Beginning October 19, 2026, British Columbia is introducing the biggest update to the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) in more than 25 years. The changes are designed to place greater emphasis on developing safe driving habits over time, rather than relying on a second road test to determine whether a driver is ready for a full licence.
If you're currently working toward your licence, or planning to start driving soon, here's everything you need to know about how the new system works and what it means for your journey to a Class 5 licence.
What's Changing?
Under the current GLP, new drivers must:
Starting October 19, 2026, the second Class 5 road test will no longer be required for eligible drivers. Instead, drivers with a satisfactory driving record will move through a new two-step process:
The Class 7 (N) road test remains unchanged and is still required for every new driver.
Why is ICBC Making This Change?
Research consistently shows that driving experience and consistent safe driving habits are stronger indicators of long-term safety than performance during a single road test.
By replacing the second road test with ongoing driving record monitoring, ICBC aims to encourage safe driving every day while reducing barriers for drivers in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities where road test appointments can be more difficult to access. The changes also bring British Columbia more in line with most other Canadian jurisdictions.
The Two Driving Record Assessments
One of the biggest misconceptions is that drivers simply "skip" the Class 5 road test. In reality, the road test is being replaced with Driving Record Assessments (DRAs).
1. Driving Record Assessment for Your Restricted Class 5
Once you've held your Novice licence for the required amount of time, ICBC will review your driving record.
This assessment is not an appointment or an in-car evaluation. Instead, ICBC reviews your driving history to determine whether you've demonstrated safe and responsible driving throughout your Novice stage.
To qualify for a Restricted Class 5 licence, drivers must meet eligibility requirements, including:
Drivers who successfully meet these requirements will automatically receive a Class 5 licence with restrictions instead of booking another road test.
2. Driving Record Assessment for Your Full Class 5 Licence
Receiving your Restricted Class 5 licence isn't the final step.
Drivers must then complete a 12-month Restricted Class 5 period, during which ICBC continues monitoring their driving record.
Throughout this period, drivers must continue to demonstrate safe driving by complying with the licence conditions, including:
At the end of the 12-month restriction period, drivers who continue to meet the program requirements will automatically graduate to an unrestricted Class 5 licence without taking another road test.
Timeline for Drivers Under 25
Drivers under the age of 25 will continue to follow the traditional Graduated Licensing Program timeline, with one important change, the second road test is replaced by a Driving Record Assessment.
Stage 1: Learner (Class 7L)
Stage 2: Class 7 Novice (N)
Stage 3: Driving Record Assessment
Stage 4: Restricted Class 5
Stage 5: Full Class 5
Timeline for Drivers 25 and Older
One of the biggest benefits of the new GLP is a shorter licensing pathway for adults aged 25 and older.
Stage 1: Learner (Class 7L)
Stage 2: Class 7 Novice (N)
Stage 3: Driving Record Assessment
Stage 4: Restricted Class 5
Stage 5: Full Class 5
What Does This Mean for Driving School Students?
While the second road test is being removed, professional driver training remains just as valuable, if not more so.
Today's driving lessons are about much more than passing an exam. They're about building the habits that will help you maintain the clean driving record you'll now need throughout both Driving Record Assessments.
Professional instruction helps students:
With the new GLP, every drive counts. Developing safe habits early will help you succeed throughout the licensing process, not just on test day.
Our Commitment Remains the Same
The licensing process may be changing, but our mission isn't.
At DriveWiseBC, we're committed to helping students become safe, confident, and responsible drivers for life. Whether you're preparing for your Class 7 road test, working toward your Restricted Class 5, or building the experience needed for a full licence, professional driver education provides skills that last well beyond the licensing process.
If you have questions about how these changes affect your licensing journey, our team is here to help you understand the new requirements and prepare for success every step of the way.
