GLP Explained
Driving is a complex skill consisting of a combination of motor skills and road rules. Gaining the necessary skills, experience and awareness to become a good driver all takes time. B.C.'s Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) implements special stages throughout the process of achieving a full licence in order to reduce the risk of crashes. As drivers gain skills and experience, restrictions are removed.
What is the Advantage of taking a GLP-Approved Driving Course?
When drivers complete an ICBC approved GLP course, it allows them to challenge their Class 5 (full licence) road test six months earlier than the 24 month minimum timeframe. That means that 18 months after receiving Class 7 status, if they have no violation tickets or at-fault crashes, they can take their Class 5 road test. Students benefit from gaining 2 high school credits after successfully completing the course.
What are the GLP Stages?
To get a Class 5 (full-privilege) British Columbia driving licence, new drivers must go through a phased program of training and tests. You will need to take one knowledge test and then 2 road tests before achieving a full Class 5 licence. The 4 steps are outlined below.
Step 1: Learners Stage (Class 7L Licence)
The first stage of graduated licensing is the learner stage. To enter this stage - and start driving on the public roads - you will need a learner's (Class 7L) licence. The Class 7L test consists of a written knowledge test taken at an ICBC licensing office and a vision check as well as a medical questionnaire. The test costs $15 and you need to bring a parent/guardian as well as proper government ID.
If the application is successful, you will have your photo taken and need to pay $10 for your licence card. You will be issued a temporary paper licence until your photo (Class7L) licence arrives via mail.
You will remain in the 7L stage for a minimum of 12 months. After 12 months you qualify to take your first road test to enter the Novice stage. You can stay in the learner stage as long as you need to. Your learner's licence is valid for two years (but can be renewed by re-qualifying on the knowledge test).
Learner stage restrictions
Display an L sign - When driving, you must display the red L sign at the back of your vehicle so drivers behind can see it.
Qualified supervisor - You must be accompanied by a supervisor who is 25 or older and has a valid driver's licence (Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5). He or she must sit beside you in the front passenger seat.
Passenger restriction - You may carry a maximum of two passengers: your licensed adult supervisor and one other person.
Driving hours - You may drive only between 5 am and midnight.
Zero blood-alcohol content - There must be no alcohol in your body when you drive.
NEW CELL PHONE LAW - Drivers must NOT use a cell phone even with a hands-free device.
Step 2: Class 7 Road test
You may take the Class 7 road test after you've had your Class 7L learner's licence for at least twelve months. The road test will evaluate your ability to operate the vehicle, your understanding of driving and road regulations as well as your awareness and hazard perception. The test takes approximately 45 minutes. The test fee is $35 and must be booked in advance.
If you pass, you will be issued a Class 7 Novice photo driver's licence, which is valid for 5 years. The licence fee is $75. If you don't pass, you may take the test again after 14 days. You will have to pay the $35 fee again.
Step 3: Novice Stage (Class 7 Licence)
Once you pass your Class 7 road test, you are issued a Class 7 novice driver's licence. You advance from the Learner to the Novice stage of your licensing process. After a minimum of 24 months, most novice drivers are eligible to take the Class 5 road test. If you pass it, you get your full-privilege, Class 5 driver's licence. **If you complete a GLP-Approved driver training course, you may take your Class 5 road test 18 months after passing your Class 7 road test.**
Novice stage restrictions
During the novice stage, there are four restrictions:
Display an N sign - This replaces the L sign. When driving, you must display the green N sign at the back of your vehicle so drivers behind can see it.
Carry only one passenger - You are limited to one passenger unless you are accompanied by a supervisor 25 years or older with a valid Class 1 - 5 driver's licence. This restriction does not apply to immediate family members.
Zero blood-alcohol content - There must be no alcohol in your body when you drive.
NEW CELL PHONE LAW - Drivers must NOT use a cell phone even with a hands-free device.
Step 4: Class 5 Road Test
After you have spent at least 18 (GLP course) or 24 months in the Novice stage, you may take the Class 5 road test. The earliest exam date (EED) on the back of your licence tells you the date when you are eligible to take the Class 5 test. Passing this test means you exit graduated licensing and get your full-privilege Class 5 driver's licence. This is a more advanced road test than Class 7, with higher expectations when it comes to vehicle operation, awareness and hazard perception. This road test will take approximately one hour.
You need to book the road test in advance. The Class 5 road test fee is $50. The licence fee is either $17 (if your licence expires in more than six months) or $75 (if your licence expires in six months or less). If you don't pass, you may take the test again after 7 days. You will have to pay the $50 fee again. If you don't pass the second time, you'll have to wait 14 days for another re-test.