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The ICBC Class 5 road test

The Class 5 road test used to be every B.C. driver’s second road test. Since October 19, 2026, N drivers with a clean record upgrade through a Driving Record Assessment instead. The Class 5 test is still used for some drivers, and it’s harder than the Class 7.

Who takes the Class 5 road test now

Drivers who moved to B.C. with a licence from a country B.C. doesn’t exchange with (after passing the knowledge test).
Drivers whose licence has been expired for more than three years.
Drivers taking a re-exam requested by RoadSafetyBC.

If you’re an N driver, you most likely want the Driving Record Assessment instead: 24 months of safe driving under 25 (or 12 months of safe driving if 25+) with no prohibitions, speeding or device convictions.

How the test runs

1
Pre-trip check
The examiner checks that your car is safe and that you know where the controls are (horn, parking brake, high beams, signals). You also show the hand signals for turning. An unsafe car means no test.
2
The drive
A set route that can include city streets, commercial areas and highways, and every kind of intersection: uncontrolled, stop signs and big signalled ones. You get plenty of warning before every turn or lane change.
3
Hazard perception
You may be asked to point out hazards as you drive: other drivers, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycles, blind spots and hidden driveways, animals, ice and uneven roads.
4
Feedback
The test and feedback take about 40 minutes. You find out right away, and get a paper copy with a Skills Explainer.

Skills to practise

Intersections, including left and right turns
Pulling into traffic, pulling over and stopping
Changing lanes
Parking and starting on a hill
Backing up
Angle, parallel and stall parking (forward and backing in)
Two- and three-point turns
Merging on and off a highway
What to do around emergency vehicles

Examiners won’t try to trick you or ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe. If you’re not comfortable in English you can bring someone to translate during the feedback, but not in the car.

Fees and retakes

The Class 5 road test is $50 (free for seniors 65+). Cancel with at least 48 hours’ notice or pay $25. If you don’t pass, wait 14 days, then 30, then 60 for later attempts. Book it like any ICBC road test.

Free referral

Want a lesson or two before your road test?

Tell us your nearest ICBC office and what you need: a road test refresher, lessons from scratch, or a car for test day. We’ll pass it to up to three local driving schools.

Find a driving school

Questions people ask

+Do I still need to take the Class 5 road test in B.C.?

Not if you’re an N driver with a clean record: since October 19, 2026 the Driving Record Assessment replaced it. It’s still used for some new residents, licences expired over three years, and RoadSafetyBC re-exams.

+How long is the ICBC Class 5 road test?

About 40 minutes including feedback.

+How much is the Class 5 road test?

$50, free for seniors 65+.

+Is the Class 5 test harder than the Class 7?

Yes. It expects the skills of an experienced driver, with excellent vehicle control, and may ask you to name hazards as you drive.

Sources

ICBC, Get your full licence · checked October 26, 2026
ICBC, Changes to the Graduated Licensing Program · checked October 26, 2026
ICBC, Moving from outside Canada · checked October 26, 2026
ICBC, Driver licensing fees · checked October 26, 2026
ICBC, Learn to Drive Smart: your guide to driving safely (PDF, March 2026 edition) · checked October 26, 2026

Updated October 26, 2026. Not affiliated with ICBC or the Government of British Columbia.