Photo: Ruth Hartnup, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
With a BC learner (Class 7L) licence you can drive only with a qualified supervisor aged 22 or older beside you, between 5 a.m. and midnight, with no more than one extra passenger outside your immediate family, an L sign on the back, zero alcohol and drugs, and no phone or other device, even hands-free. These rules apply for at least 12 months (9 if you are 25 or older). Here is each rule and what breaking one costs.
BC L licence restrictions checklist
| Rule | What ICBC requires |
|---|---|
| Supervisor | Sits beside you. Aged 22 or older, with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence and no 0 BAC/BDC restriction. |
| Passengers | One passenger besides your supervisor, unless the others are immediate family. |
| Hours | Only between 5 a.m. and midnight. |
| L sign | Official L sign in the back windshield or on the rear, visible to drivers behind. |
| Alcohol | Zero blood alcohol content. |
| Drugs | Zero blood drug concentration, including cannabis (THC). |
| Devices | No hand-held or hands-free devices: phones, music players, portable gaming devices or GPS. |
Who can supervise a learner driver in BC?
- At least 22 years old
- Holds a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence
- Does not have a 0 BAC/BDC restriction. Drivers still in the GLP, or in the 12-month Class 5 restricted period, cannot supervise.
Check the front of their licence for the class and restrictions. ICBC lowered the minimum supervisor age from 25 to 22 on 19 October 2026. ICBC also suggests choosing someone patient, who explains clearly, drives safely and has time to practise with you.
Who counts as immediate family?
ICBC defines immediate family as your parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters and grandparents, including step and foster relationships. Any number of them can ride with you. Friends, cousins and partners who are not your spouse count toward the one-passenger limit.
Scenario: the drive to school
Your mom supervises, your younger brother and sister are in the back, and you offer a lift to one friend. Allowed: the siblings are immediate family and the friend is your one passenger. A second friend would break the limit.
Can a BC learner use GPS or Bluetooth?
No. The ban covers hands-free use too, including GPS and music devices, and it still applies while you are stopped at a red light or sitting in slow traffic. Plan your route before you go, or have your supervisor navigate. If you must use a device, pull over and stop where it is safe.
If your supervisor calls a turn too late, carry on in your lane and let them work out the next safe route. A missed turn is never a reason for a sudden lane change.
The L sign
- You get it with your licence.
- Free replacements are available at any driver licensing office.
- You can download a temporary L sign from icbc.com.
What happens if you break a learner rule?
- You can be fined and get penalty points.
- More points or serious offences can mean a prohibition of one month to a year or more.
- Any alcohol or drug can bring an immediate roadside suspension or prohibition, and vehicle impoundment.
- A prohibition stops your learner clock: no time counts toward your road test until you have served it and your licence is reinstated.
- Reinstatement after a prohibition costs $250 (ICBC handbook figure).
- Driving outside your licence restrictions can breach your insurance, so a crash claim may be denied.
More: penalty points, Driver Risk Premium and prohibitions.
How long you stay on your L
- Under 25: at least 12 months before the Class 7 road test.
- 25 or older: at least 9 months.
- The licence is valid for two years. Renewing it means retaking the knowledge test.
- ICBC recommends at least 60 hours of practice, logged in the driver experience log you get with your L.
Common questions
Can I drive on the highway with my L in BC?
ICBC’s list of learner restrictions does not include a highway ban. The Class 7 road test can include merging on and off a highway, so practise it with your supervisor.
Can my 19-year-old sibling supervise me?
No. Supervisors must be at least 22.
Can I drive at 4:30 a.m. with a supervisor?
No. Learners may drive only between 5 a.m. and midnight, whoever is supervising.
Does my supervisor count toward the passenger limit?
No. You may carry one passenger aside from your supervisor, plus any immediate family.
Back to the full guide: Learning to drive in BC. Next: ICBC Class 7 road test and BC N licence rules. Compare other provinces in graduated licensing compared.
Sources
- ICBC, “You have a Class 7L licence” (icbc.com)
- ICBC, “Learn to Drive Smart, chapter 9: Your licence” (icbc.com)
- ICBC, “Graduated licensing” (icbc.com)
- ICBC, “Distracted driving” (icbc.com)