Serving All of British Columbia
infobc@preszlerlaw.com Call 1-888-404-5167

How Do You Get a Licence as a Teenager in British Columbia?


For many youths, earning a licence to drive is a rite of passage. For parents, supporting a child’s foray into greater independence is an exciting time, but it can also be fraught with anxiety. Fortunately, British Columbia uses a graduated licensing system designed to minimize risks and provide new drivers with the training they need to succeed. Continue reading to learn more about the B.C. driving system from a knowledgeable ICBC personal injury lawyer.

What Documents Are Needed to Get a Learner’s Licence? 

When applying for a learner’s licence, new drivers will need to provide ONE PRIMARY form of identification:

  • C. driver’s licence with photo (accepted up to three years after expiry date)
  • Immigrant documentation and licence (a student, work, visitor, temporary-resident or refugee permit)
  • C. services card with photo (accepted up to three years after expiry date)
  • C. identification card
  • Birth certificate
  • Canadian citizenship card
  • Canadian passport (must be currently valid)
  • Permanent resident card (must be currently valid)
  • Student, work, visitor, or temporary resident permit

They will also need ONE SECONDARY form of ID:

  • Bank card (with imprinted name and signature)
  • Birth certificate from a foreign country
  • Canadian Forces ID
  • Correctional service conditional release card
  • Credit card (with imprinted name and signature)
  • Department of National Defence 404 driver’s licence
  • Driver’s licence (Canadian or U.S.)
  • Employee ID card with photo
  • Foreign Affairs Canada or consular ID
  • Canadian health card
  • Native Status card
Call 1-877-572-1324 to speak with our British Columbia legal intake team for free Book Free Consultation

This is just a partial list– other forms are also acceptable, however, only the original form of these documents will be accepted– not emails or photocopies. All but the passport may be expired. 

How the B.C. Licensing System Works 

Here’s how the system works: 

  • Get Your L – Children 16 years of age or older may visit the nearest ICBC driver licensing office with a parent or legal guardian to take the written knowledge test, vision test, pay a $15 fee, and submit a parental consent form. (At age 19, no parental consent is required.) Forty out of 50 questions correct constitutes as passing. Before taking the test, students should prepare by studying the Learn to Drive Smart manual.

The “L” stage lasts for 12 to 24 months. Drivers must have another licensed adult at least 25 years of age present while behind the wheel and adhere to the restrictions printed on the licence. For instance, drivers must display a red “L” sign in the back window of the vehicle, drive with no more than one additional passenger besides the supervisor, and refrain from driving between midnight and 5 a.m

  • Get Your N – After one year of practicing with a supervisor, L drivers can take a road test with an ICBC instructor to become novices. N hopefuls will need $35 for the road test and $75 for the licence. Upon approval, these drivers must display a green “N” sign on the vehicle. A supervisor need not always be present, and there are no time restrictions. Passengers are still limited to no more than one non-immediate family member in the car unless a supervisor is present.
  • Get Your Full Licence – After two years of safe driving with an N and passing the 45-minute Class 5 road test ($50), the driver may apply for a full licence ($75) without restrictions. A driver can obtain a full licence in as little as 18 months by taking an ICBC-approved driver training course in the L stage and maintaining a safe driving record. The licence is good for up to five years, at which time another $75 will be necessary for renewal.

Why Are There So Many New Driver Restrictions? 

The system can be frustrating for youngsters who want the freedom of driving right away. However, the top causes of automobile accidents remain distracted driving, speeding, and impairment. For these reasons, there is a zero-tolerance policy on using handheld devices (even with hands-free technology) or driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Limiting the hours at which a teenager may drive and the number of peers in the vehicle further reduces the likelihood of carloads of partying kids on the roadways. 

Once Your Child is on the Road, Familiarize Yourself with ICBC Lawyers 

The last thing any parent wants to imagine is one’s teen involved in a motor vehicle accident. However, according to ICBC, one in six young drivers will be in a crash, and 25 percent of those individuals will suffer an injury. In 2015, there were 8,200 injuries and 28 fatalities involving drivers from 16-21.

It’s always good to have Vancouver ICBC lawyers listed on your phone in the event of a fender-bender.  We assist in preparing ICBC files, advocating for the injured, providing legal advice, and filing lawsuits for negligence or recklessness when necessary. It costs nothing upfront to work with an ICBC law firm. We get paid through the ICBC negotiating process. Preszler Injury Lawyers serves all of Vancouver through offices in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Kelowna, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria.

Connect With Our Legal Team



Schedule a call with our personal injury legal intake team. Our team is available 24/7 so call us now to book your call. Our scheduled intake allows you to tell us details about your accident and gives our legal team an opportunity to review your case and advise you on possible solutions and outcomes. The best part is, if you decide to hire us after this call - you don't pay anything unless we win. We can help clients regardless of where they reside in British Columbia so let us help you get started on your road to recovery.

 

1321 Blanshard Street
Suite 301,
Victoria, BC
V8W 0B6
Fax: 778-373-8213
Toll Free: 1-877-572-1324
4720 Kingsway
Suite 2600,
Burnaby, BC
V6E 3C9
Fax: 778-373-8213
Toll Free: 1-877-572-1324
5811 Cooney Road
Suite 305 South Tower,
Richmond, BC
V6X 3M1
Fax: 778-373-8213
Toll Free: 1-877-572-1324
7164 120th Street
Suite 202,
Surrey, BC
V3W 3M8
Fax: 778-373-8213
Toll Free: 1-877-572-1324
1631 Dickson Avenue
Suite 1100,
Kelowna, BC
V1Y 0B5
Fax: 778-373-8213
Toll Free: 1-877-572-1324
1075 West Georgia Street
Unit 825,
Vancouver, BC
V6E 3C9
Fax: 778-373-8213
Toll Free: 1-877-572-1324
*These are consultation offices that require a booked meeting in advance. Walk-ins are not allowed.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised that the header image and other images throughout this website may include both lawyer and non-lawyer/paralegal employees of Preszler Injury Lawyers and unrelated third parties. Please note that the purpose of this disclaimer is to ensure that the usage of our spokesperson, John Fraser, or any other non-lawyer/paralegals in our legal marketing is not to be construed in any way as misleading to the public. Any questions regarding the usage of non-lawyers in our legal marketing or otherwise can be directed to management. Please also note that past results are not indicative of future results and that each case is unique and that case results listed on site are from experiences across Canada and are not specific to any province. Please be advised that some of the content on this website may be out of date. None of the content is intended to act as legal advice as each situation is independent and unique and requires individual legal advice from a licensed lawyer or paralegal. For legal advice on your individual situation – we can provide legal guidance after you have contacted our firm and we have established a lawyer-client relationship contractually. Please note that some of the content on this website may be out of date and no longer relevant after May 2021. For additional clarification on legal questions please contact our law firm and book a consultation with a member of our legal team.