BC commercial licence prep
BC Class 4 Knowledge Test Guide
Class 4 is a commercial passenger-vehicle licence for drivers of taxis, ride-share vehicles, ambulances, and small buses in BC. This page covers the knowledge test format, study topics, and how to prepare. Always confirm official requirements with ICBC.
Questions
35 multiple-choice questions
Passing score
28 correct answers (80%)
Time limit
45 minutes
Cost
Approximately $15 (confirm with ICBC)
Prerequisite
Must hold a valid BC Class 5 licence
Official guide
Study ICBC Driving Commercial Vehicles
Who needs a Class 4 licence
Class 4 is required for anyone who drives a commercial passenger vehicle for work. The exact sub-class depends on the vehicle and the number of passengers.
Class 4 Restricted
For vehicles carrying up to 10 passengers, including:
- Taxi and ride-share drivers (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
- Ambulance drivers
- Special vehicles like airport shuttles (up to 10 passengers)
- HandyDART and paratransit vehicles
- Some limousine services
Class 4 Unrestricted
For larger passenger vehicles carrying up to 24 passengers, including:
- Small buses (up to 24 passengers)
- Larger shuttle services
- Tour buses within the passenger limit
- Special transportation services
- All vehicles covered by Class 4 Restricted
What the knowledge test covers
The Class 4 knowledge test draws from ICBC's Driving Commercial Vehicles guide. It covers both standard driving rules and commercial-specific topics.
Commercial driver responsibilities
- Legal obligations for commercial vehicle operators
- Hours of service and fatigue management
- Licence conditions and restrictions
- Record-keeping and documentation requirements
- Consequences of violations for commercial drivers
Passenger safety
- Safe boarding and exiting procedures
- Securing passengers, including those with mobility aids
- Managing passenger behaviour while driving
- Special considerations for vulnerable passengers
- Emergency evacuation procedures for passenger vehicles
Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Systematic walk-around inspection checklist
- Checking tires, lights, signals, and mirrors
- Brake system checks before driving
- Fluid levels, belts, and general engine compartment
- Interior safety equipment (fire extinguisher, first aid kit)
Emergency procedures
- Brake failure response
- Tire blowout handling at various speeds
- Fire in or around the vehicle
- Collision procedures and scene safety
- First aid obligations for commercial drivers
Defensive driving
- Hazard perception and anticipation
- Safe following distances for larger vehicles
- Scanning techniques for urban and highway driving
- Managing blind spots in commercial vehicles
- Driving in adverse weather and road conditions
Signs, signals, and rules
- Standard road signs and signals (same as Class 7)
- Commercial vehicle-specific signs and restrictions
- Weight and dimension limits for commercial vehicles
- Parking rules for commercial vehicles
- Right-of-way rules review
How Class 4 differs from Class 7
If you have already studied for and passed the Class 7 knowledge test, here is how the Class 4 test builds on that foundation.
What is the same
- 35 multiple-choice questions, 28 needed to pass (80%)
- Basic road rules, signs, signals, and right of way
- Speed limits, school zones, and parking rules
- Defensive driving principles
- Impairment and distraction rules
What is added for Class 4
- Commercial driver responsibilities and legal obligations
- Passenger safety, boarding, and evacuation procedures
- Pre-trip inspection requirements for commercial vehicles
- Emergency response specific to passenger vehicles
- Air brake material (only if applicable to your vehicle)
How to prepare
Read the commercial guide
ICBC publishes the Driving Commercial Vehicles guide specifically for Class 4 preparation. Read it cover to cover and take notes on the chapters that apply to your licence class. This is the primary study resource.
Review Class 7 basics
The Class 4 test still covers standard driving rules. If it has been a while since you studied for Class 7, review signs, right of way, speed limits, and defensive driving to refresh your memory.
Focus on passenger safety
Passenger safety is a major theme on the Class 4 test. Study boarding and exiting procedures, securing mobility aids, managing passenger behaviour, and emergency evacuation. Think about how your decisions affect the people you are carrying.
Learn pre-trip inspections
Pre-trip inspection is both a knowledge test topic and a practical skill. Learn the systematic walk-around process and understand why each check matters. You will need this skill for the road test as well.
Study emergency procedures
Commercial drivers need to know how to handle emergencies like brake failure, tire blowouts, vehicle fires, and collisions. Study the correct response for each scenario, especially when passengers are on board.
Check air brake requirements
If the vehicle you plan to drive has air brakes, you will need to study additional chapters and may need a separate air brake endorsement. Confirm with ICBC whether this applies to your situation before you book the test.
Class 4 licensing pathway
Getting your Class 4 licence involves multiple steps. Here is the general pathway.
Hold a valid BC Class 5 driver licence (not a Learner or Novice)
Study the ICBC Driving Commercial Vehicles guide
Book and pass the Class 4 knowledge test at an ICBC office
Book and pass the Class 4 road test (pre-trip inspection + driving)
If applicable, complete the air brake knowledge test and practical assessment
Meet any additional requirements for your specific commercial role
Review Class 7 study resources
Since the Class 4 test includes standard driving rules, these Class 7 resources can help you refresh the basics before focusing on commercial topics.
Frequently asked questions
What is a BC Class 4 licence for?
Class 4 allows you to drive commercial passenger vehicles such as taxis, ride-share vehicles, ambulances, and small buses. The specific sub-class (Class 4 Unrestricted or Class 4 Restricted) determines exactly which vehicles you can operate. Confirm your requirements with ICBC.
What is the difference between Class 4 Restricted and Unrestricted?
Class 4 Restricted covers vehicles like taxis, ride-share, and ambulances with up to 10 passengers. Class 4 Unrestricted adds larger passenger vehicles like small buses with up to 24 passengers. Both require the knowledge test, but the unrestricted class has additional road test requirements.
Do I need to pass a road test for Class 4?
Yes. In addition to the knowledge test, you must pass a Class 4 road test that evaluates commercial driving skills. The knowledge test covered on this page is the first step.
What should I study for the Class 4 knowledge test?
Use ICBC's Driving Commercial Vehicles guide. Focus on commercial driver responsibilities, passenger safety, pre-trip inspection, defensive driving, and emergency procedures. If your vehicle has air brakes, study the air brake chapters as well.
Do I need an air brake endorsement?
Only if the vehicle you will drive is equipped with air brakes. The air brake endorsement requires a separate knowledge test and practical assessment. Check with ICBC whether your intended vehicle requires it.
How many times can I take the Class 4 knowledge test?
You can retake the test after a waiting period if you do not pass. Check with ICBC for current rules on rebooking and any additional fees.
Can I study using Class 7 materials?
Class 7 materials cover basic driving rules that are still relevant, but Class 4 adds commercial topics like passenger safety, vehicle inspections, and commercial responsibilities. You need the Driving Commercial Vehicles guide for the Class 4-specific content.
Is this page an official Class 4 test?
No. ExamCanada.online is an independent study resource. This page provides study guidance, but always use official ICBC materials and follow their appointment instructions for the real test.
Help the community
Took the BC Class 4 test? Your experience helps the next person study better.
Official sources to check
Exam rules can change. Confirm booking, ID, fee, and licence rules with ICBC before your appointment.
- ICBC Learn to Drive Smart (full guide)
- ICBC Learn to Drive Smart (PDF download)
- ICBC Get your L (new drivers)
- ICBC official practice knowledge test
- ICBC Getting started
- ICBC Graduated Licensing Program (GLP)
- ICBC Tuning Up for Drivers (road test prep)
- ICBC prepare for your road test appointment
- ICBC book a road test
- ICBC book a knowledge test
- ICBC driver licensing office locator
- ICBC Driving Commercial Vehicles guide (PDF)
- BC Motor Vehicle Act (official legislation)