On October 19, 2026, British Columbia’s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) will change. The biggest change is that eligible novice drivers will no longer need a second road test to move from a Class 7 licence to a Class 5 licence. Instead, ICBC will review their driving record. The changes also affect some L and N restrictions, with different rules depending on the driver’s age. icbc.com
What changes for learner drivers (L)?
Learners will still need to pass a road test to get their N. They must continue to display the red L sign, drive with a qualified supervisor, and follow the other learner restrictions.
Starting October 19, 2026, the minimum age for a qualified supervisor will drop from 25 to 22. Learners will also be allowed to carry more than one passenger if the additional passengers are immediate family members. The other L restrictions, including zero alcohol and drugs, no electronic devices, and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., remain in place. icbc.com
For learners who are 25 or older, ICBC’s notice says the earliest date for their road test will move forward by three months. Check your updated driving record on October 19 for the date that applies to you.
What changes for novice drivers (N)?
The second road test to leave the novice stage will be replaced by a Driving Record Assessment (DRA). This is a review of your driving history, not another on-road test.
To qualify for a Class 5 licence with a 12-month restriction, drivers under 25 generally need 24 months of safe driving with their N, or 18 months if they completed an approved GLP course during the learner stage. Drivers 25 or older need 12 months of proven safe driving. During the applicable period, ICBC requires no driving prohibitions or suspensions and no convictions for excessive speeding or using an electronic device. Once eligible, drivers who are not included in the one-time automatic upgrade must visit a driver licensing office to complete the upgrade. icbc.com
Do drivers aged 25 or older still need an N sign?
From October 19, 2026, Class 7 novice drivers who are 25 or older will no longer need to display an N sign or have a supervisor when carrying more than one passenger. These changes apply even if they have not yet upgraded to Class 5.
They must still have zero alcohol and drugs in their blood while driving and must not use electronic devices, including hands-free devices. Drivers under 25 must continue to display the N sign and follow the applicable passenger restrictions until they upgrade. icbc.com
What happens after the Class 5 upgrade?
A driver who upgrades under the new process receives a Class 5 licence with restriction 55. For the next 12 months, restriction 55 requires zero blood alcohol and zero blood drug content while driving. The restriction expires automatically after that period, unless a prohibition or suspension causes the period to restart. icbc.com
Will anyone be upgraded automatically?
Some eligible novice drivers will receive a letter confirming a one-time automatic upgrade on October 19, 2026. If you receive that letter, keep your licence valid and maintain an eligible driving record until the change takes effect. ICBC will update your driving record, but it will not automatically mail you a new physical licence. You can continue using your current card until it expires; a replacement card showing Class 5 is optional. icbc.com
If you already have a second road test booked on or after October 19, 2026, ICBC says it will cancel the appointment and email you about the next steps. icbc.com
What should you do now?
Check your driving record on October 19, 2026 to confirm your licence class, restrictions, and earliest eligibility date. Follow the restrictions shown on your updated record, even if the numbers printed on your current licence card differ. You can also review ICBC’s GLP changes page for information specific to your age and licence. icbc.com
At Urban Driving Academy, we see the road test as one milestone in learning to drive. Whether you are working toward your N or building experience before your Class 5 upgrade, our lessons focus on safe habits, clear reference points, and confident driving that lasts beyond any test.
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