The process to get a full British Columbia motorcycle license is similar to that of other provinces. BC has a sophisticated program (BC graduated motorcycle licensing) which helps new motorcycle drivers move through different experience levels of motorcycle driving in BC and helps them gain the necessary skills to become safe, capable and confident motorbike drivers.
At ICanDrive.ca, we understand that sometimes it can get a bit confusing when it comes to learning how to ride your bike, so we've brought together everything you need to learn, practice and know for the BC graduated licensing journey.
Choose your motorcycle licence level to get started
Getting Your British Columbia Motorcycle Driving Licence:
A step-by-step approach to help you with BC graduated motorcycle licensing.
Depending on whether you are a completely new rider, a BC learner driver (L), a BC novice driver (N), or an existing BC driving license holder with previous driving experience, the process to get your BC motorcycle licence is slightly different. Each type of driver is required to go through a 3 step process to help them master the skills necessary to safely drive a motorbike in British Columbia. To help drivers at all experience levels better understand their specific requirements in the BC graduated motorcycle licensing process, we've broken down each motorcycle licensing class into easy to understand sections that help explain all the requirements, learning and driving restrictions at each stage.
BC Motorcycle Licensing for New or L/N Drivers
7L Licence + 8L Licence + 8N Licence → Class 6 License
BC Motorcycle Licensing for Experienced Drivers
Class 6L Licence → Class 6 License
Getting Your British Columbia 8L/6L Licence
The Class 8L & Class 6L are Learner Licenses for Driving a Motorcycle in BC
The BC graduated motorcycle licensing process to get your Class 8L or Class 6L is very similar, as both licence classes are learner licenses. The 8L license applies to individuals who are either new drivers or at the L/N driver licensing stage. The 6L licence applies to individuals who currently hold a full-privileged class 1-5 BC drivers licence. A key similarity between testing for both licenses is the BC motorcycle knowledge test. The BC motorcycle knowledge test is structured to check potential motorbike riders on their knowledge of the rules of the road, road signs and generally, how to be a safe motorcycle operator. In order to successfully pass the motorcycle knowledge test you must read through the British Columbia Learn to Drive Smart Guide and you should use BC motorcycle knowledge test practice exercises to make sure you really know your stuff.
BC Motorcycle Learner Licensing for New Riders
Class 7L + Motorcycle Knowledge Test + 30 Days + Motorcycle Skill Test → Class 8L License
BC Motorcycle Learner Licensing for Experienced Drivers
Any 1-5 Class License + Motorcycle Knowledge Test + 14 Days + Motorcycle Skill Test → Class 6L License
You can begin the BC graduated motorcycle licensing process on your 16th birthday or at any time for experienced drivers:
Here's how to get your 8L/6L licence:
Bring personal identification
Bring the associated test fees
Take and pass the motorcycle knowledge test
Get parental consent if under 19
Getting Your British Columbia Class 8N Licence
Your BC 8N Licence Gets You One Step Closer to a Full BC Motorcycle Licence
The BC Class 8N license is step 2 of the BC graduated motorcycle licensing process for a new motorcycle driver or Learner/Novice passenger vehicle driver. The Class 8N license builds on the theoretical knowledge learned at the previous license stage and prepares inexperienced motorbike drivers for the challenges of driving a motorcycle in real world scenarios and the full, unrestricted motorcycle license BC makes available. From learning the correct motorcycle riding posture to changing lanes and hazard identification, the 8N license stage builds the foundation of motorcycle driving skills.
Motorcycle Skills test + Motorcycle Road Test → Class 8N Licence
*This step does not apply to the experienced drivers.
You can get your 8N after 12 months of holding an 8L:
Here's how to get your 8N licence:
Wait 12 months at the 8L level
Bring personal identification
Take and pass the motorcycle skills test
Pass the class 8 motorcycle road test
Getting Your British Columbia Class 6 Licence
Your BC Class 6 Licence - the Final Stage of Learning to Drive a Motorcycle in BC
The BC Class 6 license is the final stage of the BC graduated motorcycle licensing process. This is the goal - to hold a full privilege BC motorcycle licence. The Class 6 license allows holders complete motorcycle riding freedom (within the law of course) and the ability to ride a motorbike on all British Columbia roadways. Of course, you must make sure you always have appropriate BC motorcycle insurance as well as the other required documentation in place before riding. To successfully pass the final test, you must demonstrate excellent motorcycle driving skills and the ability to safely handle a motorcycle in all weather and road conditions.
BC Class 6 Motorcycle Licensing for New Riders
8N/6L Licence + Class 6 Road Test → Class 6 License
BC Motorcycle Class 6 Licensing for Experienced Drivers
8N/6L Licence + Class 6 Road Test → Class 6 License
An 8N licence holder can apply after 24 months while a 6L licence holder can apply after 30 days:
Here's how to get your Class 6 licence:
Bring a min 200 cc motorcycle
Bring the associated test fees
Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment
Take and pass the class 6 road test
Looking for a Different British Columbia Driving Licence Type?
Choose the type of vehicle you need to get a BC license for
We've put together info on most kinds of British Columbia driver's license types. Not everyone in BC is seeking a BC motorbike license or a BC car 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.
Looking to Get Your Licence in a Different Province?
Choose the province or territory your 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 information.
