushing last minute to find them.

Identity Documents:

In order to take the knowledge test, you need to bring two pieces of ID: one primary and one secondary

Acceptable Primary and Secondary Identity Documents

Consent Documents:

If you are under the age of 19, you need to bring a parent/legal guardian consent form

Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form

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 actual test.

British Columbia Licensing Fees

Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and focus on doing your best on the knowledge test. For individuals attempting the test on a computer terminal, some helpful tips are:

• To start the test - If the screen is blank or just has a floating number, touch the screen to activate it
• Skipping questions is an option - if you come across a question you're not sure about, skip it. Depending on how well you do on the other questions, that specific question may show up at the end of the test or not show up at all
• Check your status - The bottom of the screen will update to show how you are doing, and the test will end once you've either correctly answered 40 questions or when you have exceeded the number of incorrect answers allowed (10)
• Ask for clarification - If a question doesn't make sense, ask one of the staff members. They are not allowed to give you any hints, but sometimes hearing the question in a different way helps with understanding

If you do end up failing the test, you can repay the test fee and re-take the knowledge test as many times as it takes to get the learners license BC provides.

The learners license BC makes available is valid for 2 years

You must remain at the 7L level and cannot apply for your 7N for 12 months.

• Any GLP driver who completes an approved GLP Course may receive a six-month novice stage time reduction reward if they successfully complete the course within one year, and provided that they stay violation and at fault crash free during the first 18 months of the novice stage
• Successful completion of a GLP course can also help high school students earn two grade 11 credits if you take your Declaration of Completion of a GLP course certificate in to your school administrative office

Display Your L Sign

A requirement of the learners license BC provides, is that you display the red "L" sign in the back of your vehicle while driving. In the event you lose your L sign, you can download and print a temporary one and then pick up a new one for free from any licensing office.

Print a temporary L Sign

You must always be accompanied by a supervising driver 25+ who holds a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence and is seated beside you in the front passenger seat.

A Class 7L driver must maintain a blood alcohol level of zero at all times

As a Class 7L driver you are limited to only 1 additional passenger in the vehicle in addition to the qualified supervisor.

A 7L driver is not allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 5am.

Handheld devices (phones, tablets etc.) are not allowed while driving.