Overview
- The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced on Monday, July 20 that the Graduated Licensing Program changes take effect on Oct. 19, 2026 and will eliminate the traditional second road test for novice drivers.
- Under the new system, drivers who complete the novice stage move to Class 5 after a driving‑record assessment that looks for 24 months of safe behaviour and restarts the novice clock for serious offences such as excessive speeding or distracted driving.
- Drivers upgraded through the assessment enter a 12‑month restricted period with a zero blood‑alcohol and drug limit and tighter consequences for any violations than fully experienced drivers face.
- Older applicants get a faster path: learners aged 25+ will see the learner phase cut from 12 to nine months and the novice phase from 24 to 12 months, while under‑25s can still reduce their novice period to 18 months by completing an ICBC‑approved training course; the province will also lower the minimum application age to 18, expand where assessments are offered, and allow some eligible drivers a one‑time automatic upgrade from Class 7 to Class 5.
- The government points to Transport Canada data and international practice showing many jurisdictions do not use an exit test, and it says the changes should reduce test backlogs and improve access in rural and First Nations communities while critics warn ticket records may not fully capture driving skill.