Class 8 motorcycle road test

The Class 8 road test is the first of two road tests that less experienced drivers must take to qualify for a full-privilege, Class 6 motorcycle licence.

Who is the Class 8 road test for?

The Class 8 road test is required for learning motorcycle riders who either

• don't already have a B.C. driver's licence, or
• are in the "L" or "N" stage of graduated licensing for passenger vehicles.

Learn more »

When do I take the Class 8 road test?

You take the Class 8 road test after passing the motorcycle skills test and holding a Class 8L motorcycle learner's licence for 12 months. (Riders who get a driving prohibition must wait longer.)

The earliest date you can take the test is marked on your licence.

What's the road test like?

The test, including feedback from your examiner afterwards,  takes about an hour.

Pre-trip check

Before going out on the road, you do a pre-trip safety inspection of your motorcycle.

You should be able to show your examiner controls such as turn signals and high beams, and demonstrate hand signals.

Test route

The test route goes through a variety of riding environments, such as city streets, commercial areas, highways, and intersections with stop signs and traffic lights.

On-road manoeuvres

The examiner rides behind you in a car, speaking to you by two-way radio.

While riding, you're asked to do a series of manoeuvres. These may include

• riding through and turning right and left at intersections
• entering and leaving traffic
• entering and exiting a highway or freeway
• changing lanes
• parking at the side of the road
• reverse stall parking
• U-turns, and
• general riding, including riding straight and on hills and curves.

See-Think-Do

While performing these manoeuvres, you demonstrate these See-Think-Do skills: observation, speed control, steering, space margins and communication.

Hazard perception

During the test, you pull over to the side of the road, then identify all the hazards you see within one block in front of you, and immediately around you.

Getting ready

To prepare for the road test

• know the signs, signals, road markings and rules of the road in Learn to ride smart (formerly RoadSense for Riders)
• practice manoeuvres using the Tuning up for riders guide
• practice hazard perception by naming hazards while someone drives you in a car, and
• consider taking rider training from a professional school.

What to bring

When you come for your test, bring

• a motorcycle in good working order
• valid insurance and registration documents
• required ID, and
• payment for the $50 test fee and driver's licence fee (see licence fees).

Note: If English isn't your first language, you may bring a translator for your feedback session after the test. Sorry, translators can't go on the road test.

Booking your test

The Class 8 road test must be booked in advance.

Book your road test now »

After you pass

When you pass, you get a Class 8N licence and enter the novice stage of graduated licensing for motorcycles. After 24 months in the novice stage, you're eligible to take the final, Class 6 road test.

If you don’t pass the Class 8 road test, don't worry; you can take it again after 14 days.