Photo: GoToVan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
From 19 October 2026, BC novice drivers with a clean record no longer take a second road test to get a Class 5 licence. ICBC now runs a Driving Record Assessment (DRA) instead: it checks your driving record, and if you qualify you get a Class 5 with a 12-month zero alcohol and drug restriction. Some N drivers were upgraded automatically on the changeover date instead. This post explains both routes, who qualifies, how to book and what changes for N drivers.
What changed on 19 October 2026
| Before 19 October 2026 | From 19 October 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Step from N to Class 5 | Class 5 road test | Driving Record Assessment |
| What is checked | Your driving, by an examiner | Your driving record |
| After you pass | Class 5 licence | Class 5 with a 0 BAC/BDC restriction for 12 months, then full Class 5 |
The change applies to drivers upgrading from Class 7 (or Class 7 and 8) to Class 5 (or Class 5 and 6). ICBC says it lines BC up with other jurisdictions and cuts licensing barriers, especially in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. The Class 7 road test is still part of the route from L to N. You must hold your L for at least 12 months if you are under 25, or 9 months if you are 25 or older, before taking it.
Who qualifies for the ICBC Driving Record Assessment?
You must meet all of these:
- Under 25: at least 24 months of safe driving on your N. This drops to 18 months if you completed an ICBC-approved GLP course while you were a learner.
- 25 or older: at least 12 months of safe driving on your N.
- No convictions for excessive speed during that period.
- No convictions for using an electronic device during that period.
- No prohibitions or suspensions during that period.
The novice months must be consecutive and prohibition-free. A prohibition during your N wipes the time you have built up, and you start counting again once your licence is reinstated.
The one-time automatic upgrade (19 October 2026)
N drivers who already qualified when the changes came in did not need a DRA. ICBC sent them a letter confirming a one-time automatic upgrade to Class 5 on 19 October 2026.
- Staying eligible: between the letter date and 19 October 2026 you needed no prohibitions or suspensions and no device or excessive speeding convictions. Other factors, such as money owed, could also affect eligibility.
- Expired Class 7: if your Class 7 expired before 19 October 2026, you had to renew it at a driver licensing office for the upgrade to go through.
- The card: your driving record shows your new class, and the licence keeps its old expiry date. A replacement card showing Class 5 is optional and costs $17 at a driver licensing office (as of November 2026).
- Restriction: the upgraded licence carries the same 12-month zero alcohol and drug restriction as a DRA upgrade.
If you did not get a letter, or lost eligibility before the upgrade date, use the DRA below.
How to book the DRA
- Check you have reached 24, 18 or 12 months (whichever applies) with a clean record.
- Book online at an ICBC driver licensing office, choosing the “Driving Record Assessment” service type, or walk in. Service BC locations and driver licensing agents do not offer it.
- Bring accepted ID and payment for any licence fee (check ICBC’s Fees page for current amounts).
- ICBC scans your record. If you meet the criteria, you are issued a Class 5 with the 0 BAC/BDC restriction.
The 12-month Class 5 restricted period
- You must have zero blood alcohol and zero blood drug concentration while driving.
- Your record is closely monitored by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles, as it was on your N. A ticket can bring a warning letter or a prohibition.
- A prohibition or suspension restarts the 12 months.
- After 12 safe months you hold a full Class 5. You do not need to apply for a new card.
Worked examples
A 17-year-old who took an approved course as an L
They get their N at 17 and drive 18 months with no speeding or device tickets and no prohibitions. They book a DRA, pass, and drive at 0 BAC/BDC for 12 more months before the full Class 5.
A 19-year-old convicted of a device offence at month 20
A device conviction in the period means they do not meet the DRA criteria at month 24. Check with ICBC how long a conviction affects your eligibility.
A 31-year-old new driver
At 25 or older they need 9 months as an L and 12 safe months as an N before the DRA.
Common questions
Can I still choose to take the Class 5 road test?
ICBC says the DRA replaced the second road test as of 19 October 2026. If you think your record needs a closer look, ask a driver licensing office.
Do I still need my N sign during the Class 5 restricted period?
ICBC lists only the 0 BAC/BDC restriction for this stage. The N sign belongs to the Class 7 novice licence.
I was already on my N before 19 October 2026. Does this apply to me?
Yes. If you got ICBC’s automatic upgrade letter and stayed eligible, you were moved to Class 5 on 19 October 2026 without a visit. Everyone else upgrading from Class 7 to Class 5 from that date uses the DRA.
What if my record does not meet the criteria?
You stay on your N until it does. Ask a driver licensing office what applies to your record.
Does the approved course reduction apply if I am 25 or older?
No. The 18-month option is for drivers under 25 who completed an approved GLP course during the learner stage.
Back to the full guide: Learning to drive in BC. Related: BC N licence rules, ICBC-approved driving courses, penalty points and prohibitions.
Sources
- ICBC, “Graduated Licensing Program changes” (icbc.com)
- ICBC, “You may be eligible for an automatic upgrade” (icbc.com)
- ICBC, “Graduated licensing” (icbc.com)
- ICBC, “You have a Class 7 licence and you’re 25 or older” (icbc.com)
- ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, chapter 9: Your licence” (icbc.com)