BC issues eight driving licence classes. Most students start at Class 7 — but knowing how all classes connect helps you understand exactly where you are in the licensing journey and where you can go next.
| Class | Vehicles Authorised | Knowledge Test | Road Test | Air Brakes | Minimum Age | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Any vehicle — full combination (semi-truck + trailer), buses, motorcycles, all lower classes | Class 1 + Air Brake written | Class 1 road test | Required (Code 15) | 19 years | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| 2 | Any bus or school bus — unlimited passengers | Class 2 + Air Brake written | Class 2 passenger test | Required | 19 years | 3, 4, 5 |
| 3 | Single motor trucks >11,794 kg GVW with air brakes; tractor units without trailers | Class 3 + Air Brake written | Class 3 heavy vehicle test | Required (Code 15) | 18 years | 4, 5 |
| 4 | Taxis, ambulances, limousines, small buses up to 25 passengers | Class 4 written | Class 4 road test | Not required | 19 years | 5 |
| 5 | Passenger vehicles, light trucks, vans, SUVs under 11,794 kg GVW | Hold Class 7N 24+ months OR Class 5 knowledge test | Class 5 Advanced Road Test | Not required | 18 years | — |
| 7L | Class 5 vehicles only — Learner stage, must have supervising driver 25+ in front seat | ICBC Class 7 Knowledge Test (50 questions, need 40 correct — 80%) | None required | Not required | 16 years | — |
| 7N | Class 5 vehicles only — Novice stage, graduated restrictions apply | Via 7L progression + Basic Road Test | Class 7 Basic Road Test | Not required | 17+ (12 mo L) | — |
| Code 15 | Endorsement only — not a licence class. Mandatory for any air-braked vehicle. | Air Brake written test | Air Brake practical (Code 15 ticket) | Is the endorsement | Varies | — |
A BC Class 1 licence authorises operation of any motor vehicle on BC roads — including fully loaded semi-trucks with trailers (Class A combinations), passenger buses, and every lower vehicle class. It is the most comprehensive driving authorisation issued by ICBC.
Both Ravi and Sunny hold the Class 1 licence and Code 15 endorsement — with combined road experience of 28+ years across BC.
Required to operate any bus — transit buses, school buses, motor coaches, and charter buses with unlimited passengers. Also authorises Class 3, 4, and 5 vehicles. Most BC transit and school bus drivers hold Class 2.
Required for single-unit motor trucks over 11,794 kg GVW equipped with air brakes, tractor units without trailers, and large straight trucks. Includes tanker trucks, heavy delivery vehicles, and large construction equipment movers. Also authorises Class 4 and 5 vehicles.
Required for operating for-hire vehicles carrying passengers for compensation — including taxis, ride-share vehicles (Uber, Lyft drivers operating for hire), ambulances, limousines, and small buses with up to 25 passengers. Sub-classes: 4A (ambulance), 4R (restricted).
The standard full BC driving licence — authorises operation of passenger vehicles, light trucks, vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs under 11,794 kg GVW without air brakes. You must hold a Class 5 licence before applying for any Class 1–4 upgrade. The GLP pathway (7L → 7N → Class 5) takes a minimum of 36 months.
The Graduated Licensing Program is BC's mandatory pathway to a full licence. There are no shortcuts — every driver goes through all three stages. Understanding each stage's rules is the first thing we cover in Module 1.
Added to your driver's licence record. Required before operating any air-braked vehicle regardless of your licence class.
Full Code 15 endorsement is a mandatory add-on to your existing BC driver's licence. It is not a separate licence class — rather, it is a notation on your record that confirms you have demonstrated competency in air brake theory and operation. Without the Code 15 endorsement, holding a Class 1, 2, or 3 licence does not legally permit you to operate any air-braked vehicle.
Whether you're beginning at Class 7L or advancing toward Class 1 — Drive Force Academy has the preparation you need. Our ICBC Knowledge Test Prep Course covers every topic on the ICBC Class 7 Knowledge Test.
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