B.C. will remove the second road test for upgrading to a Class 5 licence and start using a Driving Record Assessment on Oct. 19, 2026.
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B.C. is introducing changes to how drivers can upgrade to a Class 5 licence, replacing the second road test with a new Driving Record Assessment that begins on Oct. 19, 2026.
Public Safety Minister Garry Begg announced that new legislation would remove the second road test required to move to a Class 5 licence, citing a backlog of drivers waiting to book licensing exams. The province said the shift is intended to reduce wait times caused by increased demand and a shortage of examiners.
Under the change, drivers who meet eligibility requirements can upgrade from a Class 7 or 7, 8 licence to a Class 5 or 5, 6 licence once they satisfy the province’s criteria. The requirements include at least 24 months of safe driving if the driver is under 25 years old (or at least 18 months if the driver completed an approved GLP course during the learner phase). The province also said that if a driver takes but does not complete an approved GLP course, they would still need 24 months of safe driving.
For drivers who are 25 or older, the province said they must have at least 12 months of safe driving. In both cases, eligibility also requires no convictions for excessive speed or use of electronic devices during the relevant period, and no prohibitions or suspensions during that time.
The province said the restricted period will include a zero blood-alcohol and drug restriction and that new drivers will face greater scrutiny than experienced drivers if they receive violations on their record. It also said the new 12-month restricted period is meant to flag and correct mistakes and help new drivers spend more time developing good driving habits.
After meeting the requirements, drivers can upgrade their licence by going to their nearest driver licensing office, either by appointment or as a walk-in customer.
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