BC Licence Stages: L, N and Class 5
Compare BC's L, N and Class 5 with Ontario G1, G2 and Full G, including the updated 2026 licensing pathway.
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BC calls its learner stage L, its novice stage N and its full passenger-vehicle licence Class 5. These roughly correspond to G1, G2 and Full G in Ontario. They are stage comparisons, not interchangeable tests or automatic licence-transfer rules.
Start with Your L
Prepare for the ICBC knowledge test using BC material. Complete the required licensing steps, then practise with an eligible supervisor and follow the restrictions on your learner's licence.
Pass the Road Test for Your N
After meeting learner eligibility, take the Class 7 road test. Your N is a novice licence, so passing the test does not remove every restriction. Check the conditions attached to your licence before your first independent drive.
Move to Class 5 Under the Updated Program
BC changed the novice exit process in October 2026. Eligible N drivers now go through a record assessment and a restricted Class 5 period before reaching the unrestricted stage. Use the Class 5 guide for the current pathway.
Moving from Ontario or Another Province
If you already hold a licence, ask ICBC how your class and driving experience will be recognized. Do not restart the learner process or book a test solely from the comparison below. The documents you can provide and your licence history matter.
Put Your Preparation into Practice
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BC Route Downloads
Roadity's British Columbia practice routes are coming soon. Read the test and city preparation guides now; guided routes are not available to download yet.
Continue Your BC Preparation
ICBC Knowledge Test: Prepare for Your BC L
Prepare for the BC ICBC knowledge test with study topics, online testing information and Reev's test-prep app for iPhone and Android.
BC Class 7 Road Test: Getting Your N
Prepare for your ICBC N road test: learner eligibility, practice priorities, appointment preparation and BC route availability.
BC Class 5 Licence and Road Test Changes
Understand BC's October 2026 Class 5 changes, the driving-record assessment, restricted period and who should check road-test requirements.
BC L Licence Restrictions: Supervisors, Passengers and Hours
Check the current BC learner rules: a qualified supervisor, passenger limits, L sign, driving hours and phone restrictions after the 2026 changes.
BC N Licence Restrictions: What Changed in 2026
Understand current BC N rules for passengers, the N sign, phones and graduation, including the changes for Class 7 drivers aged 25 or older.
ICBC Class 5 Road Test: Who Needs It and How to Prepare
Check whether you need a BC Class 5 road test after the 2026 changes, then prepare for an ICBC-required test with a focused practice plan.
ICBC Practice Test Preparation: Build a Study Routine
Use ICBC practice tests, Learn to Drive Smart and Reev's BC test-prep app to review signs, rules and weak topics before the knowledge test.
How to Book an ICBC Road Test
Find the official ICBC booking service, check your test class and prepare your location and vehicle details before test day.
BC Road Signs: Study for the ICBC Test
Learn how to study BC road signs, signals and markings for the ICBC knowledge test and supervised driving practice.
Questions About BC Driving Tests
Does BC have G1, G2 and G tests?
No. Those are Ontario names. Search for the ICBC knowledge test (L), Class 7 road test (N) and Class 5 licensing for BC.
Sources
Checked November 12, 2026. Roadity provides independent preparation content and is not affiliated with ICBC.