The novice (N) stage of graduated licensing

The novice stage of the graduated licensing program (GLP) includes various restrictions when driving a passenger vehicle (or motorcycle).

Getting your novice driver’s licence

After you pass your Class 7 or 8 road test, we will take your photo and issue you a Class 7 or 8 licence. Now you enter the novice stage of your graduated licensing process.

The Class 7 and 8 novice licence is valid for 5 years.

Novice stage driving restrictions

Once you pass the Class 7 or 8 road test, you'll receive a Class 7 or 8 novice (N) licence. Some—but not all—licence restrictions are removed.

Important! If you violate these restrictions or get any other tickets or prohibitions, you must pay graduated licensing penalties.

Restriction	Description
Cellphone and driver distraction	Restricted from using both hand-held and hands-free cellphones and portable electronic devices while driving or riding. The GLP hands-free restriction is lifted for riding if no valid class 7 or 7L licence is held.
Display N sign	In the novice stage, you are issued a green N (Novice) sign—this replaces the L sign. When driving, you must display the N sign at the back of your vehicle so drivers behind can see it. If you are a motorcyclist with a Class 8 novice licence, you must display the N sign on the back of your motorbike or clothing so that drivers behind can see it. Lost your N? If you lose or misplace your N sign for your car or motorcycle, you must replace it immediately. There is no charge for this. This is a mandatory restriction and you can be fined for not replacing your N sign (PDF).
Zero blood-alcohol content	You must not drive with any alcohol in your body.
Passengers	You are limited to 1 passenger—unless you're driving a passenger vehicle and have a supervisor 25 years or older with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 driver's licence. What about family members? This restriction does not apply to immediate family members: mother, father, sister, brother, child, spouse, grandparent, grandchild; including step and foster relationships.

Novice period

After a minimum of 24 months, most novice drivers are eligible to take the Class 5 or Class 6 road test. If you pass it, you get your full-privilege, Class 5 or Class 6 driver's licence.

Exceptions to 24-month rule

You must wait longer than 24 months to qualify for a full-privilege licence if you are prohibited from driving, or if your driver's licence is:

cancelled
surrendered
suspended, or
expired.

While you are unlicensed, your progress through the stages of graduated licensing is stopped.

Once you have your licence reinstated after a prohibition, your 24-month novice stage will start over from the beginning.

Reduce your novice stage by 6 months

By successfully completing an ICBC-approved driver training course, you could get

a six-month reduction in the novice stage of graduated licensing, and
two credits towards your high school graduation.

ICBC-approved driver training course »