# Class 7 vs Class 5 road test

> ICBC’s Class 7 and Class 5 road tests compared: who takes each since October 19, 2026, length, fee, skills, hazard perception, and the Driving Record Assessment.

Canonical: https://class7practicetest.ca/vs/class-7-vs-class-5-road-test
Last updated: 2026-10-26

The Class 7 road test takes you from L to N. The Class 5 road test used to take you from N to a full licence, but since October 19, 2026 most N drivers upgrade with a clean driving record instead. Here’s how the two tests compare now.

## Side by side

|  | Class 7 road test | Class 5 road test |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Who takes it | Every learner (Class 7L) going for an N | Some new residents, licences expired 3+ years, RoadSafetyBC re-exams |
| When you can take it | After 12 months as a learner (9 months if 25+) | After passing the knowledge test, for new residents |
| Length | About 35 minutes with feedback | About 40 minutes with feedback |
| Fee | $50 | $50 |
| Standard | Safe, smooth and controlled; not perfect | An experienced driver with excellent vehicle control |
| Pre-trip check | Controls, seatbelt, seat, mirrors, head restraints | Car safety check, controls and hand signals |
| Hazard perception | Assessed as a skill | You may be asked to name hazards out loud |
| Pass gets you | Class 7 novice (N) licence | Class 5 licence |
| Retake waits | 14, 30, then 60 days | 14, 30, then 60 days |

## If you’re an N driver now

You probably don’t need the Class 5 road test. After 24 months of safe driving under 25 (18 months with an approved course) or 12 months of safe driving at 25+, with no prohibitions, suspensions, or speeding or device convictions, you pass a Driving Record Assessment at an ICBC office. You then hold a Class 5 with a zero alcohol/drug restriction for 12 months. Details on the [N licence page](https://class7practicetest.ca/n-licence-bc).

## Preparing for either test

Both tests mark the same see-think-do skills from Learn to Drive Smart, and ICBC’s Tuning up for drivers walks you through every manoeuvre. A few lessons with a licensed instructor can find habits your supervisor misses: [ask local schools](https://class7practicetest.ca/driving-schools).

## Questions people ask

### Which is harder, the Class 7 or the Class 5 road test?

The Class 5. It expects excellent vehicle control and may ask you to point out hazards as you drive.

### Do I need both road tests in B.C.?

Not anymore for most drivers. Since October 19, 2026 the second road test was replaced by a Driving Record Assessment.

## 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, 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 ICBC Class 7 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-road-test)
- [The ICBC Class 5 road test](https://class7practicetest.ca/class-5-road-test)
- [The N: B.C.’s novice licence](https://class7practicetest.ca/n-licence-bc)