ICBC Driver Licensing Updates: What B.C. Drivers Need to Know

British Columbia drivers are seeing several important changes to the way they obtain and upgrade their licences. ICBC has introduced online knowledge testing and announced upcoming changes to the Graduated Licensing Program, making parts of the licensing process more accessible while continuing to emphasize safe driving habits.

With summer road trips and recreational vehicle season underway, this is also a good opportunity to review who is operating your vehicles and whether your insurance continues to match how they are being used.

ICBC Knowledge Tests Are Now Available Online

As of June 9, 2026, eligible persons, 16 years and older, can complete certain ICBC knowledge tests online from home. The online option is available for passenger vehicle and motorcycle knowledge tests, including Classes 5/7 and 6/8. In-person knowledge testing remains available for those who prefer to visit an ICBC driver licensing office.

To take the test online, applicants need a laptop or computer with a camera and a stable internet connection. ICBC uses image verification, continuous webcam monitoring and real-time behaviour tracking to protect the integrity of the testing process. The online test is available at any time of day and is offered in 12 languages.

After registering, applicants have up to 72 hours to begin the test. Once started, the test must be completed in a single 45-minute session with no interruptions.

The $15 payment for the online test must be made online with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Passing the online knowledge test does not immediately provide a licence or allow someone to begin driving. Successful applicants must still visit an ICBC driver licensing office to:

• Provide two accepted pieces of identification (One piece must be the Primary ID used to register online)
• Provide a digital or printed copy of the email confirmation of passing
• Complete a vision screening
• Have their photograph taken
• Pay the applicable licence fee
• Receive their learner’s licence

Applicants under 19 must also provide signed consent from a parent or guardian. Online test results remain valid for one year.

The online option may be particularly helpful for people in rural or remote communities who previously needed to travel significant distances to complete their knowledge test. It may also make the process more comfortable for applicants who feel anxious about testing in an office environment.

Changes Are Coming to B.C.’s Graduated Licensing Program

More changes will take effect on October 19, 2026, when ICBC updates British Columbia’s Graduated Licensing Program.

Under the new process, eligible drivers with a Class 7 novice licence, including certain drivers with combined Class 7 and Class 8 novice privileges, will no longer need to complete a second road test to upgrade their licence. Instead, ICBC will use a Driving Record Assessment to determine whether the driver meets safe-driving requirements.

Drivers under 25 will generally need at least 24 months of safe driving. This may be reduced to 18 months if they completed an approved Graduated Licensing Program course during the learner stage. Drivers who are 25 or older will generally need at least 12 months of safe driving.

During the applicable assessment period, drivers must also have:

• No convictions for excessive speeding
• No convictions for using an electronic device while driving
• No driving prohibitions
• No licence suspensions

Eligible drivers will then visit an ICBC driver licensing office to complete the upgrade. Following the upgrade, drivers will enter a 12-month restriction period before receiving full driving privileges. Zero Blood alcohol and Zero drug content is required during this restriction period. If a prohibition or suspension happens before the 12 month period is up it will start over on the date your licence is reinatated.

Until October 19, novice drivers can still choose to take the existing Class 5 road test. However, second road tests scheduled for October 19 or later will be cancelled, and ICBC will contact affected drivers with information about their next steps.

What These Changes Mean for Motorcycle Riders

The online knowledge testing option also applies to motorcycle licence classes, including Classes 6 and 8. The Graduated Licensing Program changes may also affect some novice motorcycle riders who hold combined passenger vehicle and motorcycle privileges.

While the updated process may reduce the number of road tests required for some drivers, it does not reduce the importance of building practical experience. Motorcycle riders should continue developing skills gradually, following licence restrictions and ensuring they have the correct coverage before heading onto public roads.

A Summer Reminder for Recreational Vehicle Owners

Although the new licensing changes apply primarily to passenger vehicles and motorcycles, summer is a good time to review the insurance and registration requirements for all recreational vehicles.

Navacord can help arrange coverage for motorcycles, motorhomes, recreational vehicles, travel trailers and ATVs. The right insurance will depend on the type of unit, where it is used, who operates it and whether it has been modified.

For example, a private travel trailer policy may cover the trailer and the personal belongings inside it, but that policy alone does not provide ICBC insurance or make the trailer legal for use on public roads. The appropriate ICBC coverage must also be in place.

Is their Recreational Unit over 4600kgs? If so, drivers will need to have endorsement 07 (house trailer w/o air brakes) or 20 (heavy trailer w/o air brakes) on their license.

ATV owners should also make sure their insurer knows:

• Whether the ATV is used recreationally or commercially
• Who regularly operates it
• Whether it is used on Crown land, resource roads or private property
• Whether performance, safety or value-related modifications have been made
• Whether there have been previous claims or convictions
• Whether ICBC Road crossing coverage will be extended with a Police Permit (some villages/towns allow limited on road use with ICBC Road Crossing $2,000,000 TPL and a Police Permit)

These details can affect eligibility, pricing and how a claim is handled. Failing to disclose an important change in use or vehicle condition could result in a claim being denied or a policy being cancelled.

Review Your Coverage Before Your Next Trip

Whether someone in your household is preparing for their first licence, learning to ride a motorcycle or getting ready to tow a trailer for a summer getaway, it is important to confirm that both the driver and the vehicle meet current requirements.

Before leaving, check that:

• Every operator has the appropriate licence
• New or novice drivers are following their restrictions
• Your vehicle, trailer or recreational unit is properly registered
• Your insurance reflects its current use, value and operators
• Recent accessories or modifications have been reported
• Your coverage applies everywhere you plan to travel

A Navacord broker can help you review your recreational vehicle, motorcycle, trailer or auto insurance and identify any gaps before your next trip.

Visit Waypoint.ca to review your coverage or contact your local Navacord office. For driver licensing services, visit our Gold River, Port Hardy, or Salt Spring Island locations.