Licensed driving instructor & Director, Flow Driving School
Graduated licensing Program
The Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) in British Columbia is a mandatory three-stage program for new drivers designed to help them gain skills and experience while reducing the risk of accidents.
Understanding the GLP in BC
The graduated licensing process is designed to help new drivers gain experience and skills gradually over time, and to reduce the risk of collisions. In BC, the graduated licensing process has two stages: the learner stage (Class 7) and the novice stage (Class 5).
Learner Stage (Class 7)
During the learner stage, drivers are required to complete a knowledge test and obtain a learner’s license (Class 7). This license allows the driver to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver who has held a full driver’s license for at least two years. Learner drivers must also display a “L” decal on the back of their vehicle to indicate that they are a new driver.
Practice Requirements
During the learner stage, drivers are required to practice driving for at least 12 months and accumulate a recommended minimum of 60 hours of supervised driving. Of those 60 hours, at least 10 hours should be completed during darkness. During this time, drivers are not allowed to use any electronic devices while driving, and they must maintain a zero blood alcohol content (BAC) while behind the wheel.
Road Test
Once the learner driver has completed the required practice hours and passed a road test, they can move on to the novice stage (Class 5).
Novice Stage (Class 7)
Novice drivers are still subject to certain restrictions, but they have more freedom than learner drivers. For example, novice drivers are allowed to drive without supervision, but they must display a “N” decal on the back of their vehicle to indicate that they are a new driver.
Driving Restrictions
During the novice stage, drivers must maintain a zero BAC while driving, and they are not allowed to use any electronic devices while behind the wheel. They are also subject to a passenger restriction, which limits the number of passengers they can carry based on their license type and the time of day.
Full License (Class 5)
After two years of driving with a novice license and maintaining a clean driving record, drivers are eligible to apply for a full driver’s license (Class 5). However, it’s important to note that any driving infractions or accidents during the novice stage can result in a longer period of time with the novice license, or even a suspension or revocation of the license.
The graduated licensing process in BC is designed to help new drivers gain experience and skills gradually over time, and to reduce the risk of collisions. By completing the required practice hours and adhering to the restrictions and rules of the learner and novice stages, new drivers can gain the experience and skills necessary to become safe and responsible drivers on BC roads.