B.C. set to make changes to drivers’ licensing program in early 2026

The changes will smoothen the process for those seeking a Class 5 road test in the province

ICBC has updated its Graduated Licensing Program, which launched more than 25 years ago. (Suneet Gill)

ICBC has updated its Graduated Licensing Program, which launched more than 25 years ago. (Suneet Gill)

Editor’s note: Jordan Riley, who was interviewed for this article, is a writer for The Runner. The Runner acknowledges and has taken steps to prevent conflicts of interest or potential bias from influencing the article.

In early 2026, drivers with a Class 7 licence in B.C. will no longer need a second driving test to obtain their Class 5 licence.

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is making licensing changes to update its Graduated Licensing Program (GLP), which was first introduced more than 25 years ago. The updates will align with the province’s changing road safety practices.

Novice drivers in the province will be able to upgrade to a full licence if they have no major driving penalties and a good driving record for a year. If the driver breaks a driving rule during the 12-month probationary period, they would have to restart their 12-month driving period.  

Other changes to the GLP include introducing “stronger safety-focused measures” such as a dedicated motorcycle licensing program in addition to drivers no longer having to wait to take a second road test, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General wrote in an email statement to The Runner. 

“The second road test will likely mean less demand on ICBC’s testing system.”

Jordan Riley, a fourth-year journalism student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, is divided on the idea of ICBC eliminating the second road test. 

“I won’t have to take my Class 5 test if I just wait until it is removed. But, I also have seen that there are so many drivers who ignore the rules of the road that I know it could put some dangerous drivers on the road,” he wrote in an email to The Runner.

“I understand that ICBC believes that a clean driving record might mean that a driver is safe, but it could also mean that they just haven’t suffered the consequences [of] unsafe driving yet.”

Riley, who has a Class 7 driver’s licence, prefers taking transit over driving, and foresees the changes by ICBC to do more harm than good. 

“There could be more accidents on the road as a result of this change,” he wrote. “Especially if the intended result is to increase access to driving. More drivers will mean more crashes.”

In its email statement, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General wrote that ICBC’s changes will not promote dangerous driving and unsafe road practices but are part of broader efforts to increase road safety. 

“The proposed changes will make the licensing process more accessible while maintaining high safety standards that ensure new drivers are able to demonstrate safe driving behaviours.”

With changes set to take effect early next year, the ministry’s focus is on addressing and preparing for a smooth rollout of these licensing changes.

“[This will give] time to develop supporting regulations, update systems, and train staff. Ongoing consultation with key groups will help identify and address any potential challenges during the transition,” the ministry wrote.

For more information, visit www.icbc.com.