# The ICBC knowledge test, step by step

> How the ICBC knowledge test works in 2026: 50 questions, 80% to pass, online or in person, the $15 fee, what to bring, languages and what happens after you pass.

Canonical: https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-knowledge-test
Last updated: 2026-10-26

The knowledge test is the first step to a B.C. driver’s licence. Pass it and you get your Class 7L learner’s licence. It’s 50 multiple-choice questions, you need 40 right, and since June 9, 2026 you can take it at home or at a driver licensing office.

## The test at a glance

|  | ICBC knowledge test |
| --- | --- |
| Questions | 50 multiple choice |
| To pass | 40 correct (80%) |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Based on | Learn to Drive Smart (all questions come from it) |
| Road sign questions | Almost one in five |
| Minimum age | 16 |
| Fee | $15 per attempt (free for seniors 65+), plus $10 for the photo learner’s licence |
| Languages | English, Arabic, Croatian, French, Farsi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese |
| If you fail | Retake after one day in person or 24 hours online, paying the fee again |

## 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](https://class7practicetest.ca/vs/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](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-driver-licensing) 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. **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. **Drive with a supervisor.** Follow the [learner restrictions](https://class7practicetest.ca/class-7-learners-licence): a qualified supervisor 22+, one passenger, no driving midnight to 5 a.m., zero alcohol and drugs, no devices.
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](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-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](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-practice-test) and ICBC’s own practice test.

> We’re not ICBC. Fees and rules here are from ICBC’s pages, checked on the date below; ICBC’s site is the final word.

## Questions people ask

### Can I take the ICBC knowledge test online?

Yes. Since June 9, 2026 B.C. residents 16+ can take the Class 5/7 and motorcycle knowledge tests online with a computer and webcam. You still visit an office afterward to get your licence.

### Do I need an appointment for the knowledge test?

ICBC says appointments are required for knowledge tests. ICBC offices also take walk-ins when they can, but the wait can be long.

### How much does the ICBC knowledge test cost?

$15 per attempt (free for seniors 65+), plus $10 for the Class 7L photo licence once you pass.

### What languages is the knowledge test in?

English, Arabic, Croatian, French, Farsi, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

### How long is a knowledge test pass valid?

ICBC says an online pass is valid for one year. Once you have your learner’s licence, it’s valid for 2 years; if it expires you retake the knowledge test.

### Do I need a parent to come with me?

If you’re under 19, you need a signed parent/guardian consent form or a parent or guardian with you.

## Sources

- [ICBC, Get your L](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/Get-your-L) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, Take the online knowledge test](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/online-knowledge-test) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC newsroom, at-home online knowledge tests (June 9, 2026)](https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2026-06-08-online-knowledge-tests) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, Book a knowledge test and other services](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/visit-dl-office/Book-a-knowledge-test-and-other-services) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, Driver licensing fees](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/visit-dl-office/Fees) (checked 2026-10-26)
- [ICBC, For parents of teen drivers](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/For-parents-of-teen-drivers) (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

- [ICBC practice test: free knowledge test for your L](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-practice-test)
- [Online vs in-person ICBC knowledge test](https://class7practicetest.ca/vs/online-vs-in-person-knowledge-test)
- [Class 7L: the B.C. learner’s licence](https://class7practicetest.ca/class-7-learners-licence)
- [ICBC driver licensing fees](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-fees)