135

your licence 9
This chapter explains how to get your B.C. drivers licence. It
also explains the penalties if you break the driving rules and
regulations. Read this chapter to learn about the responsibilities
involved in getting and keeping your licence.
Learning to drive
To learn to drive, youll need someone to teach you and
supervise your driving practice.
This is why one of the restrictions on a learners licence, as youll
nd later in this chapter, is the requirement to have a qualied
supervisor in the vehicle with you.
Choosing your supervisor
You need to choose a supervisor who will be serious about
helping you become a skilled, safe driver.
Here are some things to consider when choosing your
supervisor:
Is this person ready to commit the time needed to practise?
Is this person a skilled, experienced driver? Your supervisor
must have a valid Class 5 licence and meet supervisor age
requirements shown later in this chapter.
Will this person provide a good example of safe driving?
Can he or she be relied on not to drive while impaired by
alcohol or drugs, speed or take other risks on the road?
Is this person able to get information and ideas
across clearly?
Does he or she have the patience to guide you effectively?
Professional training
Professional training can help you learn faster and avoid
developing bad driving habits.
Youll nd information to help you choose a driving school later
in this chapter.
Learning to drive
The Graduated
Licensing Program
Getting your
learners licence
(Class 7L)
Getting
your novice
licence (Class 7)
Getting your Class
5 licence
Taking a road test
Choosing a driving
school
New B.C. residents
Re-examinations
Enhanced drivers
licence
Keeping your
licence up-to-date
Summary of
licence classes
Responsibilities
and penalties
Driving in other
locations
Being a life-long
learner
in this chapter
references and resources
136
The Graduated Licensing Program
B.C.s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) is designed to
reduce the number of crashes among new drivers of any age.
Under GLP, new drivers gain experience gradually, under
conditions that expose them to less risk. To get your full-
privilege Class 5 licence, youll go through several steps.
GLP allows you to
take on more driving
responsibilities as you
gain experience.
2 passenger limit
No hand-held or hands-free
electronic devices
No hand-held or hands-free
electronic devices
chapter 9 your licence
137
Getting your learners licence
(Class 7L)
The rst licence new drivers receive is a learners licence. You
must be at least 16 years old to apply for your learners licence.
Youll also need to pass the knowledge test and pass a vision
and medical screening. This licence is valid for two years. You
will need to re-take the knowledge test if you want to renew it.
To apply, go to your nearest driver licensing ofce. If you pass
the tests, youll be issued a Class 7L licence, an L (Learner) sign
and a copy of Tuning up for drivers.
When you go to the driver licensing ofce
When you go to the driver licensing ofce to get your learners
licence, you should take:
primary and secondary identication see the Identication
(ID) section on the inside back cover for more information.
a custodial parent or legal guardian if youre under 19.
(You may be able to apply to bypass this requirement if you
are not living with a parent or legal guardian.)
the fees for the knowledge test and Class 7L licence
glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive.
The knowledge test
The knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions that
measure how well you know the information in this guide. The
test is taken at any of our driver licensing locations and can
usually be done at a computer terminal. The test is not an open
book test, and cellphones and electronic devices arent allowed
while taking it. In some parts of the province, its only offered
as a written test. The test is available in English, French, Arabic,
Cantonese, Croatian, Farsi, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish
and Vietnamese.
Make sure you arrive at the ofce at least one hour before
closing to take your knowledge test. If you have a disability that
will make it difcult for you to take the test, phone the licensing
ofce ahead of time to let them know.
Take the practice test online
You can take a practice knowledge test or download our
free app on icbc.com. The Learn to drive smart guide is also
available for downloading as part of the app.
To nd your nearest driver
licensing ofce, look
up ICBC in the phone
book or go to the driver
licensing section on
icbc.com. Remember
that there are fees to
take each knowledge
test and road test, as
well as fees to get your
photo learners licence
and drivers licence. You
can pay by cash, certied
cheque or money order.
Most driver licensing
ofces also accept VISA,
MasterCard and debit
cards. Current fees are
shown on icbc.com.
driving tip
You can take the practice
knowledge test on your
mobile device.
references and resources
138
Vision and medical screening
Your vision will be checked to make sure you can see enough to
drive safely. Youll be tested for colour vision, depth perception,
eld of vision, diplopia (double vision) and sharpness of vision.
You may need to have further vision testing by an optometrist
or ophthalmologist if you dont pass the vision screening. If you
need to wear glasses or contact lenses when you drive, this
restriction will be shown on your licence.
You will also be asked about your medical condition. If there is
any question about your physical ability to drive, or if you have a
progressive medical condition, you may need to go to a doctor
for a medical examination. Your doctors report will be sent to the
Ofce of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. The nal decision
whether to issue you a drivers licence will be made there.
Learner stage driving restrictions
While you are driving with a learners licence, you must follow
these restrictions:
Qualied supervisor a qualied supervisor must sit beside
you when you are driving. Your supervisor must be 25 or
older and hold a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence.
Zero blood alcohol content you must not drive after
consuming any amount of alcohol.
No hand-held or hands-free electronic devices you must
not use hand-held or hands-free communication devices (e.g.,
cellphones, music or portable gaming devices, GPS systems)
while driving.
L sign you must display the ofcial L (Learner) sign in your
back windshield or on the rear of your vehicle when you are
driving. It must be visible to drivers behind you. Well give
you this sign when you get your learners licence.
Passenger limit only two passengers may be in the vehicle
with you: your supervisor and one additional passenger.
Restricted driving hours you may drive only between
5 a.m. and midnight.
Getting your novice licence (Class 7)
To get your novice licence, you must pass the Class 7 road test.
This test assesses whether you are competent to drive on your
own. By the time you take the Class 7 road test, you will have
had your learners licence for at least one year. You will have
spent many hours practising with a supervisor. Youll be given
a driver experience log when you get your learners licence
use it to register your practice hours. You should get at least 60
hours of practice. This helps develop the skills and experience
you need to pass the road test and build the foundation for life-
long safe driving.
Free replacement L signs
are available at any
driver licensing ofce.
You can also download
a temporary L sign from
icbc.com.
driving tip
chapter 9 your licence
139
Visit icbc.com to view
online driving tips
video tips by driver
examiners will show you
how to drive safely, and
help you prepare for your
road test.
driving tip
The Class 7 road test
The Class 7 road test is conducted by a driver examiner who
marks your ability to drive in a safe, smooth and controlled
manner. The road test takes about 45 minutes. You must
provide a safe vehicle to use for your road test. Pets or
passengers, other than the examiner or other authorized
people, are not allowed during your road test. You can prepare
for the test by reviewing this guide and using the Tuning up for
drivers guide to help you practise.
Here are some things you can expect during your road test.
Before you start the examiner checks that you know where
the controls are, use your seatbelt, and adjust the seat, mirrors
and head restraints for maximum safety.
Using your skills the Class 7 road test assesses your ability to
perform the see-think-do skills: observation, hazard perception,
speed control, space margins, steering and communication.
For more information about these skills, see chapter 5,
see-think-do.
Doing the manoeuvres your Class 7 road test may include:
intersection manoeuvres (driving through, turning right,
turning left)
backing up
entering trafc
pulling over and stopping on the side of the road
changing lanes
parking on a hill
starting on a hill
angle parking
parallel parking
stall parking (driving forward and backing up)
two- and three-point turns
merging on and off a highway
general driving (e.g., driving straight, driving on hills and curves).
Getting feedback at the end of the test, the examiner will
discuss your results with you. Make sure you ask questions if
you dont understand something. Whether you have passed or
failed, you can learn how to improve your driving. You may take
the test again in 14 days if you dont pass.
references and resources
140
Novice stage driving restrictions
When you are driving with a novice licence, you may drive
unsupervised with the following restrictions:
Zero blood alcohol content you must not drive after
consuming any amount of alcohol.
No hand-held or hands-free electronic devices you must
not use hand-held or hands-free communication devices
(e.g., cellphones, music or portable gaming devices, GPS
systems) while driving.
N sign you must display the ofcial N (Novice) sign in your
back windshield or on the rear of your vehicle when driving.
It must be visible to drivers behind you. Youll receive this
sign when you get your Class 7 licence.
Passenger limit only one passenger may be in the vehicle
with you unless:
a) the passengers are your immediate family (Immediate
Family means your parents, children, spouse, brothers,
sisters and grandparents, including step and foster
relationships), or
b) if you are accompanied by a supervisor sitting beside you
who is age 25 or older holding a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5
licence, or
c) if you are taking driver training and are supervised by a
licensed driver training instructor.
Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) penalties
When youre a new driver, your record is closely monitored
by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. If you get a trafc
violation ticket or other driving offence, you could receive a
warning letter, probation or prohibition from driving. In addition
to the regular driving penalties, there are extra penalties for
GLP drivers.
You may be ned and have penalty points recorded on your
driving record if you break any one of the learner or novice
stage driving restrictions.
You may also be ned and have penalty points recorded on
your driving record for speeding or other trafc violations.
More points or more serious offences could result in a
prohibition from driving for one month to a year or more.
If you violate the blood alcohol restriction, or operate a
vehicle while under the inuence of drugs, you may receive an
immediate roadside suspension or prohibition. These will be
recorded on your driving record and you may face a further
prohibition as a result.
Free replacement
N signs are available at
any driver licensing ofce.
You can also download
a temporary N sign from
icbc.com.
Drivers and learners
in B.C.s Graduated
Licensing Program are
not permitted to use
hand-held or hands-free
communication devices
(e.g., cellphones, music or
portable gaming devices,
GPS systems) while
driving. If you need to use
your cellphone, music or
portable gaming device,
GPS system etc., pull over
and stop where safe.
driving tip
fast fact
chapter 9 your licence
141
Visit icbc.com to view
online driving tips
video tips will show you
how to drive safely and
help you prepare for your
road test.
driving tip
If you receive a driving prohibition in your learner stage,
your learner stage will be extended, because you will not
accumulate any more time toward graduating to the novice
stage until you have served your prohibition and have your
licence reinstated.
If you receive a driving prohibition in your novice stage, youll
lose any time you have accumulated toward graduating out
of GLP. When your licence has been reinstated following
the prohibition, you will have to accumulate an additional
24 consecutive prohibition-free months to be eligible to
graduate from GLP.
Getting your Class 5 licence
After you have held your novice licence for at least 24
consecutive months without a driving prohibition, you may
take the Class 5 road test. Passing this test means you exit the
Graduated Licensing Program and get your full-privilege drivers
licence.
The Class 5 road test
The Class 5 road test requires a higher level of driving skill than
the Class 7 road test. It gives you the chance to show that you
are now a safe, experienced driver with excellent vehicle control
skills. The road test takes about one hour. You must provide
a safe vehicle to use for your road test. Pets or passengers,
other than the examiner or other authorized people, are not
permitted during your road test.
Using your skills the Class 5 test includes the same skills as
the Class 7 test: observation, hazard perception, speed control,
space margins, steering and communication. At some points
during the test, youll be asked to identify the hazards you see
while you are driving. You will need to look ahead and use your
mirrors to identify all the hazards beside, behind and in front
of you.
Driver examiners will mark
you on the see-think-do
skills you read about in
this guide.
Speed control
Steering
Observation Communication
Hazard perception Space margin
references and resources
142
Doing the manoeuvres your Class 5 road test may include:
intersection manoeuvres (driving through, right turn, left turn)
lane changes
entering and exiting a highway or freeway
three-point turns
pulling over and stopping
reverse stall parking
general driving (e.g., driving straight, driving on hills and
curves)
hill park
parallel park.
Getting feedback like the Class 7 road test, you have an
opportunity to discuss your results with the examiner when you
have completed the Class 5 test. Listen and learn. Improving
the safety of your driving is important. You may take the test
again after seven days if you dont pass it the rst time. Youll
have to wait 14 days to take the test a third or subsequent time.
Strategies: getting ready for road tests
Here are some suggestions to help you get ready for your
Class 7 and Class 5 road tests:
Use Tuning up for drivers. Its designed to help you
prepare for your road tests. It gives step-by-step
instructions for each of the manoeuvres. If you are
preparing for the Class 7 road test, work through the
Tuning up lessons with your supervisor. You dont
require a supervisor when preparing for the Class 5 road
test, but its still a good idea to work with a friend or
family member.
Practise hazard perception by naming the hazards
out loud. Ask your supervisor to identify any hazards
you missed.
For both the road tests you need to know the signs,
signals, rules and regulations. Review the previous
chapters of this guide to make sure you are familiar
with them.
Think about taking driving lessons. For more
information, see the Choosing a driving school section
later in this chapter.
Take time to get plenty of practice. You should plan on
getting at least 60 hours of practice to prepare for your
Class 7 road test.
Watch the video on icbc.com showing tips for passing
your road test.
If you are worried about
your English, here are
some words to help
you practise hazard
perception:
car
bus
too close
pedestrian
bump
cant see
bicyclist
children
animal
construction
truck
wet road
curve
warning sign
dangerous driver
rough pavement
turning right
hill
pulling out
ice
blind spot
motorcyclist
snow
turning left.
If you see a hazard you
dont know the English
word for, you may point
at it.
driving tip
chapter 9 your licence
143
Strategies: ensuring your vehicle is safe
For your road test, you need to provide a safe, reliable
vehicle that meets legal requirements. Also, make sure
you are familiar with the vehicle.
If your vehicle is unsafe or does not meet requirements, your
road test may be cancelled and you will have to reschedule
your appointment to a later date. Here is a list of some of
the typical reasons that a road test may be cancelled:
1. Brake lights, signal lights or headlights not working,
or badly cracked or missing lenses these lights
help you to be seen in trafc, so they need to function
properly.
A free copy of Tuning up for drivers is included as part of the new
driver toolkit you receive when you get your learners licence. You
can also download it for free from icbc.com, or buy extra copies
at any driver licensing ofce.
If you live in the Lower
Mainland, Prince George
or Kelowna, you can book
a Class 5, 6, 7 or 8 road
test online at icbc.com.
driving tip
If you cant keep your
road test appointment,
you need to notify ICBC.
Youll be charged a fee
if you dont show up for
your scheduled road test
and dont provide either
48 hours notice or a valid
reason for missing the
appointment.
driving tip
tuning up for drivers
getting you ready for your road test
Taking a road test
How to book a test
When youre ready to take your Class 7 or your Class 5 road
test, book an appointment by calling:
604-661-2255 in Metro Vancouver
1-888-715-7775 in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Kelowna
and Prince George.
In any other locations, call your nearest driver licensing ofce.
When you come for your road test, bring
with you:
primary and secondary identication see the
Identication (ID) section on the inside back cover for
more information.
a safe vehicle
valid vehicle registration, licence and insurance papers
your current licence
the fees for the road test and photo licence
glasses or contact lenses if you require them to drive.
references and resources
144
2. Cracked windshield or illegally tinted windows its
important that you and the driver examiner be able to
see out the windshield, so a badly cracked windshield
just wont do. Tinted windows may reduce your ability
to see other road users and their ability to make eye
contact with you. B.C. law only allows certain windows
and only certain portions of the windshield to be tinted
and limits the degree of tinting no aftermarket
tinting on the windshield or front side windows is
allowed.
3. Horn not working check to see that it works.
4. Vehicle not properly licensed or insured
B.C.-licensed vehicles must display a valid licence plate
and insurance decal. Remember that passenger cars
must display two licence plates one mounted on the
front and one on the vehicle. Make sure the insurance
permits you to drive the vehicle (if you are renting a
vehicle, the rental agreement must name you as
a driver).
5. Seatbelts not working or frayed for your road test,
make sure both the driver and passenger seatbelts
work properly, and that the seating area is clean.
6. Unsafe tires make sure the tires are in good
condition, have plenty of tread and are properly
inated. Temporary spare tires may not be used on a
road test (they are intended only to get the vehicle to
the nearest repair shop at reduced speeds so that the
proper tire can be repaired or replaced).
7. Airbag or Brake and ABS warning lights stay on
if these lights stay on, they may indicate a serious
safety problem.
8. Drivers side and passenger side doors or windows
not operating for safety reasons both the drivers
side and passenger side doors must open and close
properly, from both the inside and the outside. There
are times on the road test that you or the driver
examiner may need to open a window, so they need
to function properly.
9. Faulty exhaust a leaking exhaust pipe or missing
mufer is unsafe and dangerous it may cause
carbon monoxide poisoning. Excessively loud mufers
are illegal and interfere with conducting your road test.
Make sure the vehicle
insurance covers you to
drive the vehicle.
For example, some
insurance categories limit
vehicle use to drivers with
more than 10 years driving
experience.
Its your responsibility to
ensure that your vehicle
is properly insured for
use on your road test.
ICBC accepts no liability
whatsoever for ensuring
that your vehicle is
properly insured and
expressly reserves its right
to make determinations
with respect to coverage
in the event of a claim.
Check with your local
Autoplan broker if you
have any questions about
your coverage. If youre
planning to rent a vehicle,
check with the rental
agency to nd out if they
allow you to drive their
vehicle and use it for your
road test.
warning!
chapter 9 your licence
145
10. Unsafe or illegal vehicle modications some
modications are illegal and unsafe:
accessory racing steering wheels these
wheels are not equipped with airbags, and installing
one in a 1998 or later car in place of an airbag-
equipped steering wheel not only deprives the
driver of airbag protection but can potentially
disable all the vehicles airbags.
excessively raised or lowered vehicles
excessively lowering or raising a vehicle can affect
steering and braking control in an emergency.
11. Fuel gauge on empty nobody likes to run out
of gas, and you certainly dont want this to happen on
your road test.
Make sure you know how to use the heater and defroster
and windshield wipers you may need to use them to
keep the windows clear while on your road test.
Also, remember to turn off your cellphone and car radio
you want to concentrate on your driving during the
road test.
As well, make sure your vehicle is clean and tidy inside,
and that lights and windows are clean.
Loose objects inside can be dangerous if you have to
stop suddenly, so these should be removed or stored in
the trunk.
Choosing a driving school
You can prepare for the Class 7 or Class 5 road test by taking
lessons from a professional driving instructor. There are good
reasons to take driving lessons. Learning to drive skillfully and
safely is not easy. Qualied instructors are often more effective
than family members or friends at training new drivers.
If you are preparing for the Class 5 road test, a professional
driving instructor can help you brush up on your skills.
When choosing a driving school, here are some questions you
may want to ask:
Is your school licensed? Are the instructors licensed? All
driving schools and instructors must be licensed by ICBC.
Ask to see the licences.
Can I see a written policy of your rates (including all
charges), hours, number of people in a training vehicle and
refunds? The school must provide this to you.
references and resources
146
Does your school offer an ICBC-approved driver education
course?
Can I see a course outline?
Do you use various methods of instruction (e.g., one-on-one,
classroom groups, etc.)?
How experienced are your instructors? How much recent
training have they had?
How do you involve parents/guardians or adult supervisors
in new-drivers education?
How do you keep your practice cars safe and well maintained?
Do you have a vehicle with standard transmission if I want to
learn how to drive one?
What do I need to know before starting your course (i.e.,
type of clothing, equipment, gear, etc.)?
Finally, ask other people: Have you heard good things about
the school?
ICBC-approved driver education courses
Some driver training schools offer ICBC-approved courses
for new drivers in B.C.s Graduated Licensing Program. These
schools display a valid Driving School Licence from ICBC with
a GLP designation. Approved schools are also listed on ICBCs
Driver Training and Assessment Standards website dtcbc.com.
ICBC-approved GLP Class 7 driver courses feature at least
32 hours of instruction and include classroom and on-road
instruction.
When you successfully complete an approved GLP course
while in a GLP learner stage, youre eligible for a six-month
reduction in the novice stage, as long as you have no violations,
prohibitions or at-fault crashes during the rst 18 months of
your novice stage.
High school students successfully completing an approved
GLP course can receive two Grade 11 credits by taking
their Declaration of Completion to their secondary school
administration ofce.
New B.C. residents
You may use your valid drivers licence from another province,
state or country for the rst 90 days you live in B.C. After this
time, you must have a B.C. drivers licence to drive in B.C. Youll
need to turn in your old licence and pass the applicable driver
tests.
Youll need to provide proof that you are licenced in another
jurisdiction. In most cases, your previous drivers licence is
For more information
on the advantages of
taking driver training, visit
the Driver Training and
Assessment Standards
website at dtcbc.com.
Also visit this website for
a list of licensed driving
schools and locations.
driving tip
Students from outside our
province dont need a B.C.
drivers licence to drive
here if they are attending
certain universities,
colleges or other
educational institutions.
Temporary Foreign
workers in the Seasonal
Agricultural Workers
Program who hold a valid
licence from another
jurisdiction are not
required to hold a B.C.
drivers licence to drive
in B.C. for a maximum of
one year before being
required to obtain a B.C.
drivers licence.
Call ICBC or check with a
driver licensing ofce for
more information.
driving tip
chapter 9 your licence
147
enough. The class of licence you held, combined with your
driving experience, will be used to decide which class of B.C.
licence you will be assigned and what tests you may need to take.
Its best to apply for your B.C. drivers licence well within 90
days of moving to British Columbia. New residents who hold
a Canadian, American, Australian, Austrian, Dutch, French,
German, Japanese, New Zealand, South Korean, Swiss or
United Kingdom licence can usually complete their licence
exchange the same day. For more information, check with a
driver licensing ofce.
Re-examinations
Each year in B.C., almost 3,000 people are notied by the Ofce
of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles to come in for a re-
examination. The most common reasons for a re-examination are:
a drivers medical report indicating a health problem
a police report indicating that the driver was unsure of how to
handle a common driving situation.
If the re-examination is for vision screening and a signs and
signals test only, you dont need an appointment. If it also
includes a road test, youll need to call your local driver licensing
ofce within 30 days of receiving your notice to book a road
test appointment. When you go for your test, you need to take
primary and secondary identication (see the Identication (ID)
section on the inside back cover) and glasses or contact lenses
if you need them for driving. Its also a good idea to take a
licensed driver with you in case you dont pass the test.
Prepare for your re-examination by reviewing this guide.
Consider taking a refresher course from a driving school to help
you brush up your skills. You may also want to get a copy of
Tuning up for drivers from the driver licensing ofce. This will
help you practise your driving.
Enhanced drivers licence
B.C. now offers an enhanced drivers licence (EDL) that allows
you to cross the border to the U.S. by land and water without a
passport.
Its available as an enhancement to your photo drivers licence,
or learners licence, at an additional cost to the regular licence
fee. You need to be a Canadian citizen and resident of B.C.
to apply. Visit icbc.com for more information on obtaining an
enhanced drivers licence or ID card.
A passport is still required for air travel to, through and from the
United States.
If you want to apply for a
full-privilege B.C. drivers
licence (Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
or 6), you need to prove
you have held a licence
for at least two years and
present this proof when
you rst apply for your
B.C. licence. Otherwise,
you will be placed in B.C.s
Graduated Licensing
Program. If you hold
only an out-of-province
learners licence, you are
eligible to apply for a
Class 7 or 8 GLP learners
licence.
driving tip
references and resources
148
Situation What to do
If you have
changed your
address.
Youre required to update the address on your
licence within 10 days of moving. There are
three ways to change the address on your
drivers licence:
Call the Multiple Change of Address service
Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In Metro Vancouver: 604-775-0011
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-866-775-0011
For extended hours call ICBC Customer
Contact at:
in Victoria: 250-978-8300
elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-950-1498
When you call, have your B.C. drivers
licence number available.
Use the provincial governments Multiple
Address Change web service at
www.addresschange.gov.bc.ca/
Go to any driver licensing ofce.
There is no fee to change your address.
Note: If you have an EDL, youll need to book
an in-person appointment at a driver licensing
ofce to change your address. A fee is
charged for a replacement EDL showing your
new address.
Your licence is
lost or damaged.
You have
changed your
name.
Your licence is
about to expire.
Go to a driver licensing ofce. To get your new
licence, you must settle all nes and debts
owed to the B.C. government and to ICBC.
You will need the proper identication (see
the Identication (ID) section on the inside
back cover), your old licence (unless it is lost),
and money for the licence fee. If you have
changed your name, you require legal proof
of your change of name (e.g., a Marriage
Certicate or Change of Name Certicate).
A new photograph may be taken.
Your licence has
expired.
If you renew within three years of expiry, ICBC
may renew your licence without re-testing.
You must settle all nes and debts owed to
the B.C. government and to ICBC, and take
your expired licence. Make sure you have the
proper identication (see the Identication (ID)
section on the inside back cover) and money
for the licence fee.
If your licence expired more than three years
ago, you will need to pass a vision screening,
road signs test and road test.
Keeping your licence up-to-date
chapter 9 your licence
149
Summary of licence classes
For more information check icbc.com or contact your local driver licensing ofce.
Class Typical vehicles
Minimum
age
Class 1 Semi-trailer trucks and all other motor vehicles or combinations of
vehicles except motorcycles
19
Class 2 Buses, including school buses, special activity buses and special vehicles
Trailers or towed vehicles may not exceed 4,600 kg except if the bus
and trailers or towed vehicles do not have air brakes
Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 4
19
Class 3 Trucks with more than two axles, such as dump trucks and large tow
trucks, but not including a bus that is being used to transport passengers
Trailers may not exceed 4,600 kg except if the truck and trailers do not
have air brakes
A tow car towing a vehicle of any weight
A mobile truck crane
Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5
18
Class 4 (unrestricted) Buses with a maximum seating capacity of 25 persons (including the
driver), including school buses and special activity buses and special
vehicles used to transport people with disabilities
Taxis and limousines
Ambulances
Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5
19
Class 4 (restricted) Taxis and limousines
Ambulances
Special vehicles with a seating capacity of not more than 10 persons
(including the driver) used to transport people with disabilities
Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5
19
Class 5 or 7* Two-axle vehicles including cars, vans, trucks and tow trucks
Trailers or towed vehicles may not exceed 4,600 kg
Motorhomes (including those with more than two axles)
Limited-speed motorcycles** and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
Passenger vehicles used as school buses with seating capacity of not
more than 10 persons (including the driver)
Construction vehicles and utility vehicles
Three-wheeled vehicles does not include three-wheeled
motorcycles (trikes) or motorcycle/sidecar combinations
Does not include Class 4 vehicles or motorcycles
16
Class 6 or 8* Motorcycles, all-terrain cycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) 16
Class 4 or 5 with heavy
trailer endorsement
(code 20)
Trailers or towed vehicles exceeding 4,600 kg provided neither the
truck nor trailer has air brakes
Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5
18
Class 4 or 5 with
house trailer
endorsement (code 07)
Recreational (house) trailers exceeding 4,600 kg provided neither
the truck nor trailer has air brakes
Any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in Class 5
18
references and resources
150
* Drivers in B.C.s Graduated Licensing Program are issued
Class 7 and/or 8 drivers licences.
** Limited-speed motorcycles cannot be operated on a
learners licence other than a Class 6 or 8 motorcycle learners
licence. These are motorcycles, mopeds, and motor
scooters with:
an engine displacement of 50 cc or less (or less than 1.5
kW of power if other than a piston engine),
a transmission that doesnt require shifting or a clutch,
a maximum speed of 70 km/h,
wheels that are at least 254 mm (10 in) in diameter, and
a dry weight of 95 kg or less.
Air brakes
To operate vehicles equipped with air brakes on a highway
(other than a vehicle dened as a construction vehicle), you
must have a B.C. drivers licence with an air brake
endorsement (code 15).
Restrictions, conditions and endorsements
Depending on your tness and ability, your licence may include
certain restrictions, conditions or endorsements. For example,
you may be required to wear corrective lenses (eyeglasses or
contact lenses) while driving.
Recreational trailers
For information on towing recreational trailers and getting a
house trailer endorsement, see Towing a recreational trailer
on icbc.com.
A Class 5 or 7 drivers
licence permits towing
trailers weighing up
to 4,600 kg. Some
recreational trailers
exceed this weight,
and to tow them you need
either:
a Class1, 2 or 3 drivers
licence, or
a Class 4 or 5 drivers
licence with a heavy
trailer endorsement
(code 20), or
a Class 4 or 5 drivers
licence with a house
trailer endorsement
(code 07).
fast fact
Responsibilities and penalties
As a licence-holder, you have legal responsibilities. Having
a B.C. drivers licence is a privilege not a right. You must
insure your vehicle and drive safely to protect you and other
road users.
Drivers licence
Do:
always carry your licence when driving
keep your licence current. Notify ICBC if you change your
name or address.
chapter 9 your licence
151
Dont:
lend your licence to anyone else
ever use a licence that isnt valid
alter your licence in any way.
Identity theft and driver licence fraud
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in North
America. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal
information without your knowledge or consent to commit
a crime, such as fraud or theft. Victims of identity theft suffer
nancial losses, a poor credit rating and a damaged reputation.
A drivers licence has become a universally accepted and
trusted form of identication. If your drivers licence is stolen,
obtained fraudulently, scanned or faked, it can be used as
a tool for committing crime.
You cant entirely control whether you become a victim of
identity theft, but you can take steps to minimize your risk.
Protecting you from fraud
Theres a tough penalty to help protect you from people who
commit drivers licence and identication card fraud. People
who commit these offences now face nes of between $400
and $20,000, up to six months in prison, or both. Offences
covered by the law include:
Make false or misleading statements, failing to disclose
required information, presenting fraudulent records or
fraudulently using records to obtain or in attempting to
obtain a drivers licence or identication card.
Assisting someone to fraudulently obtain or attempt to obtain
a drivers licence or identication card in the ways mentioned
above.
Using or possessing a drivers licence or identication card
that belongs to someone else.
Allowing someone else to use or possess your drivers licence
or identication card.
Using or possessing a ctitious or invalid drivers licence or
identication card.
Altering a drivers licence or identication card.
references and resources
152
Strategies: preventing identity theft
and driver licence fraud
Keep your drivers licence in a secure place on your
person. Dont put your licence in a large pocket or in a
large or open purse where it may easily be stolen or fall
out. Never leave it in plain view inside your vehicle.
Store your drivers licence in a safe place when youre
not operating your vehicle. Dont leave your licence lying
around, particularly where strangers can easily see it.
Make sure to get your drivers licence back immediately
after you use it for identication, such as at a store.
Dont leave it as a security deposit it contains
valuable personal information that could be stolen.
Keep a list of your identication including your drivers
licence and credit cards in a safe place in your home.
Include card numbers and phone numbers of the card
issuers so that you can notify them if they are lost or stolen.
If you lose your drivers licence, report the loss
immediately to the police, and also report it to ICBC.
If you nd yourself in the unfortunate position of being
a victim of identity theft, in addition to immediately
notifying the police, report the incident to PhoneBusters
National Call Centre: 1-888-495-8501 (toll-free).
Remember, its your identity protect it!
Insuring your vehicle
As a driver, you must ensure that the vehicle you are driving has
a valid and current licence plate as well as adequate insurance.
ICBCs Basic Autoplan coverage ensures every B.C. motorist
carries a minimum amount of liability insurance, as well as
insurance to help if they are involved in a motor vehicle
crash resulting in injury or death. This system protects British
Columbians because virtually all B.C. motorists carry at least a
minimum amount of insurance.
Outstanding nes and debts
Any outstanding nes or debts you owe to B.C. courts, the
provincial government or ICBC must be settled before you can
obtain or renew a drivers licence. These include outstanding
liquor nes, tolls and arrears with the British Columbia Family
Maintenance Enforcement Program.
The vehicle licence plate
must carry an unexpired
decal to show that it is
insured. A driver caught
without current insurance
could face a large ne.
warning!
chapter 9 your licence
153
Penalties for unsafe driving
If you choose to drive unsafely, you could be ned and
prohibited from driving. A prohibition means it is illegal for
you to drive for a specic amount of time. And if you are
caught driving while you are prohibited, your vehicle could
be impounded and you may be subject to nes or a jail term.
There is a $250 fee to have your licence reinstated after
a prohibition.
In chapter 1, you in the drivers seat, you were asked to make
a number of choices as you drove. Here are some of the driving
nes and penalties you might have received if you had made all
the wrong choices:
Offence Fine* Points
Speeding in a school zone (120 km over
speed limit)
$196 3
Speeding (120 km over speed limit) $138 3
Going through a red light $167 2
Improper turn at an intersection $109 3
Passing without clear view $109 3
Failing to yield to a pedestrian $167 3
Total $866 17
* Fine includes the 15 per cent victim surcharge levy. Your passenger
would also have received a $167 ne if he had refused to wear his
seatbelt. (If your passenger had been under 16, you would have received
the ne.) Most nes may be reduced by $25 if paid within 30 days.
Driving without having a
valid drivers or learners
licence, or without the
proper licence class,
or driving contrary to
licensing restrictions or
conditions, could breach
your insurance coverage.
That means that if you
crash, your insurance
claim may be denied. You
could be responsible for
paying the costs of your
own injuries, or damage
that you might cause to
your vehicle, or to other
people or property.
Need more information?
Call 1-800-950-1498 or
visit icbc.com.
warning!
Any outstanding nes or
debts you owe to B.C.
courts, the provincial
government or ICBC must
be settled before you can
get a new drivers licence.
Unpaid provincial violation
tickets or unpaid driver
penalty premiums may
also affect whether you
can buy or renew your
Autoplan insurance.
fast fact
In addition to any nes at the time of your driving offences, you
would also receive a driver penalty point bill from ICBC. The bill
is based on the number of points you have accumulated during
the year, and is issued because people with driving offences are
more likely to be involved in a crash. Your 17 points would cost
you over $2,500 on your driver penalty point bill.
You will pay a Driver Risk Premium (DRP) if you have:
one or more Criminal Code driving convictions and/or
10-point Motor Vehicle Act convictions, and/or
one or more excessive speeding convictions, and/or
two or more roadside suspensions.
The DRP is assessed and calculated based on your offences
over a three-year period, and applies to offences that occurred
on or after January 1, 2008.
references and resources
154
For more information on
the Driver Improvement
Program, please read
the Driver Improvement
Policies and Guidelines at
pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv.
driving tip
A bad driving record may also result in driver improvement
action, including warning letters and driving prohibitions.
The threshold for intervention is more stringent for drivers in
the Graduated Licensing Program.
Driver Improvement Program
The Ofce of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles is
responsible for the Driver Improvement Program, although
ICBC carries out some of the administration.
Any time a driving offence is entered on a record, that record
is reviewed under guidelines specied by the Ofce of the
Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. Every case is looked at on an
individual basis. If the driver continues to drive unsafely and is
convicted of more offences:
the driver may get a warning letter that he or she could lose
their driving privileges unless there is improvement.
the driver could be placed on probation. If there are more
driving offences during the probationary period, he or she
may be prohibited from driving for a specic period of time.
if the driver rapidly accumulates offences, a driving
prohibition may be initiated without previous warnings.
Penalties for impaired driving
Impaired driving remains one of the major causes of crashes
in B.C. It kills more than 100 people each year and thousands
more are injured.
You risk a lot by driving impaired. There are penalties under
British Columbias Motor Vehicle Act and under the Criminal
Code of Canada.
Immediate and severe penalties apply if:
you are caught driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC)
between .05 and .08 per cent, or
your BAC is above .08 per cent, or
you refuse to provide a breath sample.
As well, the penalties become more severe for repeat offences.
Note: You may be prohibited if a police ofcer considers your
ability to drive to be affected by alcohol or drugs. You do not
have to have a BAC level of over .08.
B.C. now has tougher
drinking and driving
laws. You can count on
penalties adding up to
$600 to over $4,000
even if its the rst time
youre caught and more
time off the road.
For more information
on B.C.s impaired
driving laws, visit the
website of the Ofce of
the Superintendent of
Motor Vehicles
www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv
fast fact
chapter 9 your licence
155
Situation Possible Penalties
BAC between
.05 and .08
The rst time within a ve-year period:
Youll lose your drivers licence immediately, for
three days.
You may also lose your vehicle for three days.
If you do, you will pay all related towing and
storage fees.
Youll pay a $200 penalty and a $250 drivers
licence reinstatement fee.
The second time within a ve-year period:
Youll lose your drivers licence immediately, for
seven days.
You may also lose your vehicle for seven days,
and have to pay all related towing and storage
fees.
Youll pay a $300 penalty and a $250 drivers
licence reinstatement fee.
The third time within a ve-year period:
Youll lose your drivers licence immediately and
your vehicle, for 30 days.
Youll pay a $400 penalty and a $250 drivers
licence reinstatement fee, plus towing and
storage fees.
The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles will
require you to complete the Responsible Driver
Program and then use an ignition interlock
device for at least one year. The Responsible
Driver Program costs $880. The ignition
interlock will cost you $1,730.
BAC reading
over .08
Refusing to
give a breath
or blood
sample
Youll lose your drivers licence immediately, for
90 days and your vehicle for 30 days.
Youll pay all related vehicle towing and storage
fees.
Youll pay a $500 penalty and $250 drivers
licence reinstatement fee.
Youll be required to complete the Responsible
Driver Program and then use an ignition interlock
device for at least one year.
In all, youll face administrative sanctions that will
cost you about $4,060 before you can legally
operate a motor vehicle again in B.C.
If charged and found guilty under the Criminal
Code of Canada, you will:
Lose your licence for one year (rst conviction)
Be ned ($1,000 minimum)
Be prohibited from driving (one year minimum)
You could also be jailed.
Note: Drivers with three or more vehicle-related
Criminal Code convictions will have their licences
suspended indenitely.
references and resources
156
Criminal Code penalties
If youre convicted of a Criminal Code driving offence, youre
looking at some very serious penalties which could include
lifetime driving prohibitions and time in jail.
Graduated Licensing Program
Penalties are strict when you are in GLP. If you violate the zero
blood alcohol content restriction, or operate a vehicle while
under the inuence of drugs, you may be subject to various
penalties, including an immediate roadside suspension or
prohibition, a ne, driver penalty points and/or have your
vehicle impounded.
The suspension or prohibition and the penalty points will be
recorded on your driving record and may lead to a much longer
driving prohibition.
More violations could lead to an even longer prohibition
period.
If you are prohibited from driving during the novice stage, you
will lose any time you have accumulated toward graduating
out of GLP. This means that once your licence is reinstated
after a prohibition, you start at the beginning of the novice
stage again, and you will need to be prohibition-free for 24
consecutive months before youre eligible to take the road test
to exit GLP.
Other costs of impaired driving
Besides the penalties listed above, there are still other costs
involved if you are caught driving while impaired:
Money if you are convicted of impaired driving and you
cause a crash, your insurance claim could be denied, including
claims for damage that you might cause to your vehicle, or to
other people or property. You could be responsible for paying
all these costs. As well, your insurance rates will increase and
you will receive a driver penalty bill.
If you are prohibited
from driving during
your N stage, you will
lose any time you have
accumulated toward
graduating out of the
Graduated Licensing
Program. In other words,
the clock is reset to zero.
fast fact
If you drive while
prohibited, you may
face signicant penalties
including a stiff ne
and jail.
fast fact
Impaired
driving
causing
bodily
harm
Impaired
driving
causing
death
Prohibition
from
driving
Fine
Jail
2
nd
Offence 3
rd
Offence 1
st
Offence
13 years
05 years
25 years
No
maximum
30 days
5 years
3 years
lifetime
No
maximum
4 months
5 years
Up to 10 years Up to lifetime
No maximum
Up to life
imprisonment
Up to 10 years
No maximum
Driving while impaired
or Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
over .08 or refusal to provide sample
$1,000
and up
chapter 9 your licence
157
Job an impaired driving conviction can prevent you from
holding certain jobs.
Travel an impaired conviction could create problems for
you when travelling to certain countries, including the U.S.
and Mexico.
Vehicle impoundment
In addition to impounding vehicles operated by impaired
drivers, police can also impound the vehicle you are driving if
you are caught committing any of the following offences:
driving while unlicensed
driving while suspended or prohibited
excessive speeding (40 km/h or more over the posted limit)
street racing or stunt driving
riding (or allowing a passenger to ride) while improperly
seated.
Police can immediately impound the vehicle for seven days,
which could escalate to 30 or 60 days for repeat offenders. The
owner is then required to pay the vehicle towing and storage
fees to get their vehicle back.
Its important for vehicle owners to understand that they are
responsible for making sure that only licensed drivers use their
vehicles. For example, if an employer allows a prohibited or
unlicensed driver use of a company vehicle, the vehicle could
be impounded.
Driving in other locations
Do you like to travel? You need to be aware that rules, signs
and trafc controls can change when you cross a border. If you
drive in another country, particularly overseas, you may nd
yourself driving on the left side of the road, going around a
complex roundabout or looking at unfamiliar trafc signs. To
be a safe driver, think ahead and nd out the driving rules of
the area youre travelling to. You may be able to nd out some
information from guidebooks. The Internet is making it easier to
learn about driving in other jurisdictions (see chapter 10, need
to know more?).
Check to make sure
your vehicle insurance
will cover you before you
leave Canada.
driving tip
references and resources
158
Strategies: sharpening your skills
Here are some ways to help you keep sharp and
up-to-date:
Use feedback. Ask a friend to watch your driving and
give you some suggestions for improvement.
Know your vehicle. Make sure you know all the controls
of any vehicle you drive. The owners manual is a good
place to start.
Keep up with the driving guides. Pick up a copy of the
current guide to make sure you are up-to-date.
Take advanced training. You may decide to take a
course in defensive driving skills or a refresher course.
Know yourself. You may experience physical and mental
changes that affect your driving. Be aware of your
condition. Regular medical checkups will help.
Being a life-long learner
Some people stop learning as soon as they pass their test.
You may know people who still drive the same way now as
they did when they got their drivers licence many years ago.
This may not be safe because even if their driving skills and
knowledge havent changed, other things have. Road signs may
be different now. Trafc has probably increased. Vehicles have
changed the car they are driving now may be quite different
from the one they learned to drive on.
In your driving career, you may take on additional driving
challenges such as towing a trailer or driving a large recreational
vehicle. You will need to get information to help you know
how to drive safely. You may decide to take driving lessons or
practise with a driver experienced in this type of driving.
Even if you do not change the type of vehicle you drive, your
driving will probably change with age and experience. Research
shows that it takes about ve years for new drivers to develop
into fully experienced drivers who are able to do several
driving tasks at once. But after that, people still need to work at
keeping their driving skills sharp and up-to-date if they want to
be safe on the road.