# British Columbia driver licensing program changes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-driver-licensing-program-changes > Updated: 2026-10-24T19:21:44.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2. Effective October 19, 2026, British Columbia modified its Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) by eliminating the second practical road test required for novice drivers to obtain a Class 5 licence. This requirement has been replaced by a Driving Record Assessment. The provincial government and ICBC stated the update aims to simplify the licensing process and reduce barriers, particularly for those in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Officials cited research suggesting that a clean driving record serves as a strong predictor of road safety, noting the change aligns B.C. with evolving road safety practices in other jurisdictions. Under the new regulations, eligible drivers must adhere to specific restrictions for 12 months, including zero blood-alcohol and zero blood-drug-content requirements. Age-based eligibility criteria apply: drivers aged 25 and older require 12 months of safe novice driving following a nine-month learner stage, while those under 25 must demonstrate 24 months of safe driving (or 18 months if an approved GLP course is completed). Drivers with road tests scheduled on or after the implementation date have had those tests cancelled and were directed to receive email instructions regarding next steps. Novice drivers remain under strict oversight; violations can lead to fines, penalty points, increased insurance premiums, or intervention by RoadSafetyBC through the Driver Improvement Program. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-24: British Columbia updates driver licensing and road safety enforcement British Columbia has replaced the second road test for novice drivers with a Driving Record Assessment and is utilizing unmarked police vehicles for highway speed enforcement. 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-columbia-eliminates-second-road-test-for-novice-drivers ### 2026-10-18: British Columbia implements new driver licensing rules British Columbia is replacing the second road test in its Graduated Licensing Program with a Driving Record Assessment to improve accessibility and align with modern safety practices. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-columbia-implements-new-driver-licensing-rules --- Cite as: British Columbia driver licensing program changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-driver-licensing-program-changes