About the graduated licensing program (GLP) in B.C.

The Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) is designed to help reduce crashes through restrictions in the Learner’s (L) licence stage and the Novice (N) licence stage.

Getting your first B.C. driver's licence is an exciting time! However, driving is especially risky when you lack experience as a new driver. Not only are new drivers more prone to crash, 1 in 4 of their crashes result in an injury or fatality.

Our Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) is a 2-stage program designed to help you become a safe driver for life — and reduce your risk of crashing while learning. As a new driver, it typically takes 36 months to get your driver's licence.

The Learner’s (L) licence stage:

The first stage is the Learner’s L stage (L) licence with restrictions to help reduce the risks while learning to drive.

After 12 months of prohibition-free driving, you qualify to take your first road test – the Class 7 road test. You can stay in the Learner’s (L) stage as long as you need to. Your Learner’s (L) licence is valid for 2 years, but can be renewed by re-qualifying on the Knowledge Test in the Learner’s (L) stage. Once you pass the road test, you will receive a Novice (N) licence.

To obtain a B.C. driver’s licence, you must be 16 years old (If under 19, bring your parent or legal guardian to sign for your application.)

The Novice (N) licence stage:

For the Novice (N) stage some of the Learner’s (L) licence stage restrictions are removed.

After 24 months of prohibition-free driving in the Novice (N) licence stage, you are eligible to take the second road test — the Class 5 road test. You can also reduce your Novice (N) licence stage by taking an ICBC-approved driver education course.

Once you pass this road test, you will graduate to your full-privilege driver's licence.