British Columbia is set to overhaul its graduated licensing program, a move that could significantly change how new drivers obtain their full licenses. On April 16, 2025, the provincial government introduced legislation to eliminate the requirement for a second road test, a change that has not been made in over 25 years. This reform aims to streamline the licensing process while enhancing road safety for novice drivers and motorcyclists alike.
According to Solicitor General Garry Begg, new research indicates that a driver’s safe driving record is a more reliable indicator of competency than a second road test. "So we think, backed up by the research that’s been done, that this is a change that’s welcomed by the people," Begg stated. He emphasized that the new approach would speed up the service provided by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) in scheduling road tests, which have been plagued by significant backlogs.
The proposed changes, which are part of Bill 12 — the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2025 — will come into effect in early 2026 if approved. They include a transition period for current learners and novice drivers, meaning those already holding their "L" (learner’s) or "N" (novice) designations will not have to take the second test, depending on the timing of their applications.
The current system requires novice drivers to hold their "N" license for two years before taking the second road test to obtain a full license. Under the new legislation, this requirement will be removed, and drivers will instead face a 12-month probationary period during which they must demonstrate safe driving behavior. This probationary period is designed to ensure that any infractions, such as speeding or using a mobile device, will reset the clock on their eligibility for a full license.
In addition to easing the path for new drivers, the reforms also introduce a new motorcycle licensing program. This program will replace the previous 30-day full license process with a nine-month learner stage followed by an 18-month restricted license, enhancing safety measures for new riders.
Minister of Public Safety Gary Begg highlighted that the changes are intended to improve road safety and accessibility for new drivers, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities. "These changes are intended to improve road safety for new drivers and motorcyclists by ensuring they gain more on-road experience and improve licensing accessibility by addressing barriers experienced by Indigenous and rural and remote communities," he stated in a news release.
Currently, the only province in Canada still requiring a second road test as part of its graduated licensing program is Ontario. The B.C. government’s proposed reforms align the province with others like Alberta, which has already moved away from the two-test requirement.
Under the new guidelines, drivers under 25 will still need to hold their learner’s license for at least one year before progressing to the novice stage, which can last anywhere from 18 to 24 months depending on whether they have completed approved driver training. For those 25 years and older, the process will be expedited: they will only need to hold their "N" license for 12 months.
The B.C. government anticipates that these changes will not only streamline the licensing process but also reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on the roads. By focusing on safe driving behavior and making the licensing process more accessible, officials hope to cultivate a new generation of responsible drivers.
As the legislation moves through the legislative process, discussions around its implications for road safety and driver competency continue. Advocates for the changes argue that the focus should be on the driver’s record rather than the number of tests taken, while critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of the new measures in ensuring safety on the roads.
With these reforms, B.C. is taking a significant step towards modernizing its approach to driver education and safety. The anticipated changes reflect a shift in how provinces are addressing the challenges of new driver licensing, aiming for a balance between accessibility and safety.
As the B.C. government prepares for the implementation of these changes, it remains to be seen how they will affect the overall safety of the province’s roads and whether they will indeed lead to a more competent generation of drivers.
