PEOPLE learning to drive in British Columbia will get the experience they need to develop good driving habits as changes to the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) prioritize safety and ongoing driver monitoring.
“Evidence shows that driving experience gained over time predicts long-term safety as reliably as a single road test,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, on Monday. “The changes we’re making to the GLP maintain our high road safety standards, with a focus on helping new drivers get more time behind the wheel to develop the habits they need to drive responsibly.”
B.C. has introduced new regulatory amendments to enable the removal of the second road test to progress to a Class 5 licence by replacing it with a driving record assessment. The assessment shows whether drivers have met the minimum driving experience as a novice driver. A record of unsafe behaviours, including convictions for excessive speeding and electronic device use, will result in re-starting the “novice” driving period.
Nearly all jurisdictions worldwide do not have a second road test in their graduated licensing program. Transport Canada collision statistics show that the four Canadian provinces with the lowest motor-vehicle fatality rates do not have an exit test.
The GLP’s changes will come into effect on October 19, 2026, and drivers who are eligible may qualify for a one-time, automatic licence upgrade from a Class 7 to a Class 5 licence, meaning they won’t be required to complete an in-office driving record assessment.
Drivers who pass the driving record assessment will be eligible to move to a Class 5 licence with a 12-month restricted period. During the restricted period, drivers will be subject to a zero blood-alcohol and drug restriction and face greater scrutiny than experienced drivers if they receive any violations on their record.
These GLP changes emphasize ongoing monitoring of driving behaviour. The new 12-month restricted period will help flag and correct mistakes made by new drivers and ensure they spend more time developing good driving habits on the roads.
Research shows that age influences crash risk and that new drivers who are 25 and older have lower crash rates than those who are between 16 and 24. The Province is creating a shorter pathway for people who are age 25 or older, which includes:
* shortening the learner phase from 12 to nine months
* reducing the novice phase from 24 to 12 months
Driver training continues to play a strong role in developing safe drivers for B.C. roads. Drivers under 25 are still eligible for a shortened novice phase of 18 months if they have taken an ICBC-approved GLP course.
The GLP changes will create a streamlined, more accessible process for new drivers with changes that include:
* lowering the age of consent to apply for a driver’s licence from 19 to 18
* making the DRA available at all Service BC offices, driver licensing agent offices and ICBC driver licensing offices
* introducing an immediate family exemption for passenger limits
These changes will make it easier for drivers living in First Nations, rural and remote communities, as well as people with larger families, to get the driving experience they need.
Starting in early fall 2026, drivers enrolled in the GLP will receive letters from ICBC explaining the changes, how they will be affected and next steps for them to take.
In addition to modernizing the GLP, regulatory changes to the Motorcyclist Licensing Program will come into effect in 2027.
Niki Sharma, Attorney General, said: “Getting a driver’s licence is a major milestone in people’s lives that opens doors to work, education and greater independence. With these changes to the Graduated Licensing Program, we’re making that step more accessible for people, while maintaining our roads’ safety. This is part of our work to modernize licensing and make everyday services more accessible for people throughout B.C.”
Jason McDaniel, president and CEO, ICBC, said: “The Graduated Licensing Program is a proven road safety measure that gives new drivers more experience over time, building good habits and reducing exposure to higher-risk situations before they’re ready. These changes will make it easier and more accessible for qualified people living in Indigenous, rural and remote communities to get their licence, while continuing to ensure that drivers only receive their full licence when they’ve demonstrated they’re ready.”
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, said: “Not having a driver’s licence prevents economic and social mobility for many First Nations communities, particularly those who are rural and/or remote. These changes make significant strides toward expanded driving accessibility in British Columbia. We are pleased to see the Province implementing GLP recommendations from the UBCIC discussion paper on drivers licensing, Road to Reconciliation, including lowering the age of consent for issuing a driver’s licence from 19 to 18, and creating a mature licensing program. We look forward to continuing work on implementation.”
To learn more about how the changes will be implemented, visit: https://icbc.com/driver-
Changes to the Graduated Licensing Program
The Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) is a proven road safety measure that allows new drivers to gain experience over time, while reducing crash risk among inexperienced drivers.
* B.C.’s GLP has not been significantly updated in the past 25 years.
* The changes will align B.C. with other Canadian provinces and territories, with Ontario being the only remaining Canadian jurisdiction that requires an exit test.
Old GLP model:
* Stage 1: Class 7 (Learner) licence after passing knowledge test – 12 months
* First road test – Class 7 (Novice) licence after passing
* Stage 2: Novice – 24 months (18 months if ICBC-approved GLP course is completed)
* Second road test – Class 5 licence after passing
* Stage 3: Full Class 5 licence, no restrictions
New GLP model:
Process for drivers under 25:
* Stage 1: Learner – 12 months
* First road test – Class 7 licence after passing
* Stage 2: Novice – 24 months (18 months if ICBC-approved GLP course is completed)
* Driving record assessment – Class 5 licence after passing
* Stage 3: Class 5 licence with a zero blood-alcohol and drug restriction for 12 months
* Stage 4: Class 5 licence without this restriction
Process for drivers 25 and older:
* Stage 1: Learner – 9 months
* First road test – Class 7 licence after passing
* Stage 2: Novice – 12 months
* Driving record assessment – Class 5 licence after passing
* Stage 3: Class 5 licence with a zero blood-alcohol and drug restriction for 12 months
* Stage 4: Class 5 licence without this restriction
