B.C. gov’t to remove second driver’s test, introduce wait period for new licensing

The B.C. government says it’s working to eliminate a step in the driver’s licensing process to fasttrack an overloaded waitlist for testing hopeful new drivers.

The province has introduced legislation to remove the requirement for a second road test to obtain a Class 5 licence.

“Instead, for those drivers eligible to move to a Class 5 licence, government will be creating a new 12-month restriction period, during which they must demonstrate safe driving behaviour to progress,” said a release by the province, Wednesday.

It says the changes will reduce the crash risk that comes with inexperience, remove requirements “not proven” to increase road safety, and decrease wait times for those seeking a road test to earn their ‘Novice’ licence.

“By removing unnecessary barriers for new drivers and strengthening safety measures for new riders, we’re making the licensing system more accessible, while helping to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on our roads,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Last week, the ICBC apologized to its customers, some of whom were seeing months-long wait times to book a driver’s test.

Implementation for the new rules is planned for early 2026.

More to come.