Driver licensing

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​Get your L

You can get your L on or after your 16th birthday. To get your L you’ll need to get 40 out of 50 questions right on a multiple-choice knowledge test. Passing it ensures you understand the rules of the road. It also means you’ve started thinking about safe driving behaviours before you start driving with a supervisor.

 

Knowledge tests available by appointment only

Book an appointment using our new online service.

Prepare for your knowledge test

Prepare for your knowledge test

We have lots of resources to help you prepare. If you study and complete the practice tests, you should have a really good chance of passing the knowledge test. And don't worry, if you don't pass on the first try, you can take the test again after 7 days (there's a fee each time).

Read and study Learn to Drive Smart

Learn to Drive Smart has all the information you need - it's like a textbook for your knowledge test. You can read it online, on our app, print out the chapters or pick up a copy at any driver licensing office.

Test your knowledge

Once you've studied Learn to Drive Smart, you're ready to take the practice knowledge test. It's based on the real test, but the questions are a little different.

Take the road signs practice test

Know your signs! Almost one in five questions on your knowledge test will be about road signs. You'll find every single one of them on our road signs practice test. If you know your signs, you can have a better chance of passing the real test.

​Try Street Sense

Street Sense is a hazard perception training application that helps you identify common hazards that can be easily missed when you're on the road. It immerses you in driving scenarios t​hat mimic real driving conditions in B.C. and gives you the chance to practice scanning for hazards.​

Get your L: the knowledge test

Take the knowledge test at a driver licensing office

So you've basically memorized Learn to Drive Smart, have scored 100% on your practice tests, and you know the difference between a falling rock hazard sign and a railway crossing. It's time to take the real test!

You’ll need to book an appointment to take the knowledge test at an ICBC driver licensing office.

Where to take your test?

Use our driver licensing office locator for hours and availability of the knowledge test.

What to bring

What's the knowledge test really like?

When taking the knowledge test, you'll answer multiple-choice questions on a touch screen kiosk, in most locations. You can also choose to listen to an audio recording. ​

Please note that you can not talk, refer to study materials, or use any electronic devices during the test. Doing so will result in an automatic fail and you will have to wait 30 days before you can take the test again. 

Test tip

If you get stuck on a question, you can use the 'skip' button. It shuffles the question to the end of the test. If you do well you may not even see that question again!

We speak your language

The test is available in English, Arabic, Cantonese (with traditional Chinese writing), Croatian, French, Farsi, Mandarin (with traditional Chinese writing), Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.​​

Taking the test more than once

If you don't pass your test, you can take it again after 7 days.

Driving as a learner

Driving as a learner

You'll need to be a learner for at least 12 months before you can take a road test and graduate to the next level. Remember, there's no rush, take the test when you feel ready.

Your learner's licence stays valid for two years. If you need more time, you can renew your learner's licence by re-taking and passing the knowledge test. If you renew your learner's licence you don't have to wait any extra time to take your road test.

While you're a learner, you'll have to drive with a qualified supervisor and follow the restrictions that are printed on your licence.

These rules are really important. Not following them could mean that you pay a penalty or extend the time you spend in graduated licensing. Drive safely—don't get left behind.

Practicing as a learner is important and you can record your hours of practice every time you drive.

Take approved driver training course - get six months off

If you take an ICBC-approved (GLP) driver training course in the L stage, and are a safe driver with no at-fault crashes, driving violations or prohibitions while in the first 18 months of the N stage, you could receive six months off. You can also get two high school credits for successfully completing a GLP approved course.

Your approved driver training course must be completed within a one year period from start to finish.

Your L sign and restrictions

Display your L sign

Your red, magnetic L sign always has to be displayed on the back of your car while you're driving.

L sign  

Lost your L sign?

If you've lost your L sign, you don't need to buy a new one - you can get one for free at any driver licensing office. Here's what you need to know before visiting a driver licensing office. (Please don't make your own with duct tape. It's very creative... but not actually allowed.)

If you can't get a new L right away, download and print a temporary L sign. ​

Learner's licence driving restrictions

It's important to follow the restrictions of graduated licensing when you get your L. If you violate these restrictions or get any other tickets or prohibitions, you must pay graduated licensing penalties.

Supervisor age 25+  
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Qualified supervisor:

Supervisor age 25+ with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence. He or she must sit beside you in the front passenger seat.

Display L  
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Display L sign:

Display L sign on the back of your vehicle.​

No alcohol  
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No alcohol or drugs:

Zero alcohol or drugs in your blood when you drive.​

Passenger  
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1 passenger limit:

Limit of 1 passenger in addition to supervisor.​

No hand-held  
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No electronic devices:

No hand-held or hands-free cellphones or other electronic devices.​

Restricted hours  
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Restricted hours:

No driving between midnight and 5am.​

Rules for cellphone use

Rules for cellphone use

If you have a Learner's (L) licence, you are not allowed to use any electronic devices while driving except to make an emergency call to 911. This means you cannot:

  • touch, operate, hold or adjust your cellphone,
  • use hands-free system such as Bluetooth or wired headset,
  • use speakerphone that can be operated with one touch or voice commands,
  • program a GPS system,
  • select music from your cellphone,
  • wear earbuds, or
  • connect your cellphone or hand-held device to play music on your in-vehicle audio system.

The law applies even when you’re stopped at a red light or in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Why not take a break from your phone? Time to check tips on safe cellphone use.

Penalties for GLP drivers

If you receive one ticket, your driving record may be reviewed and you may face driving prohibitions.

The penalty for using a hand-held electronic device while driving is a fine and penalty points.