If you are using your parent or legal guardian’s car to learn, the person who owns the car should talk to a broker about Autoplan insurance coverage. Optional coverage is also available from private insurers.
As you learn to drive, it’s important to understand the specific restrictions that apply to Learner (L) and Novice (N) drivers.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Fully Licensed Driver?
It takes approximately 3 years to pass the 3 tests (1 multiple-choice test and 2 road tests) and complete all steps of graduated licensing.
Why Are There So Many Steps to Get Licensed?
New drivers cause many traffic-related deaths and injuries. In response to accident statistics and successful licensing systems used in other countries, Canada’s provincial and territorial governments introduced new driver standards in the mid-2000s.
Most programs include a multi-stage system with mandatory learner and intermediate stages that take place over set time periods before graduation to a full licence.
What Happens To My Insurance If My Licence Is Suspended?
You must report your licence suspension immediately to your ICBC Autoplan broker. If you commit a criminal infraction while driving, your driver’s licence can be suspended for 1 year, 3 years or indefinitely.
If your licence is suspended, you must surrender it to ICBC until your suspension ends. Traffic violations are counted as penalty points on your driving record.
IBC and Best Practices for Graduated Licensing in Canada
IBC has a history of advocating for improved road safety across the country. In 2005, with IBC’s support, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), an independent charitable road safety institute, created a report about best practices for graduated licensing in Canada.
IBC circulated a draft of this report to all relevant contacts in driver licensing agencies, or their equivalent, in all jurisdictions across Canada.