Class 7 Practice TestPractice test

Graduated licensing: stage 2

The N: B.C.’s novice licence

Pass the Class 7 road test and you’re a novice driver: you can drive on your own, with a few restrictions. Since October 19, 2026 there’s no second road test for most N drivers. A clean driving record gets you to your Class 5.

Novice restrictions

From ICBC’s Get your N page (current rules). There’s no restricted-hours rule in ICBC’s list of N restrictions.
RuleWhat it means
Alcohol and drugsZero in your blood when you drive.
Electronic devicesNone, hand-held or hands-free, except to call 911.
N signThe green, magnetic N on the back of the vehicle, unless you’re 25 or older.
PassengersOne passenger (not counting immediate family) unless you’re 25+ or have a supervisor 22+ beside you.

Getting from N to Class 5

  1. 1

    Drive safely for long enough

    24 months of safe driving if you’re under 25 (18 months if you took an ICBC-approved course in your L stage), or 12 months of safe driving if you’re 25 or older.

  2. 2

    Keep a clean record

    No prohibitions or suspensions, and no convictions for excessive speeding or using an electronic device, during that time.

  3. 3

    Pass the Driving Record Assessment

    Visit an ICBC driver licensing office (by appointment or walk-in; Service BC and agents don’t do it). When booking online, choose the “Driving Record Assessment” service.

  4. 4

    Class 5 with restrictions for 12 months

    You get a Class 5 licence with a zero alcohol/drug restriction for 12 months. A prohibition or suspension resets that period.

  5. 5

    Full Class 5

    After 12 safe months the restriction ends. You don’t need to apply for a new card.

Penalties as an N

One ticket can lead to a review of your record and a driving prohibition. Learn to Drive Smart warns that a prohibition in the N stage resets your progress toward leaving the program.

Commercial licences

Since the same date, you can apply for a commercial learner’s licence with a Class 5 or 6 licence (with or without the zero alcohol/drug restriction) and at least 24 months of non-learner experience, or 18 months if you took an approved GLP course as a learner.

Questions people ask

+How many passengers can an N driver have in B.C.?

One passenger, not counting immediate family, unless you’re 25 or older or a supervisor 22+ with a valid Class 1–5 licence is beside you.

+Do I need the N sign if I’m over 25?

No. ICBC’s current rule is to display the N sign unless you’re 25 or older.

+Is there still a second road test in B.C.?

Not for most drivers. Since October 19, 2026, N drivers with a clean record pass a Driving Record Assessment instead.

+How long do I have to be an N?

24 months of safe driving if you’re under 25 (18 with an approved course), 12 months of safe driving if you’re 25 or older.

+Can N drivers drive at night?

Yes. Restricted hours apply to learners (midnight to 5 a.m.), not to novice drivers.

Sources

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

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