# The N: B.C.’s novice licence > B.C. novice (N) licence rules after the October 2026 changes: passengers, N sign, zero alcohol, no phones, and the record check that replaced the second road test. Canonical: https://class7practicetest.ca/n-licence-bc Last updated: 2026-10-26 Pass the [Class 7 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-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.* | Rule | What it means | | --- | --- | | Alcohol and drugs | Zero in your blood when you drive. | | Electronic devices | None, hand-held or hands-free, except to call 911. | | N sign | The green, magnetic N on the back of the vehicle, unless you’re 25 or older. | | Passengers | One passenger (not counting immediate family) unless you’re 25+ or have a supervisor 22+ beside you. | ## Getting from N to Class 5 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. **Keep a clean record.** No prohibitions or suspensions, and no convictions for excessive speeding or using an electronic device, during that time. 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. **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. **Full Class 5.** After 12 safe months the restriction ends. You don’t need to apply for a new card. > Before October 19, 2026, N drivers took a second road test (the Class 5 road test) to leave the program. ICBC replaced it with the Driving Record Assessment. The [Class 5 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/class-5-road-test) still exists for some new residents and re-exams. ## 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 - [ICBC, Get your N](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/Get-your-N) (checked 2026-10-26) - [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, 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 ICBC Class 7 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-road-test) - [The ICBC Class 5 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/class-5-road-test) - [Class 7L: the B.C. learner’s licence](https://class7practicetest.ca/class-7-learners-licence) - [Class 7 vs Class 5 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/vs/class-7-vs-class-5-road-test)