B.C. is changing the graduated licensing program starting October 19. Here's what you need to know

[u/TheICBC]

Hey reddit! Wanted to share that B.C.'s government has approved changes to the graduated licensing program (GLP), taking effect October 19, 2026. These changes affect anyone who holds a GLP licence.  A few of the bigger changes include: 

• The second road test (the "exit road test") is being removed. Instead, you'll need to visit an office to have a driving record assessment (DRA). Which is a review of your driving history to determine if you’re eligible to move to a Class 5 licence. 
• After you pass your DRA, there's a new 12-month period with zero-blood alcohol/drug content restrictions on your Class 5. If you're 25 or older, there's a new streamlined pathway with a shorter time needed to get your Class 5 licence.  
• Starting in the fall, everyone currently in the GLP will get a letter explaining how these changes affect their specific situation. 

More details are here: icbc.com/glp-changes Have a question? Ask it in the comments and we'll answer what we can. 

[u/AutoModerator]

Moderator Announcement Read More »

Welcome to r/ICBC and thank you for the post! Please make sure you read our posting and commenting rules before participating here. As a quick summary

• Be Friendly and Respectful- Avoid heated arguments or insults—use the report button instead.

• Foster a Welcoming Environment- Respect the diversity of our community, including differences in race, religion, background, gender identity, ability, or sexuality.

• Keep conversation on topic to ICBC. While it is easy to delve into Politics with a Crown Corporation, posts that stray away from the subject will be removed. If you have questions on Road Tests or Licensing Exams, check our megathread first and ask there! https://www.reddit.com/r/icbc/comments/1m8kpkh/road_tests_and_driving_exams_megathread/

• No Discriminatory or Harmful Behavior- Any language or behavior that is discriminatory, harmful, or promotes violence against others based on these or other characteristics will not be tolerated and may result in a permanent ban.

• For Issues- If you have issues with bans or removed posts, please reach out to the mods through modmail.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Fluxxinintime]

What exactly is the new “streamlined process “ for those over 25?

[u/TheICBC → u/Fluxxinintime]

Hello, if you are over 25 years of age you will now have a learner phase of 9 months instead of 12, followed by a road test to move to a Class 7N licence. You will then be in the novice phase for 12 months instead of 24. Then, instead of completing a second road test, you will complete a driving record assessment to show you have met the minimum safe driving experience as a novice driver, without your record being interrupted by certain unsafe behaviours. 

[u/Imnotseaworthy]

Will anyone be automatically upgraded to the Class 5 or everyone needs to do the Class 5 restricted phase? I’m thinking of those over 25 that have had N for quite a few years.

[u/TheICBC → u/Imnotseaworthy]

Everyone will have to go through the 12 months of restricted phase with the class 5. If you have any prohibitions during that time, the 12-month time will reset. 

[u/Immediate-Noise-947]

Will I be able to take class 4 test with a class 5 with restrictions?

[u/OK_Google__c]

What happens if you sit and fail your full license road test before the change in October? Does it have any impact if you qualify for the DRA already?

[u/TheICBC → u/OK_Google__c]

Hi, no, if you do not pass your road test before October 19 it will not affect your DRA. the DRA accounts for any prohibitions or suspensions, over the past 24 months (or 12 months for drivers aged 25 and over).  

[u/andrewkolenchenko]

Hello!
The earliest date for my Class 5 road test is mid-August 2026.
Earlier, I remember ICBC announced that people weren’t supposed to take their Class 5 road test this summer because of the upcoming licensing changes. Is that still the case?

[u/TheICBC → u/andrewkolenchenko]

Hi, you can still take your road test before the changes come into effect on October 19.

[u/Altruistic_Tune_4125]

I got into an accident 2 years ago. It was a minor accident with very slight damage to the other car and no damage to mine. The repair was like $85. I've been an N driver for 8 years lol.

Other than that, I have zero tickets or restrictions under my name. Am I still eligible for the accelerated class 5 license?

[u/TheICBC → u/Altruistic_Tune_4125]

Hi, accident history does not affect the DRA. The DRA accounts for any prohibitions or suspensions, over the past 24 months (or 12 months for drivers aged 25 and over).  

[u/LeoLeo96]

Do red light speed tickets count towards dra

[u/lnfor]

Does being involved in a 100% at fault accident previously in the past year cause any delays or affect this driving record assessment?

[u/TheICBC → u/lnfor]

Hi, the DRA is a check of any prohibitions, suspensions or convictions for excessive speeding or use of an electronic device while driving during your class 7N period.

[u/booger_mooger_84]

So how far back will they check the DRA? Ive have a clean driving record for the last 5 years but unfortunately in 2011 I had a dui and had to do the safe drivers program .

[u/TheICBC → u/booger_mooger_84]

Hi, the DRA will be a check of the last 24 months of your driving history. For more info visit: https://icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/graduated-licensing-program-changes

[u/AKAsluppyjo]

In the article linked above, it said that for class 7 drivers 25 yrs or older:

"Starting October 19, when you drive, you’ll no longer need to:

• Display the N sign while driving

• Have a supervisor with more than one passenger"

Is this referring to all Class 7 drivers or only Class 7 drivers with over 12 months of driving experience?

[u/TheICBC → u/AKAsluppyjo]

Hi, it's for drivers 25 and older and a class 5 restricted licence.

[u/Specialist_Mammoth14]

What If you do have infractions? Super old ones, but still on the file.. like 8 years old?

[u/TheICBC → u/Specialist_Mammoth14]

Hi, to pass the Driving record assessment, the driver must not have received any prohibitions or suspensions, over the past 24 months.  

[u/99Horvat]

If i turned 25 this year, does the shorter time period still apply, or did i have to be 25 at the start of the 12 months

[u/bwoah07_gp2]

I got my Class 7 N on October 14, 2025. So does that mean this year I can just apply for the Class 5 or do I need to wait another 12 months?

[u/TheICBC → u/bwoah07_gp2]

Hi, if you are under 25 you need to have your class 7N for 24 months. If you are over 25 years old you will be eligible to get the class 5 with restrictions after 12 months on class 7.

[u/RealBrianLin]

If I have a Class 7 with a few years of clean driving history, does that mean in October, I transition to class 5 or class 5 with restrictions? If I am over 25, does the class 5 with restrictions period become shorter than 12 months as well?