# Online vs in-person ICBC knowledge test

> ICBC’s online knowledge test vs taking it at a driver licensing office: same questions, fee and pass mark, but different equipment, rules, retakes and next steps.

Canonical: https://class7practicetest.ca/vs/online-vs-in-person-knowledge-test
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Since June 9, 2026 you can take the ICBC knowledge test at home. The test itself is the same either way. What differs is the setup, the rules about your room and screen, and what you do after you pass.

## Side by side

|  | Online (at home) | In person (office) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Questions and pass mark | 50 questions, 80% | 50 questions, 80% |
| Time limit | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Fee | $15, credit card online | $15, cash, card, debit or cheque |
| Languages | 12 | 12 |
| When | Any time of day, within 72 hours of registering | Office hours; appointments required (walk-ins at ICBC offices when possible) |
| Equipment | Desktop or laptop, webcam, keyboard, mouse; no phone or tablet | Touch screen kiosk provided |
| Where you must be | Alone, quiet, well lit, in Canada or the U.S. | At the office |
| If you fail | Re-register and retake after 24 hours | Retake after one day |
| Disqualification risk | Webcam and screen monitoring; 3 disqualifications = no online test for 6 months | Automatic fail for phones, photos, smart glasses, “answer keys” |
| After you pass | Visit an office within a year: vision test, photo, licence fee | Vision test, photo and L in the same visit |

## Pick online if…

- You live far from an office, or appointments near you are scarce.
- You’re calmer testing in a familiar place (ICBC mentions test anxiety as one reason it launched the online option).
- You have a laptop or desktop with a webcam and a quiet room you can have to yourself.
- You want the freedom to retake quickly: re-register after 24 hours.

## Pick in person if…

- You want to walk out with your L the same day: the vision test and photo happen in the same visit.
- You don’t have a computer with a webcam, or a quiet space.
- You’d rather not risk a disqualification for looking away or moving the mouse off the test.
- You want to pay by cash or debit.

> Either way, you still need the in-person visit to get licensed, with two pieces of accepted ID and (if you’re a minor) parental consent. Read the full [knowledge test guide](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-knowledge-test), and practise first with our [ICBC practice test](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-practice-test).

## Questions people ask

### Is the online ICBC knowledge test easier?

No. ICBC says the questions, pass mark, time limit and fee are the same online and in person.

### Can I take the online knowledge test on my phone?

No. ICBC requires a desktop or laptop with a webcam, keyboard and mouse. Smartphones and tablets aren’t allowed.

### Do I get my L right after passing online?

No. You visit a driver licensing office within a year, pass a vision screening, pay the licence fee and get your photo taken.

## Sources

- [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, Get your L](https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/new-drivers/Get-your-L) (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)

Not affiliated with ICBC or the Government of British Columbia.

## Related

- [The ICBC knowledge test, step by step](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-knowledge-test)
- [ICBC practice test: free knowledge test for your L](https://class7practicetest.ca/icbc-practice-test)
- [The best ways to study for the ICBC knowledge test](https://class7practicetest.ca/best/ways-to-study-for-the-icbc-knowledge-test)