Some ‘N’ drivers consider waiting for ICBC licensing changes before getting Class 5

It appears that some novice drivers in B.C. are considering delaying obtaining their full license until new changes take effect at ICBC in 2026.

In April, the province introduced legislation to help streamline ICBC’s Graduated Driver Licensing program by proposing the elimination of the second road test and extending the restriction period for ‘N’ drivers.

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

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The province explains that these rules will be implemented early next year.

The move has some wondering if it’s even worth getting their full license before the change or whether they should wait it out.

Hundreds of people have commented on a Reddit thread mulling just that.

“I’ve had my N since 2007. Nothing will make me take the next road test,” said one user.

“Never saw a reason to get the whole Class 5 [to be honest],” added another.

“I know a surprising amount of people over 25 that don’t have their Class 5,” chimed in another commenter.

William McLeod is 30 years old and has had his ‘N’ for five years. He splits his time between Gabriola Island and Vancouver. He drives in both locations and tells 1130 NewsRadio he has zero plans to ever get his full license.

“The restrictions have never really bothered me. I don’t drink very often, and honestly, most of my friends have full licenses and they’re over 25, so I’ve never had any issues with the passenger restriction,” he said.

He says the long wait times for a test are also part of the problem.

“It’s a cumbersome experience I’ve never really wanted to go through again. Doing it the first time was pretty annoying. I don’t think I’d ever take another road test again,” McLeod shared.

“I don’t really have any interest in booking a test and having to go through that experience once more. I’ve been driving for quite a while, and I just don’t feel the need to do any other road tests.”

McLeod says transit is easily accessible for him in Vancouver, and that’s another reason he’s not interested.

“Suddenly, the restrictions don’t matter as much, and with bookings taking nine, 10 months out, it’s an inconvenience you don’t really have to worry about,” he said.

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In April 1130, NewsRadio reported on the long wait times to book a road test at ICBC, with the Crown corporation issuing a public apology at the time.

“Some people use the trick where you go to a small town to do it, but I did my ‘N’ test in Point Grey, and I kind of want to do it in the same area, but it’s one of the busiest centres. I think I was looking in March or April, and it was booking all the way out to October,” McLeod explained.

McLeod says he’s never liked the idea of having to do two tests or the 24-month probationary period for ‘N’ drivers. He points to other parts of the country that don’t have this kind of system.

“It’s needless. It’s expensive. I think there are better ways to deal with maybe more reckless drivers … I think there’s a better way to handle it than the two road test system, for sure. To be honest, most of the reckless drivers I see on the road don’t have ‘Ns’ on the back of their cars,” he explained.

“My partner, she is from Yukon, she got her full license at 17, and she’s a great driver. Clearly, a lot of other provinces have figured this one out already.”

Right now, drivers in B.C. have to pass two road tests, with the novice stage lasting two years, but it can be reduced with approved driver training. After that, they can take their Class 5 to become fully licensed.

In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, ICBC says it hasn’t seen a “notable decrease” in road test appointments since April’s announcement.

“We’ll continue to monitor and adjust to help meet the demand,” it shared.

As for the ongoing driver instructor shortage in the province, which plays a role in long wait times for tests, ICBC says so far it has hired 10 permanent and 11 temporary examiners.

“We’ll be looking to hire an additional 15 temporary driver examiners as soon as possible. Many examiners have also been working overtime to conduct more road tests.”

If you’re affected by ICBC’s licensing program or are waiting to take your ‘N’ or Class 5 test and want to share your story, please get in touch with reporter Sonia Aslam.