The ICBC knowledge test, step by step

The test at a glance

Option 1: the online knowledge test

ICBC’s online test covers the passenger vehicle (Class 5 and 7) and motorcycle (Class 6 and 8) knowledge tests. You need to be a B.C. resident, at least 16, and in Canada or the U.S. while you take it. You use a desktop or laptop with webcam, keyboard and mouse; no phones or tablets. You pay the $15 fee online by Visa, Mastercard or American Express (card need not be in your name), then have 72 hours to start.

• Your webcam stays on the whole time and you must be alone in a quiet, well-lit room.
• Moving the mouse outside the test border, leaving the test window or your face going out of view too many times gets you disqualified.
• If you fail or are disqualified you can try again after 24 hours. After three disqualifications you can’t test online for at least six months (offices are still open to you).
• Passing online does not license you. You still visit an office, pass a vision screening, pay the licence fee and get your photo taken.
• Your online result is valid for one year, so don’t wait too long to visit an office. Some offices need a short (about 10-minute) appointment.

Not sure which to pick? We compare them side by side: online vs in-person knowledge test.

Option 2: in person at a driver licensing office

ICBC says appointments are required for knowledge tests. Book through ICBC’s appointment system for an ICBC office, or contact a Service BC centre or driver licensing agent directly. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. ICBC driver licensing offices also serve walk-ins when they can, but you may wait a long time. You take the test on a touch screen kiosk and can choose to listen to an audio recording. Find an office near you on our ICBC driver licensing offices page.

What to bring

• Two pieces of accepted ID (one primary, one secondary). If you tested online, the primary ID must be the same one you registered with.
• If you’re under 19, a parent/guardian consent form signed in pen (or a parent or guardian with you). If they can’t come, their signature must be witnessed by an adult who isn’t family.
• Your glasses or contacts if you need them, for the vision screening.
• Money for the fees (and any debt owed to ICBC or the province, which must be paid first).
• If you passed online, the email confirming it (printed or on your phone).

Rules during the test

You can’t talk, look at study materials or use any electronic device. In person, ICBC lists automatic fails such as taking photos of the test, using a phone, smartwatch or earbuds, smart glasses, translation dictionaries, or bringing an “answer key”.

After you pass

1. 1

   Get your L

   Pay $10 for your photo Class 7L licence. You get a red L sign and a copy of Tuning up for drivers. The learner’s licence is valid for 2 years.

2. 2

   Drive with a supervisor

   Follow the learner restrictions: a qualified supervisor 22+, one passenger, no driving midnight to 5 a.m., zero alcohol and drugs, no devices.

3. 3

   Take the Class 7 road test

   After at least 12 months as a learner (9 if you’re 25 or older), book the road test for your N.

The “knowledge test booklet”

People call it the ICBC booklet or handbook; its name is Learn to Drive Smart. ICBC offers it free as a download (in six languages), in its app and in print at driver licensing offices. Study it, then test yourself with our ICBC practice test and ICBC’s own practice test.