B.C. is making major changes to how new drivers are licensed in the province, removing the requirement for a second road test before a person gets their full license.
The reforms, part of legislation introduced Wednesday, are the first to B.C.’s graduated licensing program since it brought in the “L” learners and “N” novice driver programs more than 25 years ago.
Solicitor General, Garry Begg, said new research shows that a person’s safe driving record, and not a second test, is a better indication of driver competency.
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“So we think, backed up by the research that’s been done, that this is a change that’s welcomed by the people,” he said.
“It will speed up the service that’s delivered by ICBC in getting road tests,” added Begg.
The changes, if passed, would come into effect in early 2026 and contain transition periods for new drivers who already have their “L” or “N” designations — meaning, they would not have to take the second test, depending on the timing.
ICBC has faced massive backlogs of numerous months to book road tests, though Begg said that’s not the impetus for the change.
The reforms move B.C. in line with other provinces, such as Alberta, which are moving away from two road tests for new drivers. With the change, Ontario remains the only province in Canada to administer two tests as part of graduated licensing.
Some of B.C.’s current system will remain the same.
New drivers will still have to take a computer knowledge test to get their learner’s license and then hold that license for a year (less, if they take lessons) before undergoing a road test to get their novice driver designation.
Under the old system, from here, drivers would need to hold their “N” license for two years before taking a second road test, and then being issued a full license.
The reforms would remove the second road test requirement and automatically issue drivers a full license, along with an additional 12-month zero-tolerance probationary period. This means any driver who gets a speeding, cannabis, alcohol or electronic device infraction during that probationary period, would have to restart the 12 months. At the end of probation, the zero-tolerance restrictions would be lifted on their full license.
The changes also reward older novice drivers. People 25 years and older will only need to hold their “N” novice license for one year, instead of two.
ICBC also introduced changes to motorcycle licensing Wednesday, removing the 30-day full license process and replacing it with a nine-month learner stage followed by an 18-month restricted license.
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