BC Driving · ICBC · GLP · July 2026 · 7 min read
ICBC GLP Changes 2026 — What L and N Drivers Need to Know
BC's Graduated Licensing Program has specific rules for new drivers at the L and N stages. Here is a clear breakdown of the current rules, what has changed, and what you need to know before you get behind the wheel as a new driver in BC.
What Is the GLP?
BC's Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) is a staged system designed to give new drivers experience under progressively fewer restrictions before they earn a full Class 5 licence. There are three stages: Class 7L (Learner), Class 7N (Novice), and Class 5 (full licence).
The program has existed in various forms since 1998 and has been updated several times since. The core philosophy is that new drivers have a higher crash rate, particularly in their first 2 years, and restrictions help reduce exposure to higher-risk situations (night driving, multiple passengers, alcohol) during that period.
Class 7L — Learner Stage
You get your L after passing the ICBC Class 7 knowledge test. You must hold it for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the Class 7N road test. Current rules for L drivers:
Supervisor required
You must have a supervisor with a valid Class 5 (or higher) licence, who has held it for at least 2 years, seated next to you at all times.
Zero BAC — no exceptions
Absolutely zero blood alcohol concentration. This applies even if you are not impaired. A single drink is enough to trigger a violation.
No cannabis
Zero tolerance for THC impairment. This includes legal cannabis that is no longer actively affecting you — a drug recognition evaluation can determine impairment.
Midnight to 5 AM restriction
L drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM unless accompanied by a supervisor AND driving for school, work, or a medical emergency. A general night drive with a supervisor does not exempt you.
One passenger (plus supervisor)
You may carry your supervisor and one additional passenger. Additional passengers are not permitted.
Display L sign
A red L sign must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle, visible to drivers behind you.
Seatbelts mandatory
All occupants must wear seatbelts. L drivers can be fined if a passenger is unbuckled, even if the passenger is an adult.
Class 7N — Novice Stage
After passing the road test, you move to the N (Novice) stage. You hold the N for a minimum of 24 months before you can take the Class 5 road test. Current rules for N drivers:
No supervisor required
N drivers can drive alone. This is the biggest difference from the L stage.
Zero BAC — still applies
Zero blood alcohol concentration continues to apply throughout the N stage. This restriction only lifts when you get your full Class 5.
One passenger only
N drivers may only carry one passenger at a time, unless that passenger is an immediate family member or a qualified supervisor. This is the restriction that causes the most confusion and violations.
No midnight to 5 AM driving
N drivers cannot drive between midnight and 5 AM unless they have a supervisor, or unless they are driving to/from work, school, or a medical emergency. The exception requires documentation — you can be asked to prove it.
Display N sign
A green N sign must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle at all times.
No hand-held devices
No phone use while driving, including hands-free texting. The restriction is the same as for full licence holders.
Zero cannabis impairment
Same as the L stage — zero tolerance for THC impairment.
The one-passenger rule catches people off guard
N drivers get fines regularly for carrying more than one passenger. The exceptions (family members, supervisor present) are narrow. “Family member” means a parent, step-parent, guardian, sibling, or child — not a cousin, aunt, or close friend you call family. If you are not sure whether someone qualifies, they probably do not.
How Long Does the GLP Take?
Stage 1: Class 7L
12 months
Minimum hold time. Pass the knowledge test, drive supervised, then book the road test.
Stage 2: Class 7N
24 months
Minimum hold time after passing the road test. Drive solo with N restrictions.
Total minimum
3 years
From knowledge test to full Class 5 licence, with no delays. Many drivers take longer due to road test wait times.
The 3-year minimum assumes you pass both road tests on your first attempt and book them immediately after your hold period expires. In practice, road test availability in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Okanagan can mean waits of 4–8 weeks or more. Start monitoring availability and book early.
GLP Violations and Consequences
Violating GLP restrictions is not a minor traffic offence. ICBC takes these violations seriously because the restrictions exist specifically because new drivers have a higher crash risk. Consequences include:
BAC above zero (L or N)
Immediate 12-hour roadside prohibition. Possible vehicle impoundment. Driving record notation that affects your insurance.
Passenger violation (N drivers)
Fine + penalty points. Repeated violations can result in a driving record review and extended N stage.
Curfew violation
Fine + penalty points. This applies whether you are driving alone or with passengers outside the exceptions.
No L or N sign displayed
Fine. The sign is a legal requirement, not optional. A missing sign is not a defence in an accident.
Driving without a supervisor (L stage)
Fine + penalty points. Depending on circumstances, ICBC may extend the L stage or suspend your licence.
What You Should Be Studying
The ICBC knowledge test covers GLP rules directly — questions about L and N restrictions, passenger limits, curfew hours, and the BAC requirements appear on the test. If you are preparing for the Class 7 knowledge test, make sure you know the GLP section of Learn to Drive Smart cold. These questions have clear, non-negotiable answers that you either know or you do not.
The most tested GLP facts on the Class 7 knowledge test:
- L drivers: one passenger plus supervisor only
- N drivers: one passenger only (with specific family/supervisor exceptions)
- Midnight to 5 AM restriction applies to both L and N drivers
- Zero BAC for L and N — not 0.05, not 0.08. Zero.
- L drivers must always have a supervisor seated next to them
- Both L and N signs must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle
Ready to pass the Class 7 knowledge test?
265 free practice questions covering GLP rules, road signs, speed limits, right of way, and everything else on the ICBC test.