B.C. proposes changes to graduated licensing program

The Canadian Press

· Posted: Apr 17, 2025 10:01 AM EDT | Last Updated: 10 minutes ago

The British Columbia government has introduced authorities to marque changes to its graduated driver's licensing regime, seeking to eliminate the request for a 2nd roadworthy trial to get a afloat licence. 

Public Safety Minister Garry Begg says the changes, if approved, volition spot caller drivers get "on-road experience" and beryllium taxable to a 12-month regularisation alternatively than beryllium required to instrumentality different trial to get their Class 5 licence. 

A connection from the ministry says determination volition besides beryllium a caller programme to licence motorcycle drivers, who are "overrepresented successful fatal crashes in B.C."

The ministry connection says the programme hasn't been importantly changed successful the 25 years since it was introduced, requiring caller drivers to spell done a learner's play and show an "L" connected their vehicles, and past a novice play lasting 2 years. 

It says the changes would require drivers nether 25 to walk a twelvemonth arsenic a "learner" nether restrictions, past 2 years arsenic a "novice," followed by a "driver grounds assessment" and a caller 12-month "restriction period" earlier getting a licence with "full privileges." 

The ministry says the caller authorities for motorcycle riders includes a longer "learning and regularisation period" to promote safer riding habits, noting that motorcycles marque up little than 4 per cent of insured vehicles, but are progressive successful much than 14 per cent of fatal crashes. 

The changes could travel into effect successful aboriginal 2026 if the authorities passes, the state said