By Ka Hing Cheung
Updated November 2025

If you’ve been driving in British Columbia with an “N” on your vehicle, big changes are coming your way. The provincial government has announced a modernization of the Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) set to take effect in early 2026, and many current drivers are asking the same question: What happens to those of us who already have our N?

While we wrote about these changes earlier this year, here’s an update of what we know so far from ICBC and RoadSafetyBC, and what current novice drivers should consider before the new road test system takes effect.

The GLP Changes at a Glance: BC’s Graduated Licensing Program Changing

The new framework simplifies BC’s two-stage driver licensing process. Instead of requiring new drivers to take two road tests (one for the “N” and another second road test for the full Class 5 licence), drivers will move automatically from the Novice stage to a restricted Class 5 driver’s licence after maintaining a clean record for an extended period of 24 months.

After another 12 months of safe driving under this restricted Class 5, drivers will earn full privileges. The goal is to promote safe driving behaviour while reducing road-test wait times. This shift in the Graduated Licensing Program aims to reduce the backlog of drivers waiting for testing and to improve overall public safety.

New entrants to the system will still need to pass the standard knowledge test for their learner’s licence, so written exam requirements remain part of the foundation of the program.

What This Means for Current “N” Drivers Under BC’s New Driver Licensing Rules

If you already hold a Class 7 N licence, the change affects you depending on how long you’ve had it.

1. Held Your N for Less Than Two Years: Transitioning from Class 7

You’ll continue under the current rules until you reach the two-year mark. Once drivers eligible for the transition, you’ll move into the new restricted Class 5 stage—no second road test required.

2. Held Your N for More Than Two Years: Getting Your Full Licence

When the new rules take effect in early 2026, you’ll be eligible to move to a restricted Class 5 driver’s licence if you’ve held your N for at least 24 months with a clean driving record. ICBC hasn’t yet confirmed whether the restriction period will start automatically or if drivers eligible will need to visit a licensing system office to complete the upgrade.

Once you hold the restricted Class 5, you’ll need to complete 12 months of safe driving before earning a full, unrestricted licence.

3. Held Your N for Many Years (Five, Ten, or Even Fifteen): Full Class 5 Licence Upgrade?

ICBC has confirmed that anyone with a Class 7 novice licence for 24 months or longer and a clean driving record will be moved into the new restricted Class 5 category.

That means even long-time N drivers—yes, the ones who have been “stuck” at this stage for years—may still need to complete a 12-month restriction period once the new rules take effect.

The One-Year “Restricted” Period Explained

ICBC has said that during the restricted Class 5 stage, drivers must:

• Maintain a zero blood-alcohol and drug level, and
• Avoid any suspensions or prohibitions for the 12-month period.

Strengthening safety measures may include additional restrictions, which are expected to be clarified once regulations are finalized.

Additional details such as passenger limits or other conditions will be confirmed once the updated regulations are finalized and approved, which is expected in early 2026. The legislation enabling these proposed legislative changes has already passed, so approval is considered very likely (around 95–100% probability) pending final regulatory review.

What About Motorcyclists?

The same modernization also affects new motorcycle riders working toward a motorcycle licence. ICBC’s Reddit account confirmed that the new system will introduce longer learner and restricted stages for Class 6 (motorcycle) licences:

• A 9-month learner period (or 6 months with approved driver training)
• Followed by an 18-month restricted period (or 12 months with approved driver training)

These longer timelines are designed to give new riders more supervised experience before earning full Class 6 privileges. The new motorcyclist licensing program aims to improve road safety by ensuring riders are more prepared before receiving full motorcycle licences.

ICBC has said further information about motorcycle road-test requirements and transition details will be released in the coming months.

Can You Still Take the Road Test Before Then?

Yes. ICBC has confirmed that drivers who reach their earliest exam date before 2026 can still book and complete the current Class 5 road test. Passing that road test before the new system begins will give you a full, unrestricted Class 5 licence right away.

For long-time N drivers who are comfortable behind the wheel, this may be the easiest way to skip the upcoming restricted year entirely.

How the Change Might Affect Your Insurance: Impact on Full Licence and Premiums

Your Driver Factor, used to calculate your ICBC insurance premium, depends partly on how long you’ve held a Class 5 licence in British Columbia. The sooner you move to Class 5, the faster your premium typically improves.

For new drivers, if you remain on an N licence—or delay the road test—you might be missing out on potential savings for your insured vehicle. That’s another reason to consider booking your test before the new rules take effect.

What’s Still Unclear

ICBC has not yet said:

• Whether the upgrade from N to restricted Class 5 will happen automatically or require an in-person visit.
• Whether long-term N holders (10+ years) will receive any special consideration or credit for experience.
• What exact restrictions will apply during the 12-month restricted Class 5 stage.

Further details are expected once the Motor Vehicle Act regulations are finalized in 2026.

Bottom Line

If you currently hold an N licence, whether it’s been two years or fifteen, it’s smart to plan ahead.

• You can either take your Class 5 road test before 2026 and get your full licence,
• Or wait for the new rules and accept a 12-month restricted period under Class 5.

Either way, maintaining a clean driving record remains the most important step toward earning full driving privileges and keeping your insurance costs low.

Enhanced Driver Record Reviews

Under the new driver licensing framework, ICBC will also be implementing enhanced driver record reviews to ensure that drivers maintain clean driving records and meet the safety standards required for advancement to the full Class 5 licence. This includes reviewing serious injuries and removing unnecessary barriers to licensing where possible.

About King Insurance

Located at the northwest corner of Marine Drive and Main Street, King Insurance proudly serves not only the South Vancouver communities of Marpole, Sunset, Oakridge, Victoria–Fraserview, and nearby areas like Marine Gateway and Marine Landing, but also clients across Richmond and the entire Lower Mainland. 

Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the insurance industry, helping people manage risk and protect what matters most. Ka Hing is committed to ongoing learning and enjoys helping clients find the right coverage at the best available rate, while making sure they understand their options clearly.