British Columbia graduated licensing stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the stages of B.C.'s Graduated Licensing Program in order.
• You can state the minimum time in the learner and novice stages for your age group.
• You can explain what the Driving Record Assessment is and when you can apply for it.
• You can describe what the 12-month zero tolerance restriction on a new Class 5 licence means.
• You can explain what happens to your progress if you are prohibited from driving.

What you need to know and understand

• The learner licence is Class 7L, the novice licence is Class 7 and the full licence is Class 5.
• You can apply for a learner licence from age 16.
• Under 25: at least 12 months as a learner and 24 months as a novice (18 months with an ICBC-approved GLP course).
• Age 25 or older: at least 9 months as a learner and 12 months as a novice.
• There is only one road test now: the Class 7 road test that moves you from L to N.
• After the novice stage, a Driving Record Assessment checks your record before you get a Class 5 licence.
• Your first Class 5 licence carries a zero alcohol and zero drug restriction for 12 months.
• A driving prohibition during the novice stage resets your novice clock to zero.

The four steps from L to full licence

Every new driver moves through the same steps. The time you spend in each one depends on whether you are under 25 or 25 and older.

1. Pass a vision screening and the knowledge test to get your Class 7L learner licence and your L sign.
2. Practise with a qualified supervisor, then pass the Class 7 road test to get your Class 7 novice licence and N sign.
3. Drive safely through the novice stage, then pass a Driving Record Assessment.
4. Hold a Class 5 licence with a zero alcohol and drug restriction for 12 months. After that you have full privileges.

How long each stage lasts

These are minimum times. Prohibitions add time, so the real length depends on your record.

• Under 25, learner stage: at least 12 months.
• Under 25, novice stage: at least 24 consecutive months without a prohibition, or 18 months if you completed an ICBC-approved GLP course while you were a learner, as long as you have no violations, prohibitions or at-fault crashes in the first 18 months of your novice stage.
• 25 and older, learner stage: at least 9 months.
• 25 and older, novice stage: at least 12 consecutive months without a prohibition.
• Everyone: 12 months on a Class 5 licence with a zero alcohol and drug restriction.

What the Driving Record Assessment checks

The Driving Record Assessment, or DRA, replaced the old Class 5 road test. Instead of driving with an examiner again, your driving record is reviewed. To pass you need the required months of safe driving, no convictions for excessive speeding or using an electronic device in that time, and no prohibitions or suspensions. You apply for the DRA in person at an ICBC driver licensing office, by appointment or as a walk-in.

During all GLP stages you must have zero alcohol and zero drugs in your body, and you may not use hand-held or hands-free electronic devices. The site's deeper guides on L and N licence rules explain the stage-by-stage limits.

Common mistakes

• Thinking you still need a second road test. Since October 19, 2026 the Class 5 step is a record check, not a road test.
• Assuming time on your N always counts. A prohibition during the novice stage wipes out the time you have built up.
• Treating the new Class 5 as fully unrestricted. For the first 12 months you still need zero alcohol and zero drugs.
• Counting on the GLP course credit without checking. The 18-month novice option applies only to drivers under 25 who completed an approved course as a learner and then have no violations, prohibitions or at-fault crashes in their first 18 novice months.

Test yourself: British Columbia graduated licensing stages

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in BC
• BC Learner Licence Rules
• BC N Licence Rules