BC overhauls graduated licensing rules: new zero-tolerance periods, stricter supervision requirements, and automatic Class 7-to-5 upgrades

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted

British Columbia has made sweeping changes to its graduated driver licensing system. New Class 5 graduates and certain new residents who obtain a Class 5 licence must now observe a zero-tolerance period for alcohol, cocaine, and THC that lasts until they have accumulated 12 months of clean driving history after getting their full licence; if that period is interrupted by a prohibition or suspension, the clock resets. Supervision rules for Class 5L licence holders are tightened: accompanying drivers must now be at least 22 years old (up from 19 for new licences issued after the change takes effect), and the supervising driver must be awake and able to lawfully operate the vehicle at all times. A one-time automatic upgrade allows eligible Class 7 holders who already meet the new Class 5 graduation criteria on the effective date to be deemed Class 5 holders without reapplying. The regulation also codifies approved breathalyzer and drug-screening devices (including roadside oral fluid testers for THC and cocaine), extends the 'N' sign requirement to Class 8 licence holders, and increases a specified licence fee from $35 to $50. Drivers in the graduated system, their supervisors, and new residents transferring licences to BC should review how the new zero-tolerance and supervision rules apply to their specific situation.

Who this affects
Class 7 licence holders seeking graduation to Class 5 · new Class 5 graduates subject to zero-tolerance periods · new residents transferring a foreign driver's licence to BC · Class 5L and 7L learner drivers and their supervising passengers · Class 8 and 8L motorcycle licence holders · ICBC and law enforcement applying roadside screening rules