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If you have your N licence in British Columbia, ICBC’s graduated licensing changes may affect your next step. For drivers and parents, the practical questions are straightforward: how do you qualify, what happens to a booked test, and what should you review on your car insurance?
Here is a quick guide to the announcement, followed by an insurance checklist you can use with a Western Financial Group broker. You can also explore our ICBC and car insurance options in BC.
Is ICBC removing the second road test?
From October 19, 2026, eligible Class 7 novice drivers can use a Driving Record Assessment instead of a second road test to obtain a Class 5 licence with restrictions. A 12-month restriction period follows.
Who qualifies to move from N to Class 5?
During that period, drivers must have no excessive-speed or electronic-device convictions, prohibitions or suspensions. Once eligible, visit a driver licensing office to upgrade.
What if you already booked a Class 5 road test?
Before October 19, you can still choose to take the second road test. ICBC says second tests scheduled on or after that date will be cancelled, with email instructions about next steps. Check ICBC’s official graduated licensing update for your situation.
Keep following your current licence conditions until your upgrade is confirmed. Ask ICBC which restrictions apply afterward.
Will getting a Class 5 licence make car insurance cheaper?
A licence upgrade is not a guarantee of a lower premium. ICBC considers who drives the vehicle, driving experience and crash history. Vehicle use and location also affect pricing. Its driver factor reflects experience and crash history; certain driving convictions can affect some Optional coverages. These are the factors to review when discussing a change in your insurance cost. See how ICBC considers drivers and driving history.
For example, getting a different licence and starting a daily commute are two separate changes. Tell your broker about both. Ask them to explain your current premium and any revised price using the same coverage limits and deductibles, so you can understand what changed.
What should parents and new drivers check on their policy?
1. Confirm who drives the vehicle
ICBC asks you to list drivers, including household members who drive your car. Bring each person’s full name, licence number and date of birth when discussing changes with your broker. Listing a driver does not necessarily increase the premium; the result depends on their experience and crash history.
Have a family conversation before the driving routine changes. Will your child borrow the car occasionally, drive it to school, or become the person who uses it most? Give your broker the actual arrangement so they can review the policy with you.
2. Review the transition from L to N
ICBC’s insurance treatment of learners differs from its treatment of novice drivers. Learners do not have a driver factor, and an additional learner premium applies when they are listed. Driving experience for insurance starts building at the N stage. ICBC explains this on its learner-driver insurance page.
If someone in your household is approaching their first road test, ask for a policy review before they begin driving independently. That gives you time to discuss the expected cost and decide how the family will use the vehicle.
3. Discuss how the car will be used
Write down the driving you expect over the coming year: school, work, weekend trips and any delivery or business use. Bring that list to your broker rather than relying on last year’s routine. A change in licence is a useful prompt to check whether your insurance details still reflect everyday life.
4. Review optional coverage and deductibles
Your next car insurance decision may involve more than the premium. Ask your broker to explain collision, comprehensive, extended liability and loss-of-use options. Discuss what you would pay after a covered claim, which deductible you could manage, and any insurance requirements attached to a vehicle loan or lease.
If you are buying your first vehicle, request an insurance estimate before committing to the purchase. Compare the total cost of owning each car, including insurance, maintenance and financing. Western’s BC auto insurance guide is a useful starting point for discussing coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Do learner drivers still need a road test to get their N?
Yes. The Class 7 road test is the test for progressing from a learner’s licence to an N. The announced removal concerns the second road test.
Do I automatically get Class 5 when the changes start?
No. You need to meet the assessment criteria and complete the upgrade with ICBC.
Can I keep using my parents’ car after getting my N?
Discuss the arrangement with the vehicle owner and their broker before you start driving independently. Confirm your licence information, how often you will drive and whether the policy needs updating. Owning your own car and being properly listed to drive a family car are different questions.
Does time with an L count as driving experience for ICBC insurance?
ICBC says drivers begin building insurance-rated driving experience when they get their N. Ask your broker how that applies to the policy you will use.
Should I wait until renewal to discuss a new driver?
Contact your broker when the driving arrangement changes. ICBC allows drivers to be added or removed during the policy term.
What can a Western broker help me with?
A Western broker can help you review your vehicle insurance, listed drivers and coverage choices. Direct questions about your licence eligibility or assessment to ICBC’s driver licensing team.
Plan your next insurance step with Western
Starting to drive independently is a good time to build confidence in your insurance choices. Bring your questions, driving plans and vehicle details to a Western broker, and ask for an explanation of the protection and costs that apply to you.
If your policy is coming up for renewal, start your ICBC renewal with Western. Submit your details and a Western insurance expert will contact you to complete the renewal.
