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Single licence concept

Application

This standard, which permits a driver to hold only one licence, has been implemented to ensure that driving violations are assigned to a single licence and that no opportunity exists to use multiple licences to avoid prosecution and suspension.

Procedure

Upon application, a driver must surrender any out-of-jurisdiction licences to the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles. The licence(s) will then be returned to the issuing province or state, and the driver’s record will be updated accordingly. A record exchange system will permit the Superintendent to determine the licensing status of the applicant.

Law

Motor Vehicle Act, Section 25(4)

Classified licence system

The table below outlines the vehicles which may be driven by a holder in each class. Vehicles equipped with air brakes may be operated only if specifically permitted by the licence.

LICENCEPERMITS THE OPERATION OFMINIMUM AGE
*Under British Columbia’s graduated licensing program (GLP), all new drivers must first obtain a Class 7 and/or 8 driver’s license. GLP drivers must observe zero blood alcohol content and display a novice driver sign. After holding the license for a minimum of 18 months, a driver may exit GLP by qualifying on a Level 2 road test; they are then issued a Class 5 and/or 6 driver’s license.
Class 1
  • Any motor vehicles or vehicle combinations but not the operation of motorcycles, other than limited speed motorcycles or all terrain cycles
19
Class 2
  • Motor vehicles or vehicle combinations for which a Class 4 licence is required
  • Buses, school buses, special activity buses or special vehicles
  • Vehicle combinations (without air brakes) where the towed vehicles exceed 4,600 kg
19
Class 3
  • Motor vehicles or vehicle combinations for which a Class 5 licence is required
  • Motor vehicles with 3 or more axles, other than a bus when used for its purpose as intended by design
  • Tow cars (towing recovered vehicles)
  • Mobile truck cranes
  • Vehicle combinations where the towed vehicles do not exceed 4,600 kg
  • Vehicle combinations (without air brakes) where the towed vehicles exceed 4,600 kg
18
Class 4
  • Vehicles or vehicle combinations for which a Class 5 licence is required
  • Ambulances
  • Taxis
  • School buses, special activity buses, special vehicles or buses (with a seating capacity of not more than 25 persons including the driver)
19
Class 5/7*
  • 2 axle motor vehicle other than a motorcycle (does not include buses, school buses, special activity buses, special vehicles, taxis or ambulances when used for their purpose as intended by design)
  • A 2-axle motor vehicle or 2-axle tow car with towed vehicles if the towed vehicles in that combination do not exceed 4 600 kg
  • A motor home or motor home with towed vehicles if the towed vehicles in that combination do not exceed 4,600 kg
  • A school bus that is a passenger vehicle, and has a seating capacity of not more than 10 passengers including the driver
  • Limited speed motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, all terrain cycles, or utility vehicles
  • Construction vehicles
16
Class 6/8*
  • Motorcycles
  • All terrain vehicles or cycles
16

Air Brake Endorsement

The operation of a vehicle equipped with air brakes, other than a construction vehicle, is not permitted in any class listed above unless specifically permitted in the licence.

Drivers wishing to obtain an on-highway air brake endorsement must complete an Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)-approved air brake training course and pass an air brake knowledge test and pre-trip inspection test. After taking the required course and passing both tests, drivers must apply to ICBC to obtain the air brake endorsement on their licence. Drivers are allowed one year from completion of the air brake training course to add the endorsement to their licence. If the endorsement is not added to the licence within one year, the driver is required to re-take the air brake training course.

Drivers with sufficient experience may be exempt from the requirement to take an air brake training course, but they are encouraged to take the course for a review of the requirements. Even though experienced drivers may be exempt from the training course, they must still take and pass the air brake knowledge and pre-trip inspection tests.

British Columbia also issues an off-highway (industrial) air brake licence endorsement. More information is available at www.icbc.com/licensing/lic_getlic_air_brakes_industrial.asp.

Class 5 drivers operating into the United States

According to British Columbia’s Commercial Vehicle Safety & Enforcement Notice # 01/15 (October 22, 2015), drivers holding Class 5 licenses and operating commercial motor vehicles defined in 49 CFR Section 309.5 into the United States must meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical standards. The notice suggests two options for these drivers:

  • Upgrade the Class 5 license to a commercial-class license in British Columbia (Class 1 - 4); or
  • Keep the Class 5 license and obtain a medical examination from a licensed medical examiner in the United States and carry proof of the examination while operating into the United States (the medical card).

The notice also identifies endorsements 18, 19, and 20 as acceptable by FMCSA; however, notes that U.S. enforcement may not be aware that these endorsements carry medical certification and advises one of the two options listed above.

View the entire notice at http://tinyurl.com/BCclass5.

Knowledge & performance tests

Application

An applicant must pass the proficiency examinations for the licence class for which he has applied. Knowledge tests, which may be written or oral, test the applicant’s understanding of the basic traffic laws and road signs. Performance or road tests are used to evaluate the applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of his motor vehicle on the highway.

Law

Motor Vehicle Act, Section 25(3)

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['Driver licence classifications']
['Driver licence classifications', 'Licence endorsements and restrictions']
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