# The ICBC Class 5 road test

> Since October 19, 2026 most B.C. N drivers skip the Class 5 road test. Who still takes it, what the 40-minute test covers, the pre-trip check and the $50 fee.

Canonical: https://class7practicetest.ca/class-5-road-test
Last updated: 2026-10-26

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](https://class7practicetest.ca/n-licence-bc) 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](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-road-test).

> New to B.C. from abroad? ICBC suggests bringing another qualified driver to your road test in case you don’t pass: if you fail, you get a B.C. learner’s licence. See [new to B.C. drivers](https://class7practicetest.ca/for/new-to-bc-drivers).

## 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](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/Get-your-full-licence) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, Changes to the Graduated Licensing Program](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/graduated-licensing-program-changes) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, Moving from outside Canada](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/moving-from-another-country) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, Driver licensing fees](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/visit-dl-office/Fees) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, Learn to Drive Smart: your guide to driving safely (PDF, March 2026 edition)](https://www.icbc.com/assets/en/63cHBOAVpOAQGOOMBFhFbL/driver-full.pdf) (checked 2026-10-26)

Not affiliated with ICBC or the Government of British Columbia.

## Related

- [The N: B.C.’s novice licence](https://class7practicetest.ca/n-licence-bc)
- [Class 7 vs Class 5 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/vs/class-7-vs-class-5-road-test)
- [The ICBC Class 7 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-road-test)
- [New to B.C.: getting your B.C. driver’s licence](https://class7practicetest.ca/for/new-to-bc-drivers)