British Columbia

PASSENGER VEHICLES MOTORCYCLES

To obtain a licence in BC to drive a passenger vehicle, BC's Graduated Licensing Program (GPL) includes two stages: the Class 7L Learner stage, which precedes the Class 7N Novice stage.
Effective date of program implementation: August, 1998; modified October 6, 2003 and March 31, 2007


AGE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum entry age: 16 years
Minimum exit age: 17 years
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Driver education: Voluntary
Knowledge test
Parental consent: If driver is under 19 years of age
Vision test
EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Successfully passed test ⁄ course: Class 7 road test
Time completion: 12 months with a Class 7L licence
STAGE DURATION
Minimum duration: 12 months
Maximum holding period: 2 years before having to re-qualify for the licence (by taking the vision and knowledge tests again)
SUPERVISORY DRIVER
Age: 25+ years
BAC level while supervising
Licence held: Valid class 1-5 licence
Time Licensed
DRIVING RESTRICTIONS AND CONDITIONS
BAC level while driving: 0.0 BAC
Display "L" sign⁄plate when driving: Mandatory
Night driving: No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Other restrictions: No electronic devices
Passenger restrictions: Limit of 2 passengers, including supervisor
Road restrictions
SUSPENSION & PROHIBITION
Drivers in GLP are also subject to the regular penalties that apply to all drivers
Receipt of any demerit points, riders will be sent a warning letter
Lower driver penalty point threshold: 2-6(discretionary, instead of 15-19). General rules: four penalty points (usually 2 tickets) leads to one month prohibition. More points could lead to a longer prohibition
Minimum penalty for violating GLP restrictions: A fine of $109 plus 3 driver penalty points
Violation of the zero BAC limit: 1) An immediate 12-hour suspension or 24-hour prohibition and 2) a 1 month driving prohibition (first violation) or 3) extended prohibition for repeat violations
DRIVER IMPROVEMENT ACTIONS
Voluntary
ADDITIONAL CLASS 7L GLP FEATURES
N⁄A
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jason Luchies
Senior Policy Advisor, Insurance Corporation of Britich Columbia (ICBC)
P.O. Box 3750
Victoria, BC V8W 3Y5
Phone: (250) 414-7879 
Email: Jason.Luchies@icbc.com
Website:
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia - Driver Licensing: http://www.icbc.com/licensing/