The Graduated Licensing Program and the Vancouver Island Safety Council

Already Licensed?

The Graduated License Program (GLP) is for "NEW DRIVERS". That means if you already hold a Class 5 drivers license you are NOT a "NEW DRIVER" and therefore are not affected by the GLP. All you need before taking our course is to get a motorcycle learners license, (6L) which is a written exam taken at ICBC. Then you can take our course and if successfully pass the testing, receive the paperwork that will get Class 6 added to your license.

Not a Licensed Driver?

If you do not hold a Class 1 through 5 license then you are a "NEW DRIVER" and the GLP affects you. Here are the steps you must take:

1. Get a learners permit

You must be at least 16 years old. Go to an ICBC Licensing Office and take the written exam. When you pass, ICBC will issue you a class 8L license. You must wait 30 days from date of issue before doing the novice test.

2. The "Learner" stage, Level 1

With your Class 8L license, several conditions apply. They are as follows:

• zero blood alcohol tolerance (a good goal throughout your riding career!)
• display the "L" (learner sign)
• ride with supervision of an adult holding a class 6 license
• no passengers
• may drive only during daylight hours
• must drive under 60 kph
• restricted from driving on freeways

The Learner stage lasts 6 months. If you take, and pass the course, this stage is reduced to 3 months.

3. The Road Test, Level 1

When you complete the novice portion of the motorcycle course and pass the exam, you obtain your Class 8 novice license and enter the "Intermediate" stage.

4. The "Intermediate" stage, Level 2

With your Class 8 License several conditions apply:

• zero blood alcohol tolerance (we emphatically and enthusiastically endorse this, and encourage this standard throughout your riding career!)
• display the N ("Novice") sign

The Intermediate Stage lasts at least 18 months.

5. The Road Test, Level 2

If you are taking the Vancouver Island Safety Council's traffic portion of the course, we recommend you take the traffic portion of the course and take the road test at the end of your Intermediate stage.

Once you pass the traffic exam, you receive paperwork authorizing you upgrade to Class 6. This authorization is only valid if you have completed the time requirement of the Intermediate stage (the authorization is only valid for 30 days after the date of issue). If you require more than 30 days to complete the time requirement of the Intermediate stage, you will have to redo this portion of the course or do the Level 2 road test at an ICBC licensing office.