1. What is the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP)?

The Graduated Licensing Program is the official three-stage driver licensing system in British Columbia. It was introduced by the Province of BC in 1998 and is jointly managed by ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, the provincial vehicle insurer) and RoadSafetyBC (the regulator at the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General).

The aim of the GLP is to make sure all new drivers in BC gain real-world experience under safer conditions, before being granted a full Class 5 driver's licence. Statistics published by ICBC show that GLP graduates are involved in 30% fewer crashes in their first year compared with drivers issued a full licence without supervised practice.

1.1 The three stages

2. Class 7L eligibility

To register for the Class 7L knowledge test at any ICBC driver licensing office, the applicant must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be at least 16 years old on the day of the test.
• If under 19, present parental or guardian consent on the official ICBC consent form.
• Provide two pieces of valid identification (primary + secondary) as defined by RoadSafetyBC.
• Pass an on-site vision screening test (with corrective lenses if needed).
• Pay the application fee: $15 application + $15 knowledge test fee + $75 first 5-year licence fee = CAD $105 (rates 2026).

2.1 Required documents

The ICBC official ID matrix requires one document from the primary list (Canadian passport, Permanent Resident card, BC Services Card with photo, Canadian birth certificate) and one from the secondary list (Social Insurance Number letter, Canadian credit card, valid foreign passport, etc.).

3. The Class 7L knowledge test

The official ICBC knowledge test is based on the Learn to Drive Smart handbook published by ICBC and freely available online.

• Number of questions: 50 multiple-choice (4 options each).
• Pass mark: 40 correct answers out of 50 (80%).
• Format: on-screen at an ICBC driver licensing office, plus a vision test.
• Duration: no strict time limit, usually 30 minutes.
• Fee: CAD $15 per attempt (in addition to the initial fee).
• Languages available: English, French, Punjabi, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Farsi, Russian.

According to ICBC: «The knowledge test is split into two sections: signs and rules of the road. You must show that you understand the basic rules of driving in British Columbia.»
Source: icbc.com/driver-licensing.

4. Class 7L restrictions

Once issued the Learner Class 7L, the driver must comply at all times with the following ICBC restrictions:

• Zero alcohol (0% BAC): the driver and any supervisor must be at 0% blood alcohol concentration.
• Supervised driving only: there must be a fully licensed Class 5, 6 or 1 driver, aged at least 25, seated next to the learner. The supervisor must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• One passenger maximum in addition to the supervisor (must be in seatbelts).
• L sign: a magnetic «L» sign (red on white) must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle at all times.
• No driving between midnight and 5:00 AM.
• No electronic devices (hand-held cellphone, hands-free included).

5. Moving from 7L to 7N

After holding the Class 7L for at least 12 months (or 9 months if the driver completes an ICBC-approved driving school course), the learner may book a Class 7 Road Test. This test lasts approximately 45 minutes, covers urban and rural driving, intersections, parking and lane changes.

If passed, the driver moves to Class 7N (Novice). The 7N stage lasts at least 24 months and keeps several restrictions: 0% BAC, only one passenger (apart from immediate family), N sign on the rear, no electronic devices.

6. Reaching the full Class 5 licence

After 24 months in 7N with no qualifying driving prohibitions, the driver may book the Class 5 Road Test. The Class 5 test lasts approximately 45 minutes and focuses on advanced driving skills including merging on highways, complex intersections and parking manoeuvres. Once passed, the driver receives the full Class 5 licence, with no GLP restrictions.

7. Common mistakes to avoid

• Booking the knowledge test without studying the entire Learn to Drive Smart handbook (the test mixes signs and rules).
• Forgetting to bring two pieces of valid ID on test day.
• Driving as a Class 7L without an L sign displayed (this is a violation).
• Carrying more than one extra passenger as a Class 7L or 7N.
• Using a hands-free cellphone as a 7L/7N driver — still prohibited.

8. Key points to remember

• BC GLP = three stages: 7L → 7N → Class 5.
• Knowledge test: 50 questions, 80% pass.
• Minimum age: 16; parental consent if under 19.
• 0% BAC, supervised driving, L sign, no electronic devices.
• Class 7L minimum duration: 12 months.
• Class 7N minimum duration: 24 months.
• Full Class 5 only after passing both road tests.
• Knowledge test fee CAD $15; total starter fees ~CAD $105.

9. Learn more

• ICBC Driver Licensing official site
• Province of BC — Driving and cycling
• Learn to Drive Smart — ICBC handbook (free PDF)
• RoadSafetyBC