Most newcomers need to deal with ICBC, the provincial insurer that also handles driver licensing, soon after arriving. This page gathers the questions people ask most about licences, learner rules, address changes and fuel tax. It is an independent guide from a local real estate agent, not affiliated with ICBC or the Province of B.C. Rules and fees change, so confirm details on the official ICBC site before you act.
Update your address as soon as you have one, and keep any confirmation you receive. Many other things, such as insurance, vehicle records and mail, tie back to it.
How do I get a B.C. licence?
How do I get a driver's license in British Columbia?
In B.C. you earn a licence through ICBC's graduated licensing program, which starts with a learner's (L) licence from age 16 and takes about three to four years.
For your L you pass a 50-question knowledge test (40 right to pass), online or at an ICBC driver licensing office, plus a vision screening. Next comes the Class 7 road test for your novice (N) licence. Since October 19, 2026, a Driving Record Assessment replaces the second road test for the Class 5 licence with restrictions, followed by 12 months of restrictions before full privileges.
If you already hold a licence from elsewhere, ICBC has separate moving-to-B.C. rules.
How much does it cost to take the ICBC knowledge test?
The ICBC knowledge test costs $15 per attempt, whether you take it online or in person at a driver licensing office.
For the online test, you pay by Visa, MasterCard or American Express when you register. If you fail, you can retake it online after 24 hours and pay the $15 again. The online option has been available for passenger vehicle (Class 5 and 7) and motorcycle knowledge tests since June 9, 2026, and a pass is valid for one year.
The licence fee is separate and is paid at the driver licensing office. ICBC's fees page lists the current amounts.
What are the learner rules?
Can I drive alone with a learners license in BC?
No, a learner's (L) licence holder in B.C. must drive with a qualified supervisor sitting beside them in the front passenger seat.
ICBC lists the supervisor as age 22 or older with a valid Class 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence and no zero-alcohol restriction. Other L rules include displaying an L sign on the back of the vehicle, zero alcohol or drugs, and no hand-held or hands-free devices. You may carry one passenger besides your supervisor and immediate family, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
What has changed recently?
What are the new ICBC rules for 2026?
Two 2026 changes affect new drivers in B.C.: an online knowledge test, and a Driving Record Assessment that replaced the second road test.
Since June 9, 2026, you can take the passenger vehicle and motorcycle knowledge tests online. Since October 19, 2026, Class 7 novice drivers with a clean record move to a Class 5 licence with restrictions through a Driving Record Assessment. You need at least 24 months of safe driving if you are under 25 (18 months with an approved course) or 12 months if you are 25 or older, with no prohibitions, suspensions, or convictions for excessive speed or electronic devices. ICBC's site lists any other changes.
Do drivers over 70 have to take a test?
No, B.C. does not set a driving test at age 70; the age-based requirement is a medical exam at 80, 85 and every two years after that.
ICBC says you get a notice a couple of months before your 80th birthday. After you submit the form, RoadSafetyBC reviews it and, if there are concerns, may ask for an Enhanced Road Assessment. You have 45 days to submit the form or your licence may be cancelled.
Drivers of any age can be asked for a medical exam if a medical condition might affect driving. See ICBC's medical exam page for details.
How do I change my address?
How can I update the address on my driver's license in BC?
You must change the address on your B.C. driver's licence within 10 days of moving, and you can do it online, by phone or in person.
ICBC points to the B.C. government's online address change service, or you can call ICBC's driver licensing information line or visit a driver licensing office. A BCID card can only be updated by phone or in person.
Your insurance address is a separate step: visit an Autoplan broker in person to sign the documents, because an out-of-date policy might not cover you in a claim. Details are on ICBC's page.
I haven't received my ICBC address change sticker. What should I do?
If your address change sticker has not arrived within two weeks, call ICBC or visit a driver licensing office.
ICBC gives that two-week window on its address change page, in the section on changing your address online through the B.C. government's address change service. You can reach ICBC through its driver licensing information line, or go in person to a driver licensing office.
ICBC says you must update the address on your licence within 10 days of moving, and your insurance address is a separate change made in person through an Autoplan broker. Keep any confirmation from your online change handy when you call.
Is there a carbon tax on gas?
Does Canada still have a carbon tax on gas?
Not at the pump in B.C.: both the federal consumer fuel charge and B.C.'s own carbon tax ended in spring 2025.
The federal Department of Finance set its fuel charge rates to zero after March 31, 2025, while keeping carbon pricing for large industrial emitters. B.C. eliminated its provincial carbon tax effective April 1, 2025, according to the Province's motor fuel tax page, last updated August 21, 2026.
That same page says B.C.'s separate motor fuel tax is still in effect on gasoline, diesel and propane unless an exemption applies, so it remains part of what you pay for fuel in Vernon.
Are you bringing a licence from another province or country? Tell Sean what you are coming with and he can help you plan the first few weeks.
Related guides
- Getting around Vernon without the guesswork
- Moving to B.C.: the checklist
- Moving from Calgary to Vernon
- Moving from Vancouver or the Fraser Valley to Vernon
- Cost of living in Vernon, compared
Updated October 28, 2026. Published by Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. General information from official sources, not legal, tax, immigration or medical advice.
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Sources for this page
- Graduated licensing, ICBC (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Get your L, ICBC (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Changes to the Graduated Licensing Program, ICBC (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Take the online knowledge test, ICBC (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Driver's medical exams, ICBC (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Tips for senior drivers, ICBC (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Change your name or address, ICBC (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Motor fuel tax and carbon tax, Province of B.C. (updated Aug 21, 2026) (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Removing the consumer carbon price, effective April 1, 2025, Department of Finance Canada (accessed Oct 28, 2026)