Need an ICBC re-exam road test?
Last updated: October 2023
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Why do I need to take an ICBC re-exam?
Driving is a complicated task and driving conditions grow more complex over time. Even if you've never been in a crash, you may have developed health problems, slower reflexes or be taking medications that can affect your ability to drive safely.
The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles is responsible for assessing the medical fitness of drivers in B.C. You may be referred for an ICBC re-exam road test if a medical report to the Superintendent has identified a health condition that could impact your ability to drive safely. If you’re a Class 5 or 7 driver, this is called an Enhanced Road Assessment.
An ICBC re-exam referral may also result from a crash report, a police observation, or other information shared with the Superintendent that indicates you were unsure about, or can't manage, a common driving situation. If you need an ICBC re-exam, you'll receive a letter in the mail from RoadSafetyBC.
For information on Enhanced Road Assessments, contact RoadSafetyBC at 1-855-387-7747 or at 250-387-7747 (Victoria).
What should I expect on my road test?
Your ICBC re-exam appointment is free of charge and can take up to 90 minutes. Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment. Check in at the service counter, where we will prepare your records, confirm your identification and direct you to a waiting area where your examiner will call on you. Your driver examiner will introduce her/himself to you and explain what to expect on your road test. If you have any questions, feel free to ask your examiner before your test begins.
On the road
Try to relax. Your examiner will give you instructions but won't get into a conversation. That means you can give your full attention to driving, and your examiner can focus on observing and evaluating your skills. Don't worry, your examiner won't try to trick you or ask you to do anything illegal.
You'll be instructed — in plenty of time — when to make turns and where to park. When you don't receive instructions from your examiner, continue to drive and follow road signs, signals and road markings.
Your examiner will use standardized criteria based on safe-driving practices and rules of the road to assess your driving skills.
Your examiner will be assessing your skills behind the wheel. Specifically, did you:
Keep to the posted speed limits?
Look into your blind spots before you changed lanes or turned?
Apply the rules of the road for intersections?
Make right and left turns correctly?
Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights?
Stay in your lane when turning?
After the road test
Your driver examiner will go over your results and give you some tips on how to improve your skills. Since your examiner will be giving you a lot of information, it's a good idea to invite a family member or friend along for this debriefing to get the most value from the feedback.
How do I prepare?
Call us as soon as you can to schedule your road test re-exam appointment.
Greater Victoria
250-978-8300
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rest of B.C.
1-800-950-1498
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
If you can't get to your scheduled appointment, you'll need to give at least 48 hours' notice to avoid a $25 cancellation fee.
There's a lot you can do to prepare for your ICBC re-exam:
Check with your local driver licensing office about information sessions or materials offered about ICBC re-exams. You can find a list of local driver licensing offices on icbc.com or call us at 1-800-950-1498 (toll-free) or 250-978-8300 (Victoria).
Read and study Learn to drive smart. It's free and available at any of our driver licensing offices or on icbc.com. Driving rules and skills you need to know are explained clearly in chapters three through six of this guide.
Use Tuning up for drivers (free for seniors at any driver licensing office, and available on icbc.com) for step-by-step instructions on practicing driving skills like shoulder checks and stopping. Ask a friend or family member to help you practice.
Several driving schools specialize in assessments and refresher courses for mature drivers. For more information, find a driving school in your area or check your local phonebook under "Driving Schools."
Also, you can go to icbc.com to take a practice knowledge test to review the rules of the road.
What do I need to bring?
To be ready for your road test, bring:
Two pieces of identification. Your current driver's licence and a credit card will be enough in most cases. You'll be asked for ID when you check in for your appointment.
Proof of valid vehicle registration, licence and insurance papers. Your driver examiner may ask to see them before your road test starts.
Your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to drive or read.
Any special equipment that you use to help you drive.
A safe vehicle in good working order (all the lights work, brakes and tires are in good condition) that you're familiar driving.
A friend or family member for moral support and to help you get home, especially if your re-exam result isn't successful.
What happens next?
If you don't pass your re-exam, you'll have to turn in your driver's licence. In most cases, you'll be issued a learner's licence.
This means you can only drive with another licensed adult. The Superintendent allows most drivers two more tries (for a total of three) to pass the ICBC re-exam road test.
You may decide it's time to retire from driving. If so, you can exchange your licence for a free B.C. Identification card or photo BC Services Card at any driver licensing office. It looks the same and has the identical security features as your driver's licence. If you have a disabled parking permit, you can keep using it in any vehicle in which you're a passenger.
More information
RoadSafetyBC can tell you more about:
Enhanced Road Assessments
Driver's Medical Examinations
medical requirements for driving
Call RoadSafetyBC at 1-855-387-7747 (toll-free) or 250-387-7747 (Victoria), or visit RoadSafety BC website.
ICBC can give you more information on:
general driver licensing requirements
ICBC re-exam road tests
Call ICBC at 1-800-950-1498 (toll-free) or 250-978-8300 (in Victoria), visit icbc.com.